Building Structures Flashcards
Label the building elements
Refer to diagram : Rafter Hanging Beam Top wall plate Fascia Stud Noggin Brace Bottom wall plate Bearer Stumps Lintel Floor joist Ceiling joist Foundation (Pier)
Behaviour of Building Materials in a fire
Concrete - concrete used structurally will be reinforced using steel rods. In extreme fire situations the surface layers of concrete can crumble (spalling) or explode leaving the internal structure of metal rods exposed and compromised by heat resulting in possible structural collapse.
Steel - Due to a high thermal expansion rate, steel components expand under radiation of heat from fire, if restrained it can result in pressure with distorts the structure. Steel components can soften, deform easily and take on ‘plastic’ attributes. Sagging, stretching, twisting and structural failure occurs.
Timber - Timber can survive intense fires as the outer skin burns and provides a protective charcoal layer. The charcoal insulates the remaining inner core allowing it to retain some of it’s structural integrity.
Name the two ways fire and smoke can spread internally through a structure, provide examples of each
- Vertically - This may be by life shafts, stairwells, structural cracks, open stairs between floors, atriums, light wells and wall cavities
- Horizontally - This may be by roof voids, ceiling spaces, structural cracks, door openings, horizontal heating ventilation and air-conditioning and the underside of suspended ceilings.
List five (5) of the common causes of impending collapse
- Fire and firefighting
- Structural alterations
- Explosion
- Impact from vehicle and adjoining structures
- Urban decay
List five (5) signs of impending collapse
- Falling of structural materials
- Walls out of alignment
- Sounds of movement in the structure
- Cracks or sagging arches over doors or windows
- Floors or ceiling sagging
Describe the five (5) precautions that should be implemented where signs of impending collapse are occurring
- Do not enter the building
- If inside and no time to exit, try to stay in areas of greater protection
- Don’t direct streams on unstable walls or roofs
- Do not place firefighters or appliances near or in range of wall collapse
- Notify IC/crew of impending collapse
Describe what the Acronym PENSPAFE stands for
P - PPE worn correctly E - Evacuate if signs of impending collapse N - No go zones (use visual aids) S - Safety Officer (delegated) P - Path of escape (follow the hose line) A - Awareness of surroundings C - Communication E - Engineer
List three (3) fire safety systems found in buildings
- Fire extinguishers
- Exit signs
- Smoke alarms
Fire hose reels and fire hydrants, automatic systems including fire sprinklers and gaseous flooding system, deluge systems, emergency lighting, EWIS.
Common Fire Protection in buildings
Active - Alarm Systems, Smoke detectors, Sprinkle systems, Evacuation alarms, Smoke control system
Passive - Compartmentalisation, Separation, Structural elements, Fire rated elements of construction, Fire isolated stairs, Fire rated doors.
Describe what an Active Fire Protection in a building is. Provide two (2) examples with your answer
Active Fire Protection is mechanical or electrical systems of installed equipment that will detect a fire and then effectively intervene to control or extinguish it.
Examples are:
1. Smoke detectors
2. Sprinkler systems
Hierarchy of Control
Elimination (eliminate the hazard) Substitution Engineering Controls Administrative Controls PPE
Examples of Safe Person Approach Dynamic Risk Assessment (SPADRA) / Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA)
SPADRA:
- Wearing the right equipment
- Only working within your training / capabilities
DRA:
- Constantly adjusting what you’re doing
- where/how you park the fire truck
- looking out for changing circumstances
RECEO in Structural Collapse
R - Rescue (protection and preservation of life)
E - Exposures ( any adjacent structures or property)
C - Confinement (prevent the fire from spreading)
E - Extinguishment (IC determines method)
O - Overhaul (Ensure the fire is completely out)
Describe the five (5) considerations in Size-up
Fat Pigs Or Dead Pigs
- The Facts (what is known?)
- The Probabilities (what may develop?)
- Own situation (personnel, appliances, equipment)
- Decisions (Primary (life), Secondary (changing facts))
- The Plan of operation (clear and concise plan)
Common Hazards at large structural fires
- Large floor areas: Difficult to locate fire and complex search and rescue
- Maze of passageways
- Disorientation
- Saturation of stock resulting in: unstable towers of product and/or sudden collapse
