Art Of Reading Buildings

Questions and Answers

Which type of construction is classified as having materials that will not ignite or support combustion?

Noncombustible (correct)

Protected

Limited combustible

Unprotected

What does the fire resistance rating (FFR) measure?

The temperature at which a material ignites

The length of time required to burn through a material (correct)

The ability of a material to prevent flame spread

The total combustibility of a material

What is a protected structure?

Has a fire suppression system

Designated as noncombustible

Materials that ignite easily

Fire resistance rating of at least one hour (correct)

Which classification does a material with a flame spread rating indicate?

The length of time it takes to burn across a material's surface Signup and view all the answers

In the numerical designation for building construction, what does the first number represent?

Type of construction in Roman Numerals Signup and view all the answers

What is the most inferior way to connect floors to walls?

Joist hangers Signup and view all the answers

Which material offers more fire resistance than drywall?

Lath and plaster Signup and view all the answers

Which type of flooring is likely to increase the dead load and accelerate collapse in lightweight construction?

Terrazo Signup and view all the answers

What type of ceiling create entanglement hazards when they fall?

Suspended ceilings Signup and view all the answers

Which factor limits the suppression of fires in buildings with concrete ceiling and floors?

Absorb and Radiate heat Signup and view all the answers

What type of space is referred to as the interstitial space used for HVAC air return?

Plenum space Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential hazard associated with spaces above suspended ceilings?

Smoke accumulation and fire spread Signup and view all the answers

Which ceiling material is least resistant to fire?

Drywall Signup and view all the answers

What happens to drywall when it becomes wet?

It collapses in large sections Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributes to toxic smoke production in flooring?

Carpet and laminate Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of gable roofs?

They are the most popular roof type in the United States. Signup and view all the answers

How does lightweight construction differ from conventional construction in terms of durability?

Conventional construction lasts approximately four hours longer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of hip roofs?

They resemble a pyramid shape and have sloped sides. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about gambrel roofs is true?

Their shape resembles a broken obtuse triangle. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hazard associated with light weight and engineered construction?

Glue and connector plates can fail, reducing structural integrity. Signup and view all the answers

How are rafters positioned in gable and hip roof constructions?

Rafters can use 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 lumber on 16 - 24 inches on center. Signup and view all the answers

Why are rafter tails significant in differentiating types of roof construction?

They help identify whether it is dimensional or lightweight construction. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do gambrel roofs offer for barn constructions?

Increased headroom and effective water runoff. Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary condition for a building to be sold as Hurricane/ Impact resistant?

It must have windows that pass 3 tests Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is critical for enhancing the strength of walls in impact resistant construction?

Increase strapping or anchoring Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of ballistic resistant windows?

To withstand bullets of varying type. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to security bars in the context of an interior attack?

Remove them to allow for easier access. Signup and view all the answers

What type of glass is often used for commercial buildings due to its strength?

Tempered glass Signup and view all the answers

Which factor increases the risk of flashover in a tightly constructed building?

Higher interior temperatures and the use E-glass Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstance is a K-saw considered the best choice for forcible entry?

When forcing entry on a hurricane/ impact resistant building Signup and view all the answers

What type of window is commonly used in bathrooms due to its non-intrusive design?

Small frosted window Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of impact resistant construction?

Non-uplift roof construction Signup and view all the answers

What is one indicator of room type based on window design?

Rectangular side windows indicate bedrooms. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common characteristic of buildings designed after World War II?

Focus on minimal materials for quicker construction Signup and view all the answers

What increases the risk of fire spread in modern buildings?

Increased use of synthetic materials Signup and view all the answers

Which type of building legacy is characterized primarily by the use of brick and block for load bearing walls?

Type 2 legacy Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that contributes to building collapse during uncontrolled fires?

Gravity and structural weaknesses Signup and view all the answers

How did the use of open floor plans impact fire safety in legacy constructions?

Increased chances of fire spreading through open spaces Signup and view all the answers

What was a major innovation in building construction that emerged in the 1980s?

The introduction of engineered lightweight buildings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can cause a significant stress on building structures?

