key terms Flashcards
Active Fire Protection
fire protection provided by automatic sprinklers and firefighters hose streams
Arch
A curved masonry structure used as a support over an open space
Balloon Construction
One of three basic methods of constructing wood-frame residential buildings. Exterior walls have studs extending continuously from the structure’s foundation sill to the top plate near the attic. 90 degree angle collapse
Beams
A beam is a horizontal structural member subject to compression, tension, shear
Cantilever Beam
a beam supported or anchored at only one end. least amount of structural stability
Continuous Beam Support
A beam supported at both ends and at the center. Greatest structural stability.
Simple Supported Beam
A beam supported at both ends. More stable than cantilever, less than continuous
Brace-framed construction (post-and-girt)
Vertical timbers called posts reinforce each of four corners of structure, and horizontal members called girts reinforce each floor level. Mortise and tenon joints. Inward/outward collapse
Bridge truss
a perpendicular truss used in steel bar truss floor systems to provide lateral stability
Buttress
A wall reinforcement of a brace built on the outside of a structure sometimes called a “wall column”
Cold-formed steel beam
A sheet steel C-beam used in lightweight steel floor construction
Collapse
The failure of any portion of structure during a fire
Curtain wall collapse
Occurs when an exterior masonry wall drops like a falling curtain
Inward/Outward collapse
The collapse of an exterior wall that breaks apart horizontally. Top collapses inward and bottom collapses outward.
Lean-Over collapse
A type of wood frame building collapse indicated by the structure slowly starting to lean or tilt.
Ninety degree angle collapse
The wall falls straight out as a monolithic piece at a 90 degree angle, similar to falling tree.
Pancake floor collapse
The collapse of one floor section down upon the floor below in a flat, pancake-like configuration.
Secondary collapse
The collapse of portions of burning taller structures on to smaller structures, causing collapse of smaller buildings.
Tent floor collapse
Floor collapse in shape of tent. When an interior partition wall holds up the center of the fallen floor.
V-shaped floor collapse
The collapse of the floor at the center of the floor beams. Both ends of floor remain partially supported against outer bearing wall.
Column
A vertical structural member subject to compressive forces. Bearing part of vertical framework
Primary structural members
Column, beam, and girders
Convenience stair
An opening in a floor slab for a stair between floors
Coping Stone
The top masonry tile or stone of a parapet wall. Weighs 5 to 50 pounds.
Corbel
Bracket or extension of masonry that projects form a masonry wall. Decorative or to support a roof beam end. Called corbel ledge or shelf if used to support a beam
Corner safe areas
Four flanking zones around a burning building.
Deck
A horizontal surface covering supported by a floor or roof beam
Deflection
A bend, twist, or curve of a structural element under a load.
Facade
The front face of a building. Four Collapse dangers- marquee, cornice, canopy, or parapet wall.
Ornamental facade parapet wall with decorative stone corbel
One of most unstable walls a firefighter will encounter
Fire cut beam
A gravity-support beam end designed to release itself from the masonry wall during a collapse. Cut at an angle. Causes early floor collapse
Fire load
measure of maximum heat release when all combustible material in a given fire area is burned
Fire resistance rating
A relative rating to indicate in hours how long a wall, floor, ceiling, beam, or column will sustain performance during a fire.
Fluted metal (Steel) deck
wavy piece of sheet steel deck used to support a concrete floor (corrugated metal deck)
force
The cause of motion, a change in motion, or stoppage of motion.