Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Underwater Basket Weaving > Building Construction For The Fire Service > Flashcards

Building Construction For The Fire Service Flashcards

1
Q

Declaring a fire a “Structure Fire” indicates what?

A

That the buildings structure is involved and the gravity resistance system of the building is under attack.
3

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

A “Prefire Analysis” is a step beyond prefire planning, this allows fire personnel to do what?

A

To anticipate problems.
5

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

In general, what 4 types of forces can be applied to a buildings structural members?

A

Compression
Tension
Torsion
Shear
13

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Regarding Buildings, Define Dead Load ( also called Self Weight)

A

The weight of the building itself and any equipment permanently attached to it, or built in.
14

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Define Live Loads.

A

Any loads not permanently attached to the structure.

Any loads other than the dead loads.

15

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Define Impact Loads.

A

Loads delivered over a short time.
SUDDEN IMPACT
20

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Define Static Loads

A

Loads that are applied slowly and remain constant ( a heavy safe)
SLOW AND CONSTANT

21

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Define Repeated Load

A

A load that is applied intermittently (rolling bridge crane)

BOUNCING REPEATEDLY

21

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How are Axial and Eccentric loads different?

A

Axial loads transfer force through the center section. Eccentric loads do not transfer force through the center.
24

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

If a building itself is combustible, does the building add to the fire load?

A

Yes!!!
24

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

In a truss the top chord is in compression and the bottom chord is in tension. What happens to the truss when it is cantilevered?

A

The forces reverse.
Top = Tension
Bottom = Compression
33

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Is it necessary for a Column to be in a vertical orientation?

A

No.
Any structural member that is compressively loaded can be a Column.
36

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

If a brick wall has header and stretcher courses, what does this likely indicate?

A

That the wall is load - bearing.
39

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

This type of mortar was used until about 1880. It could be washed out with water.

A

Sand Lime Mortar.
46

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Steel heated to 1000°F will elongate how many inches per 100 feet?

A

9.5 inches
51

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Pylons are driven through soft ground to bedrock. This forms a solid foundation for a building. Pylons are usually made of what?

A

Large timbers or wood.
82

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are caissons usually made from?

A

Concrete.
81

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Define the sizes of each type of structural member.
Board
Dimensional Lumber
Timber

A

Board = less than or equal to 2in nominal thickness.
Dimensional Lumber = 2-4 in nominal thickness.
Timber = greater than or equal to 5in nominal thickness.
70

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Define Nominal Thickness.

A

The thickness of Lumber prior to kiln drying.
70

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

OSB is made from wood pieces that are how long?

A

3-4 inches.
70

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Concrete is composed of what 3 materials?

A

Portland Cement
Water
Aggregate
72

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Structural Steel fails at what temperature range?

A

1,000-1,100°F
73

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Cold Drawn Steel (Cables or Tendons in tensioned concrete) fails at what temperature?

A

800°F
73

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What happens to Cast Iron that has-been heated then rapidly cooled by a hose stream?

A

It fails. Due to becoming brittle.
73

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What type of fire conditions can melt Aluminum?

A

Typical fire temperatures
74

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is the main fire Hazard with EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System) panels?

A

The outside panel falls if under fire conditions, exposing the combustible plastic insulation.
76

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is an area of a building that has fire rated smoke doors and can remain tenable for a period of time called?

A

Area of Refuge.
81

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is the major difference between Building Codes & Fire Codes?

A

Building Codes regulate the construction of a building.
Fire Codes regulate the use of a building after it is built.
87

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Define a Model Code.

A

Complete Regulatory Codes that can be adopted by cities & states as they are written.
87

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Define the 5 types of construction.

A

Type 1 = Fire resistive
Type 2 = Non-combustible
Type 3 = Ordinary
Type 4 = Heavy timber
Type 5 = Wood frame
88

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is the fire rating requirement for stairwells up to 3 stories VS 4 or more stories?

A

Up to 3 stories = 1 hour fire rating.
4 stories or more = 2 hour fire rating.
98

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in what year?

A

1990
101

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What are the 4 parts of the Fire Tetrahedron?

A

Fuel
Heat
Uninhibited chemical chain reaction
Oxidizing agent
107

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What are the 3 methods of heat transfer?

A

Conduction = within an object or between objects through direct contact.

Convection = transfer of heat through a gas or liquid

Radiation = transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves.

107

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

A fire that is not ventilation limited will pass through what 4 stages?

