Bld Construction Questions Flashcards
What is the max allowable area of glass in fire doors with 1, 1.5, and 3 hour ratings?
100 square inches
a three dimensional truss structure is called a _____
space frame
What is the primary cause of spalling?
The expansion of excess moisture within the concrete when it is either heated or when it freezes.
The strength of wood varies significantly with __, __, and __.
Species, grade, and direction of load with respect to grain
How long does the firing process for bricks take?
40 to 150 hours
Slab and beam concrete framing is __ and is best suited for buildings with __
Extremely light weight; light floor loads
Is a parapet wall only for appearance?
No, it can also be required by building code to provide a barrier to the communication of fire between closely spaced buildings
Allowable compressive strength parallel to the grain varies from __ to __ for commercially available grades and species of framing lumber.
325 to 1700 psi; Compressive strength
What is the slope of a low sloped roof?
Less than 3 to 12 pitch
With Lightweight trusses that are gang nailed the individual members would be wooden __ or __ and individual trusses would be spaced __ to __ feet apart
2x4s or 2x6s and 2 to 4 feet apart
Because roofs are designed for lighter live loads than floors are, it is not unusual for modern flat roofs to __ as personnel walk across them.
Deflect or vibrate noticeably
Is new concrete or old concrete subject to more severe spalling?
New concrete
Why is wood not used for lintels in modern construction?
Shrinkage problems
What is the most common size of asphalt shingle?
12x36 inches
How would a small wood building with no interior finish material be classified under the building codes?
Type V-B
What are the 12 major occupancy classifications used by NFPA 5000 and NFPA 101.
Assembly, Educational, Day care, Health care, Ambulatory health care, detention and correctional, residential, residential board and care, mercantile, business, industrial, storage
When bricks are placed end-to-end they create a __
Stretcher course
Natural and developed terrain features that may complicate access by emergency responders include___(6)
Steep slopes, rivers, landscaping, narrow roadways, setbacks, and security barriers
What interval might nailing strips be placed in cast in place roof decking?
Intervals of 3 feet
Doors with a ___ rating may not be subjected to the hose test depending on their intended application.
1/3 hour
What is the main difference between the designations of enclosure wall and partition walls?
Their function; their construction is very similar, but enclosure walls block the vertical spread, and partitions block horizontal.
What is the simplest pitched roof?
The shed roof that only slopes in one direction
Advantages of intumescent and mastic coatings?
Lighter weight, durable surfaces, good adhesion, and most aesthetically pleasing
For glazed windows in fire doors, ___ requires that each piece of glass installed in a fire door has a listing mark that is visible after installation.
NFPA 80, Standard for fire doors and fire windows
Bridge cables can have strengths as high as __
300,000 psi
What are some advantages of using precast concrete? (3 things)
Higher degree of quality control, Work can proceed more quickly at the job site, and they can be produced using a polystyrene core
Lamellas vary from __ to __ and in lengths varying from __ to __ feet
2x8 to 3x16 inches; 8 to 14 feet
Fire resistance describes properties of a material such as _________
Combustibility, thermal conductivity, chemical composition, density, and dimensions
What are the 3 types of joints for glulam beams?
Butt, scarf, and finger joints
Dewatering operations will be necessary because water at a depth of _ inches adds a static load of __ pounds per square foot
3, 21
What is the most commonly used test for determining combustibility? (Standard)
ASTM E-136 “Standard test method for behavior of materials in a vertical tube furnace at 750 degrees C”
What is cellar decking?
When a sheet of flat steel is welded to the bottom of corrugated steel decking
Common structural steel has less than __ of one percent carbon.
three tenths of 1% — 0.3%
How long does it take the flame to travel 24 ft for the red oak floor?
5.5 minutes
What are some examples of fire retardant coatings? (4 things)
Intumescent paints, mastics, gas forming paints, and cementitious and mineral fiber coatings
Corbelling is only used where ___
The architectural style makes it attractive
Building codes usually exclude surface treatments such as paint and wall paper that are no thicker than __
1/28th an inch
Which type of gypsum board is usually required where a specified fire resistance is desired?
Type X
Gypsum has the advantage of being __
Nailable; precast concrete can also be nailable with the appropriate aggregate
For type 1 construction, a code may allow the use of fire retardant treated wood in ___
Roofs or interior partitions
When was ASCE SFPE 29 developed?
1997
Surface coating with a fire retardant mainly is used to reduce ___
The flame spread rating
when a structural support system can support a load equal to or greater than the applied loads, what exists?
Equilibrium
In contemporary practice, the most commonly used insulating materials for steel are (4 things)
gypsum, spray-applied materials, and intumescent coatings; sometimes lightweight concrete
How do most fire retardant chemicals work?
By accelerating charring
The fire resistance of a concrete assembly is affected by the following variables: (5 things)
Concrete density, concrete thickness, concrete quality, load supported, and depth of concrete over reinforcing bars
Course of bricks with the ends of the bricks facing outward.
Header course
Normal design strength of concrete is reached after ___
28 days
Is wood stronger parallel or perpendicular to the grain?
Parallel
The extent of spalling depends on __
The amount of excess moisture and the length of time that has passed since the concrete was placed
Do the vertical members of steel rigid frame buildings need to be rigidly connected to the foundation.
No, they can be, but they do not have to be. This will depend on anticipated wind loads
When did precasting concrete become more common?
After WW2
Particleboard is used for ___
Flooring in manufactured and mobile homes
Wood panel roof decking may have a thickness of __ on supports __ on center.
1/2 inch; 24 inches on center
Light gauge steel joists are produced with depths of __ to __ inches and can be spaced __ to __ apart.
