Building Classifications Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which building construction type is referred to as noncombustible or protected noncombustible?

Type III

Type IV

Type II (correct)

Type V

Building classifications used in building codes are based on the materials used in construction and the:

Fire resistance ratings for the structural components (correct)

Total cost of materials used in its construction

Size and shape of the structural components

Estimated amount of time for completion of the building

What does the first digit in the three-digit number code for building classifications represent?

Fire resistance rating (in hours) of interior finishes

Fire resistance rating (in hours) of exterior bearing walls (correct)

Fire resistance rating of columns and girders that support loads of more than one floor

Fire resistance rating of the floor construction

Type I buildings are MOST commonly constructed using a protected steel frame or:

Reinforced concrete Signup and view all the answers

A fundamental fire concern with Type III construction is:

Creation of combustible concealed spaces Signup and view all the answers

Type IV construction is:

Construction that uses wood components with greater mass than Type III construction Signup and view all the answers

Modern heavy-timber wood frame construction is primarily used:

For aesthetic purposes Signup and view all the answers

In modern construction, Type V light-frame construction:

Makes use of smaller studs, joists, and rafters to erect buildings faster Signup and view all the answers

Occupancy classifications reflect the ____ inherent to specific types of occupancies.

life safety issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the maximum amount of heat that can be released if all fuel is consumed?

Fire load Signup and view all the answers

Since spiral stairs can be difficult to traverse, they are generally allowed as part of the means of egress only within:

Residences Signup and view all the answers

Springs in folding stairs lose tension rapidly when exposed to heat, which may cause the stair assembly to:

Swing down into the structure during a fire Signup and view all the answers

Why are protected stairs extremely important in the overall life safety of a building?

They resist the products of combustion that can significantly impair occupants' ability to safely egress Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes a major feature of exterior stairs?

They are naturally ventilated on one or more sides Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Building Classifications and Systems

Type II Construction: Referred to as noncombustible or protected noncombustible.
Building Classifications: Based on fire resistance ratings of structural components, not on cost or building shape.
Three-Digit Code: First digit signifies the fire resistance rating (in hours) of exterior bearing walls.
Type I Buildings: Commonly feature reinforced concrete or a protected steel frame.
Type III Construction Concerns: Principal issue is the creation of combustible concealed spaces.
Type IV Construction: Uses wood components with greater mass than Type III; not termed "ordinary construction."
Modern Heavy-Timber Wood Frame: Primarily utilized for aesthetic purposes in designs.
Type V Light-Frame Construction: Employs smaller studs, joists, and rafters for faster building processes.
Occupancy Classifications: Reflect inherent life safety issues pertinent to specific occupancies.
Fire Load: Defined as the maximum heat that can be released upon complete consumption of all fuel.
Spiral Stairs: Generally permitted as egress components exclusively in residences due to difficulty in traversal.
Folding Stairs: Spring tension loss under heat can lead the stairs to swing down into the structure amidst a fire.
Protected Stairs: Essential for life safety; they withstand combustion products, facilitating safe egress during emergencies.
Exterior Stairs: Characterized by natural ventilation; they do not fully protect against combustion products inside buildings.
Fire Escape Anchor Points: Critical for ensuring escape routes are secure during emergencies.

Description

Test your knowledge on building classifications and systems with these flashcards. Explore different types of building constructions and their fire resistance ratings. Perfect for those studying architecture or building codes.