A

Incipient = initial stage after ignition

Free Burning = spreads to adjacent combustible material

Flash over = when exposed surfaces ignite simultaneously

Smoldering / Decay = glowing combustion takes place without combustion

108

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Define Flameover.

A

When hot, unburned gases suddenly ignite.

108

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Winds over what MPH range should become a tactical consideration at a fire scene?

A

10 - 20 MPH.
108

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What are the 4 types of sprinkler systems?

A

Wet Pipe

Dry Pipe = air in the pipes. Used in freezing areas

Preaction = air in pipes but a separate detector must initiate water flow. Good where damage may occur.

Deluge = all heads are open, separate detector initiates water flow, mostly for flammable liquids
152

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

A ESFR (Early Suppression/ Fast Response) sprinkler head has what size orifice and can flow how many GPM?

A

3/4 inch orifice
100 GPM
164

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

According to the author of Building Construction, High Rise fires should be fought with what size hoselines?
What type of nozzle?
Why?

A

2 1/2 inch.
Smooth Bore.
Their reach, penetration and ability to operate at the lower operating pressure provided by standpipes

165

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Carpet of fire in a corridor should be fought with a solid stream.
What technique should be used?
Why not use a fog stream?

A

Solid stream directed through the fire to wet the carpet beyond the fire, stopping extension.

Fog streams are known to push the fire down the corridor.
171

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Emergency Power systems have __ seconds to provide power.
Standby Power systems have __ seconds to provide power,

A

Emergency Power = 10 seconds.

Standby Power = 60 seconds.
183

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Large commercial boilers can provide up to ___ PSI for hot water.

A

160 PSI
184

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

What is one of the biggest issues with HVAC systems for firefighters?

A

The ability for smoke to be circulated throughout a building during a fire.

184

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Natural gas mains may contain up to ___ psi.

Residential gas lines have regulators that cut the pressure down to ____ to ___ psi.

Commercial buildings may require pressures as high as _ psi to supply large equipment.

A

Mains 100 psi.

Residential 0.25 psi - 0.5 psi

Commercial buildings 5 psi

187

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

Hydraulic Elevators are typically limited to buildings of _ to _ stories.

A

5 to 6 stories
188

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

Describe Phase I, II & III Elevator operations

A

Phase I = elevator is recalled to a specific floor (usually the first floor lobby). Triggered by a smoke detector activation. When the elevator reaches the predetermined floor, its doors will open to let occupants out. Doors stay open for FF’s to use.

Phase II = Used by FF’s with a special key. Normally after Phase I brings the elevator down to the lobby.

Phase III = Used prior to Phase I by occupants for Evacuation. Special Elevator shafts that water & smoke protection. Also have communication systems.

190 & 191

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

On an Escalator, does pushing the “Emergency Stop” remove power from the system?

A

No. The main power disconnect is usually near the motor (top of escalator) under the inspection plate.

192

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Refrigerants such as Freon were banned many years ago due to their effect on the environment. All new refrigerants are increasingly _________?

A

Flammable.
194

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

If Carbon Dioxide (CO2), typically used in restaurants, is leaking, where will it collect. Floor or ceiling?

A

Floor.
197

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

In terms of Wood Frame Construction. Define the term Legacy Construction.

A

The use of solid wood members as opposed to lightweight wooden trusses or I-joists.

205

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

How should a lightweight wood truss roof be accessed if it must be ventilated, while the roof itself is on fire?

A

Must use an aerial device.
214

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

What is the flammability range of CO?

A

12.5 % to 74%
214

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

What is the ignition temperature of CO?

A

1128°F
214

55
Q

Roofing materials are classified as A,B & C for fire resistance. What classification is the LEAST fire resistive?

A

C
225

56
Q

Collapse of a buildings floor(s) in which one end of the floor is still supported, and a triangle void space is created.

A

Lean-to-floor collapse.

Pg 429

57
Q

In a floor collapse, with each floor (roof), laying flat on top of the one below.

A

Pancake collapse.

Pg 429

58
Q

Voids are less prevalent in this type of collapse and tend to be limited to areas surrounding furniture and other large objects.

A

Pancake collapse.

Pg 429

59
Q

A collapse in which the floor fails near its center, with the perimeter of the floor still partially supported by the walls.

A

V-Shaped collapse.

Pg 429

60
Q

A collapse that occurs when a relatively small area of structural damage results in a loss of a localized load carrying capability, initiating a chain reaction.

A

Progressive collapse.

Pg 429

61
Q

A collapse in which one end of the floor is still supported.