6 to 12 inches spaced 16 to 48 inches apart
What are the formal identifications for the steiner tunnel test
ASTM Standard E84 and UL 723
Beams and columns in steel-frame buildings are connected by one of two methods:
Bolting or welding; Riveting was used in the early 1900s but is no longer practical
The speed at which flame will spread over the surface of a material is referred to as the ___.
Surface burning characteristics of the material
What factors are used to evaluate hazard severity in wildland urban interface?
Ground slope, clear space around, water supply, and climate
Some building codes contain a provision to omit the fire resistive rating for a roof construction for some occupancies when the roof is located more than ___ feet above the floor.
20 feet
Masonry units can be made of several materials, including the following: (7 things)
Brick, Terra cotta, Concrete block, Stone, Clay tile block, Gypsum block, Glass
With interior framing of masonry buildings, travel of fire through the floor and ceiling spaces should be anticipated just as with wood frame construction, especially where __
Truss joists are used
factors that influence fire behavior include ___(4)
Basic building classifications, occupancy classifications, fire or fuel load, fire resistance
NFPA 256
Standard method of fire tests of roof coverings; also designated ASTM E-108
Two commonly encountered applications of the basic steel truss are __
Open web joist and the joist girder
Rafters are the standard supports used in __ style roofs, although trusses can also be used for these roof types. (5 types)
shed, gable, hip, gambrel, and mansard style roofs
The ___ test is the only method currently universally accepted by building codes.
E-119 (NFPA 251)
Lamella arch roofs have been used for occupancies such as __ (3 things)
Gymnasiums, exhibition halls, and auditoriums
Firewalls can be constructed either as ___ or as ___.
Freestanding walls or as tied walls
Letter classifications for fire door openings - Class A
Opening in fire walls
How much carbon does cast iron have?
3 to 4%
The firefighter must understand that the behavior of steel under fire conditions depends on __ and __
The mass of the steel and the degree of fire resistance provided.
__ are designed to create extra living space and allow additional light into the structure.
Dormers
Flame spread rating for veneered woods
515 (approx)
building construction and occupancy classifiactions are used together in building codes to establish___________
limitations on the permissable heights and open areas of the buildings
What is the most common size of concrete block?
8x8x16
Can louvers be installed in any fire door?
No, only doors that are listed for the installation of louvers
What are the three general categories of membrane roofs?
Built up roof membranes, single-ply membranes, and fluid-applied membranes
LVL is made from __
The outer portions of the log
An intumescent material will expand __ to __ times its original volume
15 to 30 times
The use of a membrane ceiling (drop ceiling) can provide a floor and ceiling assembly or a ceiling and roof assembly with af fire rating of __ to __ hours
1 to 3 hours
How do fire doors differ from oridinary doors?
Construction, Hardware, and automatic closures
What are the six test procedures in the NFPA 256 test?
Intermittent flame exposure test, burning brand test, flying brand test, rain test, weathering test, and spread of flame test
What is the application thickness of intumescent materials?
0.03 to 0.4 inches
Floor construction for type 1 construction is required to have fire resistance of ___
2-3 hours
With simple frame, the joints are designed primarily to support a __
Vertical force
Are concealed spaces permitted between structural members in Type 4 construction?
NO
The height of the parapet of a firewall above a combustible roof is determined by the building code and varies from ___
18 to 36 inches
What is the range of compressive strength for mortar?
75 psi to 2,500 psi
For type 3 construction, interior structural members including walls, columns, beams, floors, and roofs are permitted to be __
Partially or wholly combustible
Asbestos sidings were commonly used from the __ until the __
1930s to 1970s
sources of vibration on a structure include:
Natural, wind and seizmic, building related, ventilation system motors, or external, vehicular traffic, trains
What is a safety reason for coloring concrete?
When it is placed over buried electric cables
_____ and ______ trusses are the most common types used for pitched roofs
Fink and Pratt
Which style of roof are the easiest for firefighters to work?
Flat roofs
Underwriters Laboratories annually publishes a ___ , which lists assemblies that have been tested and their fire resistance ratings
Fire resistance directory
the pressure exerted by the soil against the foundtation is known as the ____, whereas the force of the foundation against the soil is known as the _____
active soil pressure, passive soil pressure
If the height of the wall above the opening is shorter than the height of the triangular section, it is assumed that the lintel must ___
Support the entire weight of the masonry above the opening.
What is the design function of the curtain wall?
To separate the interior environment from the exterior environment
A geodesic dome can be constructed from __ (6 things)
Wood, steel or concrete as well as plywood, bamboo, and aluminum
An intumescent material will __ when heated (3 things)
Char, foam, and expand
The outward thrust of the rafters is resisted by __ or __ that are in tension.
Ceiling or attic floor joists or collar ties
fire resistance describes several properties of a material, including____(5)
combustibility, thermal conductivity, chemical composition, density, dimensions
Codes limit the max smoke developed to ___
450
How are fire resistance ratings expressed?
In hours and fractions of hours
How many layers of roofing felt is a common design for built up membranes?
FOUR layers
What is fire resistance a function of? What are material properties related to fire resistance? (5 properties)
The properties of all materials used, including combustibility, thermal conductivity, chemical composition, density, and dimensions.
Flame spread rating for treated douglas fir plywood
15-60
Can single ply membranes accommodate for shifting in a building?
Yes because it stretches
concrete has a high ____ strength, but low ____ strength
compressive, tensile
what is the vertical shaft in which the elevator car travels, and includes the elevator pit?
Hoistway
Usually, louvers in doors are closed by means of a ___
Fusible link
The drainage layer of a roof can be __ (3 things)
The ballast layer in a single ply roofing system, a drainage fabric, or the aggregate used in a built up roofing system
The building process begins when a developer or project owner perceives _____
a need
Some structures, such as certain churches and mansions, have roofs with slopes of __ or greater. Too steep to work from a roof ladder.
