22 Questions
What is the fire resistance rating for roof deck and construction supporting the roof in Type I (fire resistive) construction?
1-2 hours
Which building classification is most commonly constructed using a protected steel frame or reinforced concrete?
Type I - Fire Resistive
What is the fire resistance rating for interior partitions enclosing stairwells and corridors in Type I (fire resistive) construction?
1-2 hours
Which material is inherently noncombustible with good thermal insulating properties?
Concrete
Which type of construction permits limited use of combustible materials, including roof coverings and interior floor finishes?
Type I
What is the minimum nominal dimension for floor construction in Type IV (heavy timber) construction?
6 in. x 10 in.
In which type of construction are all major structural components permitted to be of combustible construction?
Type V
What does fire resistance indicate?
Ability to maintain load-bearing capacity and structural integrity under fire conditions
Which test is the standard test for fire resistance?
ASTM E-119
What contributes to the calculation of the fire load?
Fuel load
What type of construction frequently uses exterior walls of masonry?
Type III
What are the failure criteria for testing fire resistance specific to?
The specimen being tested
What type of construction frequently uses exterior walls of masonry?
Type III
What does the second digit in the NFPA 220 classification code represent?
Fire resistance rating of structural frames or columns
What must be done when using unprotected steel in fire resistive designs?
It must be protected by an insulating material
What does the first digit in the NFPA 220 classification code represent?
Fire resistance rating of exterior bearing walls
In Type II-B construction, what is the characteristic that is most common?
Unprotected steel
What is a key distinction between Type III and Type IV construction?
Concealed spaces are not permitted between structural components in type IV
What is a requirement for Type II-A construction regarding fire resistance rating of structural components?
1 hour fire resistance rating
What is a fundamental fire concern with type III construction?
Combustible concealed spaces created between floor and ceiling joists
Where are the combustible concealed spaces created in type III construction?
Between floor and ceiling joists and between studs in partition walls
What is mixed construction?
The construction of a new structure onto an existing structure of a different construction type
Study Notes
Building Construction and Fire Resistance
- Reinforced concrete can fail under an explosion or intense fire of long duration.
- Building codes permit limited use of combustible materials in type I construction, including roof coverings, interior floor finishes, and more.
- Type II construction allows for a wider range of materials than type I, including steel, concrete block, glass, and aluminum.
- Type III construction frequently uses exterior walls of masonry and concealed spaces must contain appropriate fire stops.
- Type IV (heavy timber) construction requires minimum nominal dimensions of 6 in. x 10 in. for floor construction.
- In Type V construction, all major structural components are permitted to be of combustible construction.
- Mixed construction occurs where a new structure is built onto an existing structure of a different construction type.
- The International Building Code contains 10 major occupancy classifications, such as Assembly, Business, Educational, and more.
- The fuel load contributes to the calculation of the fire load, the maximum amount of heat that can be released if all fuel is consumed.
- Fire resistance indicates the ability of a structural assembly to maintain its load-bearing capacity and structural integrity under fire conditions.
- Standard test for fire resistance is the ASTM E-119, also known as NFPA 251, conducted in Germany in 1884-86 and in the US in 1890 and 1896.
- Failure criteria for testing are specific to the specimen being tested and fire resistance ratings for test specimens are expressed in standard intervals such as 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 1 hour, etc.
Test your knowledge of building construction and fire resistance with this quiz covering topics such as construction types, materials, fire resistance ratings, and testing standards.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