Overloading due to hoarding or overstocking Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of engineered lightweight buildings (ELB)?

They rely on assembly built systems for structural soundness Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of glass in modern buildings affect fire behavior?

It increases the potential for flashover Signup and view all the answers

What role do standardized building codes serve in modern construction?

They make building systems more reliable with fire safety and engineering considered in code Signup and view all the answers

Which legacy structure is most associated with heavy timber roofs and floors?

Type 4 legacy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios could lead to backdrafts during a fire event in industrial era buildings?

Void spaces Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant challenge for firefights in legacy era construction currently?

Overwhelming fire protection systems due to new fire loads Signup and view all the answers

What type of construction is primarily used for suburban strip malls?

CMU load bearing walls with wood joists Signup and view all the answers

How should buildings be classified for better fire incident preparation?

Size, type, era and use Signup and view all the answers

What type of construction is easily identified from the street?

3-5 Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 steps for familiarization and rapid size up?

Pre-incident study Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Building Classification and Construction Types

Buildings classified by size, type, era, and use for better fire incident preparation.
NFPA 220 outlines five types of building construction with emphasis on combustibility and fire resistance.
Limited combustible materials have a potential of 3500 BTUs or less; noncombustible materials do not ignite or burn.
Fire resistance rating (FFR) measures time to burn through a material; flame spread rating (FSR) measures time to burn across a material's surface.
Protected structures have at least one hour of fire resistance; unprotected structures experience rapid degradation under heat.

Legacy Building Constructs

Post-WWII era emphasized fast construction with minimal materials, fostering suburban development.
Type I buildings include stadiums and high-rises with strict codes using reinforced concrete.
Type II buildings feature heavy timbers or steel in manufacturing and institutional settings.
Type III buildings typically consist of suburban strip malls with concrete block load-bearing walls.
Type IV buildings showcase heavy timber for churches and resorts, leading to potential fire spread challenges.

Fire Spread and Construction Hazards

Large industrial buildings see increased fire growth proportional to their size; unchecked open stairways contribute to smoke spread.
Utility chases and flammable insulations are structural vulnerabilities, leading to increased backdraft risks.
Collapses are more likely in structures with longer span steel trusses due to unexpected load changes.

Engineered Lightweight Buildings (ELB)

ELBs emerged in the 1960s-70s and are built using low mass, high surface-area materials for increased strength.
Resistance to fire is compromised due to the lower mass of materials; fires in ELBs burn hotter, which affects firefighting efforts.
Engineered systems utilize components that interact structurally but may fail more quickly under fire.

Structural Components and Fire Resistance

Joists offer different levels of fire resistance; dimensional lumber supports fire better than lightweight I-beams.
Floor coverings impact overall load; options like tile or hardwood increase dead load risks.
Ceilings constructed from various materials influence heat retention and collapse risk, with lath and plaster being more fire-resistant than drywall.

Wall and Roof Types

Gable roofs are popular in single-family homes, constructed from dimensional lumber with varying spacing and styles.
Lightweight and engineered construction types have drastically reduced structural integrity under fire compared to conventional designs.
Hip roofs provide structural integrity but pose hazards with lightweight construction materials.

Window and Entry Considerations

Impact-resistant windows undergo rigorous testing for strength against exterior pressures.
Security features, like barricaded windows and security bars, complicate forced entry during emergencies.
Window types reveal room usage and entry points; higher windows indicating kitchens and lower ones in bathrooms enhance vulnerabilities.

Overall Construction Safety and Environmental Risks

Modern constructions are often tighter, increasing dangers of flashover and smoke explosions.
Firefighters must be aware of the rapid changes in modern building styles and how they influence fire behavior and structural integrity.
Aging materials and unanticipated loading from occupancy changes can contribute to structural failures in legacy buildings.

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Description

Explore the various classifications of buildings according to size, type, and construction materials used. This quiz covers NFPA 220 guidelines, fire resistance ratings, and characteristics of different building types from the post-WWII era. Test your knowledge on how these classifications impact fire safety and construction standards.

Art Of Reading Buildings - Beau