18/12 or greater
The butterfly roof is a roof style that slopes in two directions – basically two shed roofs that meet at their __
Low eaves
Freestanding walls must be designed to resist a lateral load of at least ___
5 pounds per square feet
types of fire-retardent coatings availiavle include:(4)
Intumescent coatings, mastics, gas-forming paints, and cementitious and mineral fiber coatings
Flame spread rating for gypsum wallboard
10-15
NFPA 5000
Building construction and safety code
The top of the steel rigid frame is known as the __ and the point where the inclined members meet the vertical members are known as the __
Crown; knees
Particleboard can be manufactured in sizes up to ___
8 by 40 feet
What are some unique causes to wood that make it vulnerable to deterioration? (3 things)
Insects, Decay, and shrinkage
Laminated members can be produced in depths ranging from ___ to ___ and lengths up to.
3 to 75 inches, lengths up to 100 ft
Flame spread rating for mineral acoustic tile
15-25
A variety of techniques, such as __ can be used to connect precast structural elements. (3 things)
Bolting, welding, and posttensioning
Building codes generally allow an increase in the flame spread rating of interior finish materials in buildings equipped with __
An automatic sprinkler system
A property of a given column, known as its ____ is used in combination with the condition of the column end to determine the load that can be safely supported without buckling
Slenderness ratio
Firestopping can consist of various materials including ___ (5 specific things)
2 inch nominal lumber, gypsum board, cement fiber board, batts or blankets of mineral wool, glass fiber, or other approved materials
Where might impact resistant gypsum board be used?
Correctional or school facilities, made with fiber glass mesh
What are the two attributes that building classifications are based on?
materials used in construction and the fire resistance ratings required for the structural components
Beam and girder steel frames can be classified as __, __, or __.
Rigid, simple, or semi-rigid
Will fog corrode a metal roof?
YES
When a mansard roof is constructed with a flat deck on top it may be called
a modern mansard or deck roof
Fire resistance is __
The ability of a structural assembly to maintain its load bearing capacity and structural integrity under fire conditions
What are metals used to cover horizontal sliding doors? (3 things)
Steel, galvanized sheet metal, and terneplate (tin and lead composite)
Letter classifications for fire door openings - Class D
Openings in exterior walls subject to severe fire exposure from the outside of a building
Masonry units have no significant __
Tensile strength
In gabled rigid frames, the top of the rigid frame is known as the ____ and the points where the inclined members intersect the vertical members are known as the _____
crown, knees
In many applications such as residential and small commercial buildings, wood joists or beams simply rest on the masonry wall in an indentation known as a ___
Beam pocket; a metal strap may be provided to function as a horizontal tie between the masonry and the end of the beam.
How are the fire ratings of roof coverings classified?
Class A (severe fire exposure), Class B (moderate), Class C (light)
Joint systems for floor to wall and wall to wall connections are tested in accordance with ___
UL standard 2079 “Standard for Fire Tests of Joint Systems”
Firefighters should always assume a masonry wall will fall out a distance at least equal to
1.5 times the height
Do wood shingles have the be nailed to a solid deck?
No, they can be nailed to an open deck with wood strips which may cause early failure in a fire
Corrugated steel used in roof decking ranges from __, the thinnest to __ , the thickest.
29 gauge to 12 gauge; the overall depth varies from 3/4 to 2 inches
How large can the individual particles in particleboard be?
1 inch
Are prestressed or ordinary reinforced concrete systems more vulnerable to failure?
Prestressed
ASCE/SFPE 29 standard is limited to use with what materials? (5 things)
Structural steel, plain and reinforced concrete, timber and wood, concrete masonry, and clay masonry
Tilt up walls can be __
Several stories high
When can the IRC - residential code govern over the IBC?
One and two family dwellings not more than 3 stories
What are the flame specs for the steiner tunnel test?
5000 BTU flame
What is the effect called where concrete will absorb heat from a fire and then slowly release it after the fire is extinguished?
Heat sink effect
building codes require a minimum of one ________ for stairs serving buildings five stories or higher.
smokeproof stair enclosure
The flanges of an I-beam can be made of __ or __.
Laminated veneer lumber or solid wood lumber
What is a designation for high strength steel?
A242
NFPA 220
Standard on types of building construction
Low density fiber materials for spray applied materials are not suitable for __
Exterior use; Use materials that have densities greater than 20 lb/cu ft
At what temperature does pyrolysis begin?
Somewhere below approx. 392 degree F
How are light gauge steel joists produced?
From Cold rolled steel
Heat Release Rate definition
Total amount of heat produced or released per unit time. the heat release rate is typically measured in kilowatts or megawatts of output
When a structural specimen is tested, the test is continued until ___ or ___
The specimen fails or the specified time for which the specimen being tested is reached
When was light frame construction introduced to the united states?
in the 1830s
unique stresses are caused by external load alignments including _____(3)
axial, eccentric, and torsional loads
The __ style roof has a break in the slope of the roof on all four sides. It forms a projection beyond the building wall that creates a concealed space through which a fire can travel
Mansard roof
Tied fire walls are erected at a ___
Column line in a building of steel frame or concrete frame construction
LVL finds application in ___.
I-Joists and beam sections 1 3/4 to 3 1/2 inches thick
Balloon framing has not been widely used since __
the 1920s
The hip roof slopes in __ directions and has a degree of slope similar to the gable roof
Four directions
Dimensional lumber is available in lengths from __ to __ feet
8 to 24 feet
Do some building codes provide exceptions for the parapet portion of a firewall?
YES
Which type of roof usually has a more complex roof covering, flat or pitched?
