Ch 3 - Building Construction

Question 1

Type I construction

Answer 1

Fire-resistive

All structural members are composed of noncombustible or limited combustible materials with a high fire-resistive rating so that structural members do not add to the fuel load

Materials: reinforced concrete and protected steel

Considerations:
-structurally stable longest, most collapse resistant
-compartments retain heat
-roofs may be extremely difficult to penetrate due to construction materials
-windows may be non operating

Question 2

Type II Construction

Answer 2

Noncombustible

Structural materials do not add to fire load but do not meet stricter fire-resistance rating requirements of Type I.

Materials: Unprotected metal framing members, concrete block walls, unprotected metal web joists, metal roof decks

Considerations: more prone to collapse than Type I

Question 3

Type III construction

Answer 3

Ordinary construction

Materials:
-exterior walls and structural members are noncombustible or limited combustible materials
-interior walls, beams, floors, roofs are completely or partially constructed of wood

Considerations:
-void spaces in wooden channels of walls, roofs, and trusses allow fire spread
-older buildings may have many void spaces due to renovations
-changes in building use/occupancy may result in additional loads building was not designed for
-prefab wood truss systems may be used and may fail quickly when exposed to fire

Question 4

Type IV construction

Answer 4

Heavy timber construction

Characterized by use of large dimensioned lumber. Dimensions of all structural elements must adhere to minimum dimensions sizing

Materials:
-exterior walls are noncombustible materials
-Interior building elements such as floors, walls, roofs are constructed of solid or laminated wood with no void spaces
-modern Type IV may use laminated structural elements

Considerations:
-extremely stable and resistant to collapse
-high concentration of wood can contribute to fire intensity
-beware collapse of exterior masonry walls
-laminated beams may fail to due heat impingement on glue

Question 5

Type V construction

Answer 5

Wood frame

Materials:
-exterior & interior walls composed entirely of wood
-masonry veneer may give appearance of Type III but provide no fire protection or structural support

Considerations:
-rapid exterior fire spread due to combustible siding
-trusses used for floors and roofs
-laminated/engineered structural members may fail prematurely due to heat (glues and gussets)

Question 6

Manufactured homes

Answer 6

Mobile homes

Conform to HUD building codes, not local or state.

Post 1976 (“poststandard”) more fire resistive

Question 7

Three Main Components of Roof

Answer 7

Roof supporting structure (beams or trusses)
Roof deck (plywood, OSB, corrugated metal, concrete)
Roof covering (shingles, tile, tar and gravel, metal sheets)