A

Cantilever floor collapse.

Pg 431

62
Q

A collapse in which the exterior wall falls horizontally.

A

Inward outward collapse.

Pg 431

63
Q

A collapse in which an entire wall fails as one unit.

A

90-degree wall collapse

Pg 431

64
Q

A collapse characterized by a building that shifts at the upper levels, leaning into adjacent buildings, or totally collapsing in the absence of adjacent buildings. (Usually limited to wood frame structures)

A

Lean Over Collapse.

Pg 431

65
Q

A collapse in which the wall falls straight down, often associated with brick veneer, non-load-bearing walls.

A

Curtain Wall Collapse.

Pg 431

66
Q

Which particular type of collapse is a specific concern during search and rescue operations?

A

Secondary Collapse.

Pg 429

67
Q

Pancake collapse occurs because the connection between the floor and the ________ is lost

A

Load Bearing Wall is lost

Pg 429

68
Q

At around 1000 degrees, steel will expand how much per 100 feet?

A

9 1/2 inches

Pg tba

69
Q

Steel will expand 0.06 to 0.07 percent in length for each ____ degree rise in temperature.

A

100

Pg TBA

70
Q

Short high rises are type ___ construction and tall high rises are type ___ construction.

A

Type 2
Type 1

Pg TBA

71
Q

The weight of all materials of construction incorporated into a building, including but not limited to walls, floors, roofs as well as fixed service equipment, including the weight of a cranes.

A

Dead load

Glossary

72
Q

What are steel frame buildings known as?

A

Butler Buildings

Pg TBA

73
Q

What are interlocking wood pieces that are glued together to create a longer piece of dimensional lumber.

A

Finger Joints

Glossary

74
Q

A situation in which unburned fuel gases, having gathered in sufficient quantities at the ceiling layer, suddenly ignite.

A

Flameover

Glossary

75
Q

What is the ignition temperature for carbon monoxide?

A

1,128 degrees

Pg TBA

76
Q

Another common name for Flameover.

A

Rollover

Glossary

77
Q

A collapse in which one end of the collapsed floor is supported by an interior wall, creating two void spaces.

A

A-Frame collapse.

Pg 431

78
Q

What are the 4 categories of heavy timber construction? (4)

A

A
B
C
HT

Pg 242

79
Q

Large stores attached to a mall with all required exits independent of the mall.

A

Anchor Store.

Glossary

80
Q

What is category A in Heavy Timber construction?

A

Type 4 A: Up to 18 stories provided the mass timber is covered with gypsum board

Pg 242

81
Q

What is category B in Heavy Timber construction?

A

Type 4 B: Maximum 12 stories with limited areas of walls and ceilings exposed.

Pg 242

82
Q

What is category C in Heavy Timber construction?

A

Type 4 C: Maximum 9 stories with all timbers exposed and subject to 2 hour fire resistance test.

Pg 242

83
Q

What is category HT in Heavy Timber construction?

A

Type 4 HT: Traditional heavy timber

Pg 242

84
Q

What type of force occurs WITHIN a building member when opposing forces pull the member in opposite directions. Often the result of wind load.

A

Shear force

Pg 13

85
Q

What type of force stretches a member such as a steel cable?

A

Tension/Tensile

Pg 13

86
Q

What type of force is a twisting force?

A

Torsional force (Torsion)

Pg 13

87
Q

What is a term meaning 1000 pounds?

A

KIP

Pg 13

88
Q

What type of load is indeterminate and must be estimated based on projected use of the building and other variables.

A

Live Load

Pg 15

89
Q

What type of load is delivered in a short time?

A

Impact load

Pg 20

90
Q

What type of load is delivered over time?

A

Static load

Pg 20

91
Q

What type of impact load can be delivered from a direction that has little or no stress resistance.

A

Lateral impact load.

Pg 20

92
Q

What type of load is applied intermittently?

A

Repeated load

Pg 21

93
Q

Header courses can be seen usually every ____ row.

A

7th row

Pg TBA

94
Q

What type of load is a heavy load located at one point in a building?

A

Concentrated Load

Pg 23

95
Q

What are the internal forces that resist loads?

A

Stress and Strain

Pg 13

96
Q

There are two estimates for caloric value: wood at _____ BTU/ LB and plastic is _____ BTU/ LB.

A

Wood at 8,000 BTU/ LB
Plastic at 16,000 BTU/ LB

Pg TBA

97
Q

A beam is built with a _____, or upward rise, so when the design load is superimposed, the beam will be more nearly horizontal.