Flat, because they drain more slowly
The minimum dimensions for floor joist construction in Type 4 would be __
nominal 6 x 10
In contemporary practice, when a building is to be more than __ or __ stories tall, the use of a steel or concrete structural frame is usually more economical than erecting a nonreinforced masonry bearing wall
Three or four stories
Masonry walls usually collapse as a result of ___
The collapse of the interior wood framing
ll stair types have basic components in common, the step has ___ and the ____, commonly referred to as the run and rise.
tread and riser
Another term for rated assembly is ___
Labeled assembly and fire rated
Doors rated at ___ are normally required for 2 hour rated vertical enclosures
1.5 hours
What are the two methods to perform quality control of concrete?
The slump test or the compression test
If bricks are placed vertically on end, a __ is created
Soldier course
What type of connection is designed to resist the bending forces resulting from the supported loads and lateral forces?
Rigid frame connections
The standard test fire assumes an ___ and ___ to produce increasing temperatures.
Endless fuel supply and adequate ventilation
Slab and beam framing is sometimes referred to as __
Concrete joist construction
A technique known as _____ may be used to shorten the construction time by overlapping the design and construction phases
fast-track construction
By using reinforced masonry, it is possible to construct load-bearing masonry walls to a height of __ having a wall thickness of only __
10 stories or more; 12 inches
The exterior veneers of plywood have their grain oriented in the __ of the sheet.
Long dimension
Why are firewalls not popular with designers?
They increase structural costs, may interfere with the free movement of ocupants or material, they are achitecturally unattractive in occupancies where an expansive interior is desired
A ___ may be used with masonry construction to provide additional support where beams exert additional force.
Pilaster
A door hold-open device can be used with __, __, or __ fire doors
swinging, sliding, or rolling
Wood rafters vary in size from __ to __ and can be spaced from __ to __ inches apart.
2x4 to 2x14 inches and 12 to 24 inches apart
Metal roof coverings make use of several materials including __ (6 things)
galvanized or painted sheet metal, copper, zinc, aluminum, and lead
The point at which unprotected members in type 2 construction fail depends on the following factors: (3 things)
- Ceiling height of the building,
- Size of the unprotected steel members,
- Intensity and duration of the exposing fire
What are the two broad categories for the roof coverings on pitched roofs?
Shingle and metal roof coverings
What are the primary points of failure for fire resistance testing? (4 things)
- Failure to support an applied load
- Temperature increase on the unexposed side of wall, floor, and roof assemblies of 250 degree F above the ambient temperature
- Passage of heat of flame through the assembly sufficient to ignite cotton waste
- Excess temperature on steel members
The speedwith which unprotected steel fails when it is exposed to a fire depends on several factors, including the following: (5 things)
- Mass of the steel members
- Intensity of the exposing fire
- Load supported by the steel
- Type of connections used to join the steel members
- Type of steel
THe most widely used model building code in the us is the _______ published by _____.
international building code(ibc), international code council(icc)
The wear course may also consist of __ when the roof is used for pedestrian traffic
Deck pavers
Nonveneered panel products include __, __, and __.
OSB, particleboard, and waferboard
If an unrestrained steel beam 20 feet long were heated from 70 to 1000 degree F, it would expand __
1.4 inches
IBC building classification H?
High hazard
Are particle board panals single layer or multiple layer?
Can be both
The foam plastic in SIP panels is usually __
Expanded polystyrene
A flat roof usually consists of several component layers such as __ (6 things)
A vapor barrier, thermal insulation, roofing membrane, drainage layer, and wear course, roof decking
What increases the strength and toughness of steel?
Vanandium
For safety purposes, building codes require __ or __ in skylights
wired or tempered glass; they can also be plastic domes
What does portland cement consist chiefly of?
Calcium and aluminum silicates
Brownstone is a form of __
Sandstone
What designation is type 4 construction?
2 H H
What is the structural fire resistance requirement for II-A construction?
One hour; type II-B is unprotected with no rating
What are the most common types of SFRMs?
Mineral fiber or expanded aggregate such as vermiculite and perlite
What five material properties is fire resistance a function of?
Combustibility, Thermal conductivity, chemical composition, density, and dimensions
Actual size of a 4x4
3.5x3 9/16
What must the fire resistance be between a daycare and a restaurant in the same building?
2 hours
The usual requirement is for an attic space to be divided into area of ___.
3000 square feet
A geodesic dome is created using __
Spherical triangulation
Classifying buildings according to occupancy facilitates the ___
Administration of a code
Skylights are sometimes provided with __ to facilitate normal building ventilation
operable glass panes
The difference between wood shingles and shakes is in their __
method of production
What are frequently supported by pilasters?
vertical beams in a masonry wall
Roofing slate weighs approx __
8 to 36 lbs/sq ft
What is defined as the total amount of thermal energy that could be released if the fuel were completely burned.
Heat of combustion
Does the E-119 test evaluate flame spread?
NO
The floors in light wood framing are supported by __, __, or __.
Solid joists, truss joists, or wood I-joists
Allowable tensile strength of wood is about __
700 psi tensile strength
With precast concrete, solid slabs are used for short spans up to approx. __ while the tee slabs can be used for spans up to __.
30 feet; 120 feet
The layer of earth required for a rooftop garden can vary from __
a few inches to 1 or 2 feet
Are the conditions for passing a furnace test for door assemblies as rigid as fire rated walls?
NO
The required fire resistance of curtain walls depends on the ___
Separation distance between buildings and the building occupancy
In general, columns used for structural support in buildings should not have a slenderness ratio greater than __
120
Parallel strand lumber is made from the outermost veneers peeled from a log that are not as uniform as those used in LVL. These veneers range from __ to __ feet in length and produce odd-shaped strands that are coated with an adhesive and cured under pressure.
2 to 8 feet
Single vertical row of multiple rows of masonry units in a wall, usually brick.
Wythe
Roofing slate can be split as thin as __ although it may be as thick as __
1/16 inches; 1-1/2 inches
The type of roof covering used depends on the __ (4 things)
Form of the roof structure, the slope of the roof, the local climate, and the appearance desired
Wood planks for roofs will have a minimum __ nominal thickness.
1 inch
Steel beams and trusses supported by a masonry wall are examples of __
Simply supported systems
Curing fresh concrete requires correct __ and __
Hydration and temperature control
Today, heavy timber wood frame construction is encountered primarily where it is desired for ___
Appearance
Wood I-beams are frequently used for __
Floor joists; also used for rafters in the framing of roofs.
Who publishes the international wildland urban interface code?
ICC(international code council)
What is the hardness of brick dependent on?
The soil used in its composition
How are single ply membranes attached to the roof? (3 ways)
By adhesives, gravel ballast, or mechanical fasteners
Actual size of a 2x6
1.5x5 5/8
What is the primary criterion for door assembly acceptance?
The door must remain in place
Bricks are produced from a variety of locally available ___
Clays and shales
How are pitched roofs classified?
Low slope and medium to high slope roofs
What is the flame spread rating of thermoplastic composite lumber?
80
Does the presence of tie rods mean that a building has undergone repair?
Not necessarily, the tie rods may have been part of the original construction
Balloon framing has the advantage of ___
Minimizing the effects of lumber shrinkage that can occur over time as the lumber dries and loses its moisture content
Roofing slate can have a life expectancy of __
150 years
What can the vapor barrier be made of? (4 things)
plastic, aluminum foil, kraft paper laminated with asphalt, asphalt saturated roofing felt
Support of the masonry over an opening is accomplished by the use of a __, __, or __.
Lintel, an arch, or corbelling
factors that influence a building’s condition at any given time include_____(4)
older codes, materials, construction methods, maintenance over time
Cold rolled steel is used for members that have a __
Thin cross section, such as floor and roof decking and wall studs.
What is the primary difference in an inverted roof from a flat roof?
The location of their main roof beams
What are frequently used at the connection points for heavy timber trusses?
Steel gusset plates with through bolts
Some single family homes can be as close as __ apart
18 inches
Is structural lightweight concrete or ordinary concrete a better insulator?
Structural lightweight because it has a lower thermal conductivity; however it is not used for load bearing members
With slab and beam concrete framing, the slab can be as thin as __
2 inches
A door operator is intended for use with __
sliding fire doors
Ignition temperature of wood is affected by the following variables: (6 things)
Density of the wood, size and form of the wood, moisture content, rate of heating, nature of the heating source, and air supply
The IBC permits combustible structural members to be framed into a masonry or concrete fire wall from opposite sides provided there is a ___ separation between the ends of the structural members.
4 inch
An admixture known as a __ can be used to produce a mixture that flows more freely.
Superplasticizer
Tilt up walls can support several types of roof including __ (4 things)
Timber beams, precast slabs, steel beams, and steel trusses
An arch can be constructed from __ (3 things)
Masonry, laminated wood, or steel
Steel arches can be constructed to span distances in excess of __
300 ft
Asphalt shingles are __
Fundamentally combustible
High strength steels, like those used in prestressed concrete, have lower yield point temperatures than can be around __
752 degrees F
What are the three methods steel members can support floors in multistory buildings?
Open web joists or trusses, steel beams, and light gauge steel joists
What measures the visual obscurity for the smoke developed rating in a steiner tunnel test?
A photoelectric cell and a light source at the end of the tunnel furnace
Non-reinforced masonry walls are usually limited to a maximum height of around __
Six stories
Platform framing is also called ___
Western frame construction
Can the NFPA 286 test handle materials that may not remain in place?
Yes
These shingles produce a rustic appearance and may be more resistant to wind damage than asphalt shingles.
Wood roof shingles and shakes
What can the ultimate compressive strength of concrete vary from?
2,500 to 6,000 psi
The basic properties of steel are as follows: (4 things)
- Strongest of the building materials,
- Non-rotting, resistant to aging, and dimensionally stable,
- Consistent quality due to controlled industrial process used in its manufacture,
- Relatively expensive, but strength and qualities enable it to be used in smaller quantities than other materials.
How can master streams weaken mortar?
Either from the pressure of the stream or from the flushing effect of water
ASTM Standard for testing fire doors.
ASTM E-152, same as NFPA 252
What is a corbel?
Also known as a bracket, is a ledge that projects from the column and supports the beam
Lintels are frequently __ but also can be __ or __.
Steel beams; reinforced concrete or reinforced masonry
measures indicated in building codes to protect stair enclosures includes_______(4)
limited penetrations in the enclosure for light, fire protection, and environmental control, required self or automatic closing fire rated doors, separation from the rest of the building, stairway vestibules
Gypsum consists of approx. __ percent entrapped water.
20%
It is very important that supports and hangers be installed __ application of SFRMs
Before
Nfpa identifies 12 major occupancy classifications, they are ____-
Assembly, educational, day care, health care, ambulatory health care, detention and correctional, residential, residential board and care, mercantile, business, industrial, storage
____ subdivide a building into smaller areas to limit the maximum spread of fire
fire walls
Curtain walls are often constructed using a combination of __, __ or __
Glass and steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. They may also be constructed of lightweight concrete, plastic, fiberglass, and a variety of metal panels with core materials such as expanded paper honeycombs and compressed glass fiber
Wood shingles and shakes in north america are made from __, __ or __.
red cedar, white cedar, or redwood because they resist decay
fire spread is often expressed in terms of _____ through two methods, ____ and ____
heat transfer, convection, thermal radiation
What are the most common types of stone used in construction? (5 types)
Granite, limestone, sandstone, slate, and marble
The fire load is the ___
Product of the weight of the combustibles multiplied by their heat of combustion
What are load bearing masonry walls constructed of? (3 options)
Brick, concrete block, or a combination of the two
In type 3 construction it would not be uncommon to use __ joists for floor construction
nominal 2 x 10
What are the standard intervals for fire resistance ratings?
