Questions and Answers
Which of the following factors influences fire behavior?
What does IBC initially classify structures by?
The materials used in their construction
What is the classification for Type I construction?
These classifications can help firefighters determine the _________ of structural collapse under fire.
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What are the building classifications based on?
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What does NFPA 220 detail?
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How is the fire resistance designated in NFPA 220?
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Type I construction is classified by the presence of:
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How does the addition of fire resistance affect structural integrity?
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What is an example of variation in fire resistance for Type I construction regarding roof deck and construction?
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What is concrete classified as?
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In Type II construction, in addition to steel and concrete block, what materials can be used?
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What is a typical use of combustible materials in Type I construction?
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Match the following Type I construction applications with their fire resistance durations.
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Reinforced concrete can fail under intense fire.
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What is Type II-A (protected) construction's requirement for structural fire resistance?
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What is the key characteristic of Protected Non-combustible construction?
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Study Notes
Fire Behavior Influences
- Firefighter safety relies on understanding factors affecting fire behavior, including building classifications and fire resistance attributes.
- Key influences on fire behavior include occupancy classifications, fire load, and basic building classifications.
IBC Classifications
- The International Building Code (IBC) classifies structures primarily based on construction materials.
Building Classifications
- Five major classifications guide fire protection and building code enforcement:
- Type I: Fire resistive
- Type II: Noncombustible or protected noncombustible
- Type III: Exterior protected (typically masonry)
- Type IV: Heavy timber
- Type V: Wood frame
Importance of Classifications
- Classifications assist firefighters in evaluating the likelihood of structural collapse and occupant safety during fires.
Building Code Classifications
- Building classifications are determined by the materials used in construction and the fire resistance ratings of structural components.
NFPA 220 Standards
- NFPA 220, the Standard on Types of Building Construction, outlines requirements for construction classifications and subclassifications.
Fire Resistance Code
- NFPA 220 uses a three-digit code for each classification:
- 1st digit: Fire resistance in hours for exterior bearing walls
- 2nd digit: Fire resistance for structural frames or columns supporting multiple floors
- 3rd digit: Fire resistance for floor construction
Type I Classification
- Type I construction requires noncombustible structural components that meet specific fire resistance ratings.
Impact on Structural Integrity
- Increased fire resistance contributes to enhanced structural integrity during fire events.
Fire Resistance Examples (Type I)
- Type I construction fire resistance variations include:
- Bearing walls, columns, beams: 2-4 hours
- Floor construction: 2 or 3 hours
- Roof deck and supporting construction: 1-2 hours
- Interior partitions for stairwells and corridors: Typically 1-2 hours, as specified by local code
- Partitions separating occupancies: As specified by local code
Function of Type I Components
- Fire-resistive components in Type I structures do not extinguish fires but transfer and radiate heat from the fire.
Characteristics of Concrete
- Concrete is acknowledged for its noncombustibility and excellent thermal insulation properties, enhancing fire resistance.
Concrete Assembly Variations
- The type of concrete assembly affects overall fire resistance, despite its inherent noncombustible qualities.
Reinforced Concrete Vulnerability
- Reinforced concrete structures can fail under extreme conditions, such as explosions or prolonged intense fires.
Allowances for Combustible Materials (Type I)
- Building codes often allow limited combustible materials in Type I buildings for:
- Roof coverings
- Interior finishes
- Door frames, window sashes, and others
Type II Construction
- Type II structures may include aluminum and glass in limited structural roles alongside steel and concrete.
Roof Fire Resistance Provisions
- Certain building codes may waive fire resistance ratings for roofs over 20 feet above the floor for specific occupancies.
Type II-A Requirements
- Type II-A (protected) structures necessitate a minimum fire resistance of one hour for structural components.
Protected Non-combustible Definition
- Protected non-combustible structures are akin to Type I but have relatively lower fire resistance requirements.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts from Chapter 2 of Building Construction. This quiz focuses on the basics of fire conditions, building classifications, and the materials used in construction. Perfect for students in construction management or fire safety courses.