A

Camber

Pg 27

98
Q

The line in which the length of the beam does not change under load is called?

A

Neutral axis

Pg 28

99
Q

Determining the fire load of a building requires 3 pieces of information, what are they?

A

Weight of the material
Caloric value
The floor area

Pg 25

100
Q

A beam supported at 2 points, near its ends, is a what?

A

Simple Beam

Pg 29

101
Q

A beam supported at 3 or more points, is a what?

A

Continuous Beam

Pg 29

102
Q

What are the 3 types of columns?

A

Piers columns
Long slender columns
Intermediate columns

Pg TBA

103
Q

Piers are short columns that fail by what?

A

Crushing

Pg TBA

104
Q

A beam that is supported at 2 points and is RIGIDLY held in position at both points.

A

Fixed Beam

Pg 29

105
Q

Long slender columns fail by what?

A

Buckling, normally assumes an “S” shape

Pg TBA

106
Q

Intermediate columns can fail by what?

A

Either way, by crushing or buckling

Pg TBA

107
Q

What is a beam that spans an opening in a masonry wall?

A

Lintel

Pg 30

108
Q

Wind loads are an example of what force?

A

Flexural force

Pg TBA

109
Q

A beam supported at only one end, but is RIGIDLY held in position at that end?

A

Cantilever Beam

Pg 30

110
Q

A very long, thin column will fail according to____.

A

Euler’s law column

Pg 37

111
Q

A load-bearing wall common to 2 structures.

A

Party wall

Pg 39

112
Q

Walls can be braced or stiffened by what means? (4)

A

Buttress
Pilaster
Wall columns
Cavity or Hollow wall

Pg 41

113
Q

What are the types of wood frame roofs styles? (7)

A

Flat roof
Gable roof
Mansard roof
Shed or single pitch roof
Saltbox roof
Hip roof
Gambrel roof

Pg 42

114
Q

What is another name for a gusset plate in a light-weight wood truss?

A

Gang Nail

Pg 46, 52

115
Q

Wood less than or equal to 2” nominal thickness.

A

Board

Pg 70

116
Q

Wood that is 2”-4” nominal thickness.

A

Dimensional Lumber.

Pg 70

117
Q

Wood that is greater than or equal to 5” in nominal thickness.

A

Timber.

Pg 70

118
Q

What are the 3 negative characteristics of structural steel?

A

Conducts heat
Elongates when heated
Fails at about 1000 to 1100 degrees

Pg TBA

119
Q

How far should your safety zone be around a high rise with falling glass?

A

200 feet around the building

Pg TBA

120
Q

NFPA 13 is the standard for the installation of what?

A

Sprinkler systems

Pg TBA

121
Q

Aluminum will melt around _____ degree Fahrenheit

A

1,200

Pg 115

122
Q

What temperature does Cold-Drawn steel fail?

A

800°

Pg 81

123
Q

What is the most common type of cement in use today?

A

Portland cement mortar.

Pg 82

124
Q

What is the most prevalent and toxic fire gas?

A

Carbon Monoxide

Pg 121

125
Q

Haber’s Rule:

Any exposure in which the concentration (ppm) times minutes exposed equals ______ is likely to be dangerous.

A

33,000

Pg TBA

126
Q

What are the 4 components of the fire tetrahedron?

A

•Fuel
•Heat
•Oxidizing agent
•Uninhibited chemical chain reaction.

Pg 106

127
Q

What is the phenomenon in which combustible material ignites without the application of a flame or spark?

A

Autoignition.

Pg 107

128
Q

The vertical spread of fire on the exterior of a multi-story building via convection and radiation is called what?

A

Autoexposure.

Pg 130

129
Q

What are the classification of the steiner tunnel test and their scales?

A

•Class A 0-25
•Class B 26-75
•Class C 76-200

Pg 141

130
Q

What are the 4 types of smoke management?

A

Pressurized smoke control
Purge
Zones smoke control
Air flow

Pg 168

131
Q

Elevator door restrictors will activate when the elevator cab is located how far above or below the “landing zone”?

A

18 Inches

Pg 191

132
Q

What is a Flitch Plate Girder?

A

A composite of steel sandwiched between 2 solid sawn wood joists.

Pg 221

133
Q

What is “CLT” in Heavy Timber Construction?

A

Cross Laminated Timber

Pg 242

134
Q

For each 100° degree rise in temperature… steel will expand how much?

A

0.06 to 0.07 percent

Underwater Basket Weaving (29 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions