Building Construction For The Fire Service Flashcards
Declaring a fire a “Structure Fire” indicates what?
That the buildings structure is involved and the gravity resistance system of the building is under attack.
3
A “Prefire Analysis” is a step beyond prefire planning, this allows fire personnel to do what?
To anticipate problems.
5
In general, what 4 types of forces can be applied to a buildings structural members?
Compression
Tension
Torsion
Shear
13
Regarding Buildings, Define Dead Load ( also called Self Weight)
The weight of the building itself and any equipment permanently attached to it, or built in.
14
Define Live Loads.
Any loads not permanently attached to the structure.
Any loads other than the dead loads.
15
Define Impact Loads.
Loads delivered over a short time.
SUDDEN IMPACT
20
Define Static Loads
Loads that are applied slowly and remain constant ( a heavy safe)
SLOW AND CONSTANT
21
Define Repeated Load
A load that is applied intermittently (rolling bridge crane)
BOUNCING REPEATEDLY
21
How are Axial and Eccentric loads different?
Axial loads transfer force through the center section. Eccentric loads do not transfer force through the center.
24
If a building itself is combustible, does the building add to the fire load?
Yes!!!
24
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?
The forces reverse.
Top = Tension
Bottom = Compression
33
Is it necessary for a Column to be in a vertical orientation?
No.
Any structural member that is compressively loaded can be a Column.
36
If a brick wall has header and stretcher courses, what does this likely indicate?
That the wall is load - bearing.
39
This type of mortar was used until about 1880. It could be washed out with water.
Sand Lime Mortar.
46
Steel heated to 1000°F will elongate how many inches per 100 feet?
9.5 inches
51
Pylons are driven through soft ground to bedrock. This forms a solid foundation for a building. Pylons are usually made of what?
Large timbers or wood.
82
What are caissons usually made from?
Concrete.
81
Define the sizes of each type of structural member.
Board
Dimensional Lumber
Timber
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
Define Nominal Thickness.
The thickness of Lumber prior to kiln drying.
70
OSB is made from wood pieces that are how long?
3-4 inches.
70
Concrete is composed of what 3 materials?
Portland Cement
Water
Aggregate
72
Structural Steel fails at what temperature range?
1,000-1,100°F
73
Cold Drawn Steel (Cables or Tendons in tensioned concrete) fails at what temperature?
800°F
73
What happens to Cast Iron that has-been heated then rapidly cooled by a hose stream?
It fails. Due to becoming brittle.
73
What type of fire conditions can melt Aluminum?
Typical fire temperatures
74
What is the main fire Hazard with EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System) panels?
The outside panel falls if under fire conditions, exposing the combustible plastic insulation.
76
What is an area of a building that has fire rated smoke doors and can remain tenable for a period of time called?
Area of Refuge.
81
What is the major difference between Building Codes & Fire Codes?
Building Codes regulate the construction of a building.
Fire Codes regulate the use of a building after it is built.
87
Define a Model Code.
Complete Regulatory Codes that can be adopted by cities & states as they are written.
87
Define the 5 types of construction.
Type 1 = Fire resistive
Type 2 = Non-combustible
Type 3 = Ordinary
Type 4 = Heavy timber
Type 5 = Wood frame
88
What is the fire rating requirement for stairwells up to 3 stories VS 4 or more stories?
Up to 3 stories = 1 hour fire rating.
4 stories or more = 2 hour fire rating.
98
The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in what year?
1990
101
What are the 4 parts of the Fire Tetrahedron?
Fuel
Heat
Uninhibited chemical chain reaction
Oxidizing agent
107
What are the 3 methods of heat transfer?
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
A fire that is not ventilation limited will pass through what 4 stages?
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
Define Flameover.
When hot, unburned gases suddenly ignite.
108
Winds over what MPH range should become a tactical consideration at a fire scene?
10 - 20 MPH.
108
What are the 4 types of sprinkler systems?
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
A ESFR (Early Suppression/ Fast Response) sprinkler head has what size orifice and can flow how many GPM?
3/4 inch orifice
100 GPM
164
According to the author of Building Construction, High Rise fires should be fought with what size hoselines?
What type of nozzle?
Why?
2 1/2 inch.
Smooth Bore.
Their reach, penetration and ability to operate at the lower operating pressure provided by standpipes
165
Carpet of fire in a corridor should be fought with a solid stream.
What technique should be used?
Why not use a fog stream?
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
Emergency Power systems have __ seconds to provide power.
Standby Power systems have __ seconds to provide power,
Emergency Power = 10 seconds.
Standby Power = 60 seconds.
183
Large commercial boilers can provide up to ___ PSI for hot water.
160 PSI
184
What is one of the biggest issues with HVAC systems for firefighters?
The ability for smoke to be circulated throughout a building during a fire.
184
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.
Mains 100 psi.
Residential 0.25 psi - 0.5 psi
Commercial buildings 5 psi
187
Hydraulic Elevators are typically limited to buildings of _ to _ stories.
5 to 6 stories
188
Describe Phase I, II & III Elevator operations
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
On an Escalator, does pushing the “Emergency Stop” remove power from the system?
No. The main power disconnect is usually near the motor (top of escalator) under the inspection plate.
192
Refrigerants such as Freon were banned many years ago due to their effect on the environment. All new refrigerants are increasingly _________?
Flammable.
194
If Carbon Dioxide (CO2), typically used in restaurants, is leaking, where will it collect. Floor or ceiling?
Floor.
197
In terms of Wood Frame Construction. Define the term Legacy Construction.
The use of solid wood members as opposed to lightweight wooden trusses or I-joists.
205
How should a lightweight wood truss roof be accessed if it must be ventilated, while the roof itself is on fire?
Must use an aerial device.
214
What is the flammability range of CO?
12.5 % to 74%
214
What is the ignition temperature of CO?
1128°F
214
Roofing materials are classified as A,B & C for fire resistance. What classification is the LEAST fire resistive?
C
225
Collapse of a buildings floor(s) in which one end of the floor is still supported, and a triangle void space is created.
Lean-to-floor collapse.
Pg 429
In a floor collapse, with each floor (roof), laying flat on top of the one below.
Pancake collapse.
Pg 429
Voids are less prevalent in this type of collapse and tend to be limited to areas surrounding furniture and other large objects.
Pancake collapse.
Pg 429
A collapse in which the floor fails near its center, with the perimeter of the floor still partially supported by the walls.
V-Shaped collapse.
Pg 429
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.
Progressive collapse.
Pg 429
A collapse in which one end of the floor is still supported.
Cantilever floor collapse.
Pg 431
A collapse in which the exterior wall falls horizontally.
Inward outward collapse.
Pg 431
A collapse in which an entire wall fails as one unit.
90-degree wall collapse
Pg 431
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)
Lean Over Collapse.
Pg 431
A collapse in which the wall falls straight down, often associated with brick veneer, non-load-bearing walls.
Curtain Wall Collapse.
Pg 431
Which particular type of collapse is a specific concern during search and rescue operations?
Secondary Collapse.
Pg 429
Pancake collapse occurs because the connection between the floor and the ________ is lost
Load Bearing Wall is lost
Pg 429
At around 1000 degrees, steel will expand how much per 100 feet?
9 1/2 inches
Pg tba
Steel will expand 0.06 to 0.07 percent in length for each ____ degree rise in temperature.
100
Pg TBA
Short high rises are type ___ construction and tall high rises are type ___ construction.
Type 2
Type 1
Pg TBA
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.
Dead load
Glossary
What are steel frame buildings known as?
Butler Buildings
Pg TBA
What are interlocking wood pieces that are glued together to create a longer piece of dimensional lumber.
Finger Joints
Glossary
A situation in which unburned fuel gases, having gathered in sufficient quantities at the ceiling layer, suddenly ignite.
Flameover
Glossary
What is the ignition temperature for carbon monoxide?
1,128 degrees
Pg TBA
Another common name for Flameover.
Rollover
Glossary
A collapse in which one end of the collapsed floor is supported by an interior wall, creating two void spaces.
A-Frame collapse.
Pg 431
What are the 4 categories of heavy timber construction? (4)
A
B
C
HT
Pg 242
Large stores attached to a mall with all required exits independent of the mall.
Anchor Store.
Glossary
What is category A in Heavy Timber construction?
Type 4 A: Up to 18 stories provided the mass timber is covered with gypsum board
Pg 242
What is category B in Heavy Timber construction?
Type 4 B: Maximum 12 stories with limited areas of walls and ceilings exposed.
Pg 242
What is category C in Heavy Timber construction?
Type 4 C: Maximum 9 stories with all timbers exposed and subject to 2 hour fire resistance test.
Pg 242
What is category HT in Heavy Timber construction?
Type 4 HT: Traditional heavy timber
Pg 242
What type of force occurs WITHIN a building member when opposing forces pull the member in opposite directions. Often the result of wind load.
Shear force
Pg 13
What type of force stretches a member such as a steel cable?
Tension/Tensile
Pg 13
What type of force is a twisting force?
Torsional force (Torsion)
Pg 13
What is a term meaning 1000 pounds?
KIP
Pg 13
What type of load is indeterminate and must be estimated based on projected use of the building and other variables.