15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 1 hour, 1.5 hour, 2 ,3, 4 hour
Wood shingles are installed in an overlapping method so that only about __ of the length of shingle is actually exposed to the weather.
One-third
Before a ________ is issued, the proposed design must meet the applicable building code’s provisions.
building permit
Generally in type 1 construction, bearing walls, columns, and beams are required to have a fire resistance of ___ hours.
2-4 hours
Loss of equilibrium can lead to _____
partial or total collaps
NFPA 251
Standard Method of tests of fire endurance of building construction materials. Also designated as ASTM E-119
What is the fire resistance rating of enclosure walls?
1-2 hours, depending on the height of the building
___ can prove troublesome for firefighters because they can provide a means of vertical communication of fire from ___
Light shafts; window to window
Letter classifications for fire door openings - Class B
Openings in vertical shafts and openings in 2-hour rated partitions
For the NFPA 256 test, the individual test procedures may be repeated from __ to __ times on different samples depending on the material tested
2 to 15 times
What is the approx. yield point for A36 structural steel?
36,000 psi
Is it more dangerous to cut reinforcing steel in pretensioned or post tensioned concrete?
Post because the steel is not bonded to the concrete
The windows of sawtooth roofs should ideally face __ because the light is more constant and the glare of the sun can be avoided
North
What are the most common style trusses used for pitched roofs? (steel and wood)
The Fink and Pratt style
Monitor roofs were once very commonly used on __
Factory buildings
When and where were the earliest fire tests in the US conducted?
Denver 1890 and New York 1896
A kiln used to fire bricks will have temperatures up to ___
2400 degrees F
Building codes typically allow elimination of fire walls when a building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system if it meets criteria for __, __, and __.
Occupancy, height, water flow during fire conditions, and other code requirements
What is the most commonly used method of determining fire resistance?
Laboratory testing
_______ bearings placed in a layer between the building and the foundation can reduce shear forces from earthquakes
elastomeric
What temperature are ingots brought to when rolling steel into shapes?
2200 degrees F
Where might a mixed construction situation be found?
Where a different type of structure is built into an existing one
The speed of flame spread is influenced by: (4 things)
The composition, orientation, and thickness of the material, ventilation, the shape of the space in which the material is installed, and whether the finish material is applied to the ceiling or wall
Which NFPA is a large scale test developed for evaluating the fire performance of textile wall coverings?
NFPA 265 Standard methods of fire tests for evaluating room fire growth contribution of textile coverings on full height panels and walls
What is the IBC NFPA 286 acceptance criteria? (how do you pass the room corner test?) (5 things)
- Noting whether or not the flames spread to the ceiling of the test chamber
- The flame cannot spread to the outer extremity of the sample
- Flashover cannot occur
- The peak rate of heat release cannot exceed 800 kW
- A maximum amount of smoke released
The hardware used on wood swinging fire doors is referred to as either ___ or ___
Builders hardware or fire door hardware. Fire door hardware is normally shipped with the door where builders hardware can be shipped separate.
In NFPA 220 each classification is designated by a ___ number code.
Three digit
What two standard materials are steiner tunnel test results used as comparison?
Asbestos cement board (0) and red oak flooring (100)
The forces that are initially applied in the prestressing process are ___ than the forces theoretically needed to support the concrete and the applied loads.
Slightly higher
How long do built up roofs usually last?
20 years
What are the two main methods of fire retardant treatment?
Pressure impregnation and surface coating
Name 4 locations where fire stopping is required per building codes.
- Within stud walls at the ceiling and floor levels,
- At the connection point between vertical stud wall spaces and horizontal spaces
- Between stair stringers,
- Behind fascia and other achitectural features
What are typical sizes of single ply membrane material?
Sheets 10 or 20 feet wide and up to 200 feet long with thin thickness of 0.03 to 0.10 inches.
What are the three styles that roofs can be classified into?
Flat, pitched and curved
Letter classifications for fire door openings - Class C
Openings between rooms and corridors having a fire resistance of 1 hour or less
What are reasons for fire door failure? (3 things)
Damage to the door closure, the door itself, or door guides
Flame spread rating for walnut-faced plywood
171-260
Type 4 construction was used extensively in ___ in the __ and __ centuries.
Factories, mills, and warehouses; 19th and early 20th centuries
Steel rigid frames usually are used for spans from __ to __ feet.
40 to 200 feet; for steel rigid frame buildings
Actual size of a 6x6
5.5x5 5/8
Roof deck fire resistance for type 1 construction
1-2 hours
The applied fireproofing can vary from __ to __ inches to produce a fire-resistive rating of 1 to 4 hours
7/8 to 1-7/8 inches
Steel arches can be designed as either __ or __.
Girder arches or trussed arches
A very common application of precast concrete is in the construction of __
Parking garages
Curved clay tiles are known as __
mission tiles
In the standard fire test, the furnace temperature is regulated to conform to a ___
uniform time-temperature curve
Hardening of concrete involves a chemical process known as __
Hydration
If the architect desires to leave the underside of the roof exposed without joists, a ___ must be used to support the rafters.
Structural ridge beam
Fire doors can be found in industrial buildings dating back to the ___
End of the 19th century
Medium to high slope roofs have slopes of __ to __.
4/12 to 12/12
What are the three products that fall under the structural composite lumber category?
Laminated veneer lumber, parallel strand lumber, and laminated strand lumber
The __ roof slopes in two directions, but there is a break in the slope. They are functional because the space created can be used for attic or living space.
Gambrel
The style of a pitched roof is determined by __ (3 things)
Climate, function, and aesthetic considerations
When lightweight concrete is used for floors in steel frame buildings, what is the minimum thickness of the concrete?
2 inches
In addition to classifying building by construction type, building codes classify buildings by their ___
Occupancy
Shakes are split from the wood either by hand or by machine and are __
thicker than shingles; shingles are sawn from pieces of a tree trunk
common support systems for beans include____(5)
Simply supported, restrained beams, cantilever beams, overhanging beams, continuous beams
When and where were the earliest known building material tests conducted?
1884-86 in Germany
Unprotected steel has ___
No fire resistance
Steels for special application, such as those used in bridge strands, have strengths as high as ___ but have very little ductility.
300,000 psi
What is included on the label for fire doors? (3 things)
Door type, hourly rating, and the identifying label of the testing laboratory
SFRMs
Spray applied fire resistive materials
elevators can be classified according to their use____(3)
passenger elevators carry people, freight elevators carry resources that my be bulky or heavy, service elevators are passenger elevators designed to also carry freight
Most structural lumber has a moisture content of ___
19 percent or less
four common styles of elevators are____
drum elevators, intended for passenger use, traction elevators, intended for passenger use, machine room-less elevators, intended for passenger use, and dumbwaiters, intended for cargo use
The connection of a beam to a column not only transfers loads between members but also __
Determines the rigidity of the basic structure
Reinforcing steel in concrete should generally not be cut unless __
It is necessary to rescue trapped victims
Most mortar is produced from a mixture of ___ (4 things)
portland cement, hydrated lime, sand, and water
Of the 3 types of glue joints, which one cannot be used to transmit tensile forces?
Butt joint
A common type of sliding door is a __
metal covered wood core door
What are some materials used for fluid applied roof membranes? (4 things)
Neoprene, silicone, polyurethane, and butyl rubber
NFPA 286
Another room corner test. “Fire tests for evaluating contribution of wall and ceiling interior finish to room fire growth”
What additive is added to steel to increase strength?
Molybdenum
Type 3 construction may also be called
Exterior protected
Are intumescent coatings or SFRMs thicker?
SFRMs
A monitor roof is designed to provide __ and __
Light and ventilation; similar to an exaggerated lantern roof
Waferboard has been largely replaced by __
OSB
The openable windows of a monitor roof are known as __
Clerestories
What is the standard jointly created by ASCE and SFPE for the calculation of fire resistance for structural elements?
ASCE/SFPE 29
Ordinary construction is also known as __
Masonry, wood joisted—type 3
IBC building classification I?
Institutional
Normally, assemblies are not tested beyond ___ because this is the maximum time required by the building codes.
Four hours
Internation building code occupancy classifications are ___(10)
Assembly group A, Business Group B, Education group E, factories group f, high hazard group h, institutional group i, mercantile group m, residential group r, storage group s, utitlity and misc. group u
Fire resistance ratings for floor and ceiling assemblies are developed for both __ and __ assemblies.
Restrained and unrestrained because the end restraints affect the extent to which an assembly may expand or rotate
Name 7 types of concrete.
Ordinary stone, structural lightweight, insulating lightweight, gypsum concrete, high early strength, expansive, and water permeable
Spray applied cementitious materials have densities varying from __ to __
15 to 50 lb/cu ft
In type 1 construction, combustible materials typically are permitted for such uses as the following: (9 things)
Roof coverings, interior floor finishes, interior wall finishes and trims, doors and door frames, window sashes and frames, platforms, nailing and furring strips, light-transmitting plastics, and foam plastics subject to restrictions
Fire resistance tests are classified as either ___ or ___.
Load bearing or non-load bearing
NFPA 101
Life safety code
Horizontal layer of individual masonry units
Course
The IBC allows fire retardant treated wood in non load bearing partitions where the required fire resistance is __
Two hours or less
What is the highest rating of a fire door?
4 hours
Letter classifications for fire door openings - Class E
Openings in exterior walls subject to moderate or light exposure from the outside
columns are not primarily designed to withstand ____ stresses.
bending
In flat slab concrete frames the slab varies in thickness from __ to __ inches
6 to 12 inches
What are three dimensional space frame steel trusses also referred to as.
Delta trusses
If the heavy wood members have not been exposed to prolonged fire, it is possible to ___
Sandblast away the charring and continue their use after a fire
___ doors which are used infrequently, are especially subject to damage
Overhead fire doors
The fire resistance of a masonry wall depends on the __ and the __
Type of masonry units used and the thickness of the wall
How many layers in OSB?
3 to 5
when the _____ is reached the steel undergoes a pronounced deformation. Finally, the steel breaks at the ________
yield point stress, ultimate stress
If concrete is vibrated excessively as it is placed in the forms, __
Segregation of the aggregate results; the coarse agg goes to the bottom and the water and cement rise to the top
Are platform or balloon frame buildings easier to erect from a construction standpoint?
Platform
What kind of truss has all chords and diagonal members in the same plane?
A common truss, also known as monoplane truss
Material is generally considered trim as long as it does not exceed __ of the wall and ceiling area and is distributed throughout the space so that it does not constitute a large continuous surface.
10%
Can CRS studs be used for exterior bearing walls?
YES
stresses within a material are classified according to the _____ of the force. (3types)
direction. Tension, compression, shear
The 1/2 and 1/3 hour doors are primarily used in ___
Smoke barriers and openings to corridors
Deflection and vibration of flat roofs is an indication of __
Lightweight roof construction
What are the three methods to determine fire resistance?
- Laboratory testing
- the development of mathematical models based on data collected during nonstandard testing 3. the use of statistical data to determine probability of fire resistance based on standard test results.
ASTM Standard 1529
Standard test methods for determining effects of Large hydrocarbon pool fires on structural members and assemblies
What is a drawback to the use of masonry?
Laying individual units is labor intensive, and long term deterioration of mortar joints
When round bars are used for the diagonal members, the open web truss is known as a __
Bar joist
Open web joistsare mass produced and are available with depths of up to __ and span up to __. More frequently sized?
6 feet and 144 feet; However, more frequently found with depths less than2 feet and spans of 40 feet
An unprotected, noncombustible building ___ to provide structural stability under fire conditions.
Cannot be expected
The slenderness ratio is a number that compares the __ to the __
The unbraced length of a column to the shape and area of its cross section. The higher the number, the more likely buckling will occur.
With flat slab frames, in a building that will have heavy live loads, the area around the columns is reinforced with additional concrete in the form of __ or __
Drop panels or mushroom capitals; If there are light loads and these are not needed the system is known as flat plate
when a building encompasses multiple construction classifications, what classification should the building be considered?
should be considered to meet the Lesser construction classifications
Building codes require ___ in the attic spaces of combustible construction.
Draft stopping
Ideally a shear wall should be continuous from the foundation of the building to the __ (semi-rigid frame)
Highest story at which it is needed
Building codes permit the use of fire retardant treated wood for certain application in ___ and ___ construction
Fire resistive (type 1) and non combustible (type 2)
Curtain walls must also be designed to control __, __, and __.
Heat loss, limit noise transmission, resist environmental loads, and limit solar radiation
High density SFRMs that use magnesium oxychloride have densities ranging from __ to __
40 to 80 lb/cu ft
Which of the three Structural Composite Lumber (SCL) products is the strongest?
Parallel strand lumber (PSL); used for heavily loaded columns and long spans
Explain the three digit number code
1st digit fire rating in hours of exterior bearing walls
2nd digit fire rating of structural frames or columns and girders that support loads of more than one floor
3rd digit fire rating of floor
What direction is the typical light slope of a flat roof?
Typically from front to rear
What are the two techniques used to reinforce concrete?
Ordinary reinforcing and prestressing reinforcing (prestressing is classified for both pretensioning and posttensioning reinforcement)
Vertical reinforcing bars are known as __ and are provided to __
Stirrups; resist the diagonal tension
What are the two types of light wood framing?
Balloon framing and platform framing
Laminated strand lumber is produced by taking long strands of wood up to __ in length and bonding them with a resin in a steam pressing process.
12 inches; LSL is typically used for short-span beams and columns
In addition to the hollow block, concrete masonry units can be produced as either __ or as __
Bricks or as solid blocks
A bowstring truss assembly uses __ at all joints except the heel plates located at the ends of the truss.
Split ring connectors
Dead load for a green roof can vary from __
20 to 150 lb per square foot
Swinging fire doors are available with ratings of ___ to ___
1/3 hour to 3 hours
What is provided to prevent vertical reinforcing bars from buckling?
Lateral reinforcing around the vertical bars
The inner core of a SIP panel can be up to __ thick.
1 foot
The failure point temperature of steel will depend on __
the application of the component
The behavior of a roof supported by an arch is basically determined by the __
Material from which the arch is constructed
Does the steel in a concrete beam only resist tensile forces?
No, it can also be used to support some of the compressive forces and also resist bending forces
What makes trusses vulnerable to early failure under fire conditions?
The reduced mass and the interdependence of components
What are the two most common ways of constructing Type 1 buildings?
Using reinforced concrete or a protected steel frame
More architecturally spectacular curved roofs can be created using __ or __
Geodesic domes or Lamella arches
Where are freestanding fire walls usually found?
in buildings of Type III or V construction, although they may also be used in other types of construction including type II
Swinging fire doors with ratings up to ___ can be equipped with louvers.
1.5 hours
What increases steels resistance to abraison?
Manganese
Bar joists are frequently used in __
Closely spaced configurations for the support of floors or roof decks
Is the heat released from concrete after a fire enough to reignite combustibles?
NO, but it can make overhaul uncomfortable
On the basis of strength to unit weight, wood has a tensile strength comparable to __
steel; although this is reduced for wood due to defects
What type of nails should be used for metal roofs?
Nails that are the same metal as the metal sheeting to prevent galvanic action
Where do shear stresses develop in flat slab frames?
Where the slab intersects the supporting columns
The most common sheathings are ___ (4 things)
Plywood, OSB, particle board, or exterior gypsum sheathing
What is the sample size for a NFPA 256 test?
3 feet 4 inches by 4 feet 4 inches
Curved roofs are most frequently supported by __ and __
Arches and Bowstring trusses
Does concrete resist insects and effects of soil contact?
yes
What are the dimensions of the steiner tunnel test?
25 ft long, 17 and 1/2 inches wide, and 12 inches high
Heavy timber framing uses columns not less than __
8x8 inches
How often must a brick veneer exterior be tied to the wood frame of a wall?
Intervals of 16 inches
What is the single most important factor in determining the ultimate strength of concrete?
The water to cement ratio
What is the most common single ply membrane material?
A synthetic rubber material, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), other materials are PVC and CPE
For most brick sizes, three courses of brick plus the intervening mortar joints equals a height of __
8 inches
The short lamellas are bolted together in a diagonal pattern with a special plate known as a __
Lamella washer
Many type 5 structures are required to have a ___ rating for the structural members.
1 hour; this is typically accomplished with plaster or gypsum
For the standard time-temperature curve, a temperature of ___ is reached in 5 minutes and ___ at 30 minutes. At one hour the temperature is ___.
1000; 1550; 1700 all in degree F; 1850 at 2 hours, 2000 at 4 hours, 2300 at 8 hours