Live Load
Pg 15
What type of load is delivered in a short time?
Impact load
Pg 20
What type of load is delivered over time?
Static load
Pg 20
What type of impact load can be delivered from a direction that has little or no stress resistance.
Lateral impact load.
Pg 20
What type of load is applied intermittently?
Repeated load
Pg 21
Header courses can be seen usually every ____ row.
7th row
Pg TBA
What type of load is a heavy load located at one point in a building?
Concentrated Load
Pg 23
What are the internal forces that resist loads?
Stress and Strain
Pg 13
There are two estimates for caloric value: wood at _____ BTU/ LB and plastic is _____ BTU/ LB.
Wood at 8,000 BTU/ LB
Plastic at 16,000 BTU/ LB
Pg TBA
A beam is built with a _____, or upward rise, so when the design load is superimposed, the beam will be more nearly horizontal.
Camber
Pg 27
The line in which the length of the beam does not change under load is called?
Neutral axis
Pg 28
Determining the fire load of a building requires 3 pieces of information, what are they?
Weight of the material
Caloric value
The floor area
Pg 25
A beam supported at 2 points, near its ends, is a what?
Simple Beam
Pg 29
A beam supported at 3 or more points, is a what?
Continuous Beam
Pg 29
What are the 3 types of columns?
Piers columns
Long slender columns
Intermediate columns
Pg TBA
Piers are short columns that fail by what?
Crushing
Pg TBA
A beam that is supported at 2 points and is RIGIDLY held in position at both points.
Fixed Beam
Pg 29
Long slender columns fail by what?
Buckling, normally assumes an “S” shape
Pg TBA
Intermediate columns can fail by what?
Either way, by crushing or buckling
Pg TBA
What is a beam that spans an opening in a masonry wall?
Lintel
Pg 30
Wind loads are an example of what force?
Flexural force
Pg TBA
A beam supported at only one end, but is RIGIDLY held in position at that end?
Cantilever Beam
Pg 30
A very long, thin column will fail according to____.
Euler’s law column
Pg 37
A load-bearing wall common to 2 structures.
Party wall
Pg 39
Walls can be braced or stiffened by what means? (4)
Buttress
Pilaster
Wall columns
Cavity or Hollow wall
Pg 41
What are the types of wood frame roofs styles? (7)
Flat roof
Gable roof
Mansard roof
Shed or single pitch roof
Saltbox roof
Hip roof
Gambrel roof
Pg 42
What is another name for a gusset plate in a light-weight wood truss?
Gang Nail
Pg 46, 52
Wood less than or equal to 2” nominal thickness.
Board
Pg 70
Wood that is 2”-4” nominal thickness.
Dimensional Lumber.
Pg 70
Wood that is greater than or equal to 5” in nominal thickness.
Timber.
Pg 70
What are the 3 negative characteristics of structural steel?
Conducts heat
Elongates when heated
Fails at about 1000 to 1100 degrees
Pg TBA
How far should your safety zone be around a high rise with falling glass?
200 feet around the building
Pg TBA
NFPA 13 is the standard for the installation of what?
Sprinkler systems
Pg TBA
Aluminum will melt around _____ degree Fahrenheit
1,200
Pg 115
What temperature does Cold-Drawn steel fail?
800°
Pg 81
What is the most common type of cement in use today?
Portland cement mortar.
Pg 82
What is the most prevalent and toxic fire gas?
Carbon Monoxide
Pg 121
Haber’s Rule:
Any exposure in which the concentration (ppm) times minutes exposed equals ______ is likely to be dangerous.
33,000
Pg TBA
What are the 4 components of the fire tetrahedron?
•Fuel
•Heat
•Oxidizing agent
•Uninhibited chemical chain reaction.
Pg 106
What is the phenomenon in which combustible material ignites without the application of a flame or spark?
Autoignition.
Pg 107
The vertical spread of fire on the exterior of a multi-story building via convection and radiation is called what?
Autoexposure.
Pg 130
What are the classification of the steiner tunnel test and their scales?
•Class A 0-25
•Class B 26-75
•Class C 76-200
Pg 141
What are the 4 types of smoke management?
Pressurized smoke control
Purge
Zones smoke control
Air flow
Pg 168
Elevator door restrictors will activate when the elevator cab is located how far above or below the “landing zone”?
18 Inches
Pg 191
What is a Flitch Plate Girder?
A composite of steel sandwiched between 2 solid sawn wood joists.
Pg 221
What is “CLT” in Heavy Timber Construction?
Cross Laminated Timber
Pg 242
For each 100° degree rise in temperature… steel will expand how much?
0.06 to 0.07 percent
