Building Construction: Types and Codes

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Questions and Answers

Who develops and updates building codes and fire codes?

NFPA (correct)

ICC (International Code Council) (correct)

EPA

OSHA

Do the construction types classify all types of construction?

False

What are the 5 construction types?

Fire Resistive, Non-combustible, Ordinary Construction, Heavy Timber, Wood Frame

Buildings with structural members made of non-combustible material are called?

Fire Resistive (Type I) Signup and view all the answers

What are fire resistive buildings mostly made of?

Reinforced concrete and steel with structural members protected by non-combustible insulation or automatic sprinklers Signup and view all the answers

What are 4 examples of fire resistive buildings?

High Rise, Hospitals, Shopping Malls, Some Office Buildings Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between Type I (fire resistive) and Type II (non-combustible)?

Non-combustible construction has no fire resistive material protecting the structural steel components Signup and view all the answers

Non-combustible buildings are built with components that do not burn and are unprotected.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 main structural materials of Type II construction?

Steel, Concrete, Masonry Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary problems of non-combustible construction?

Structural failure under fire conditions Signup and view all the answers

Concrete tilt-ups, parking garages, and steel frame buildings are examples of what type of construction?

Type II (non-combustible) Signup and view all the answers

Floors, walls, and roofs made _ or _ of wood is Type V.

Partially or completely Signup and view all the answers

How are most apartment buildings built?

As Type V Signup and view all the answers

What type of construction is similar to ordinary construction?

Type IV (Heavy Timber) Signup and view all the answers

What are the exterior walls of a heavy timber structure often made of?

Brick Signup and view all the answers

Many old mill style type buildings were what type of construction?

Heavy Timber Signup and view all the answers

What type of construction was often built to hold heavy loads like machinery?

Heavy Timber Signup and view all the answers

The exterior walls of ordinary construction are made of what? What are the interior walls made of?

Exterior = Brick, Interior = Wood or Steel Signup and view all the answers

In what type of construction are masonry walls structural?

Ordinary Signup and view all the answers

How thick are masonry walls of ordinary construction?

At least 2 layers thick Signup and view all the answers

Ordinary construction buildings are?

Old, some places older than 100 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the danger of ordinary construction in fire spread?

<ol> <li>Rapid fire spread (many cut outs), 2. Structural collapse</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What areas of a firefighter's job is a working knowledge of building construction important?

Size up, Forcible Entry, Search and Rescue, Fire Attack, Ventilation, Overhaul Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Building Codes and Development

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and ICC (International Code Council) develop and update building and fire codes.

Construction Types Overview

Not all buildings are classified under construction types; only most major buildings fall into these categories.

Five Construction Types

Fire Resistive
Non-combustible
Ordinary Construction
Heavy Timber
Wood Frame

Fire Resistive Construction

Type I construction includes buildings with structural members made of non-combustible materials.
Common materials are reinforced concrete and steel, protected by blown-on insulation or automatic sprinklers.
Examples include high-rise buildings, hospitals, shopping malls, and some office buildings.

Non-Combustible Construction

Type II construction lacks fire-resistive material on structural steel components, making them vulnerable to structural failure in fire conditions.
Consists mainly of steel, concrete, and masonry.
Examples include concrete tilt-ups, parking garages, and steel frame buildings.

Wood Frame Construction

Type V construction includes structures with floors, walls, and roofs made partially or completely of wood.
Most apartment buildings are constructed as type V.

Heavy Timber Construction

Type IV (Heavy Timber) is similar to ordinary construction, often featuring exterior walls made of brick.
Common in old mill-style buildings and designed to hold heavy loads like machinery.

Ordinary Construction Details

Exterior walls are typically made of brick, while interior walls can be wood or steel.
Masonry walls in ordinary construction are structural and must be at least two layers thick.
Ordinary construction buildings tend to be over 100 years old and pose fire hazards due to rapid fire spread and structural collapse risk.

Importance of Building Construction Knowledge for Firefighters

A solid understanding of building construction is crucial for firefighters in various job aspects, such as size up, forcible entry, search and rescue, fire attack, ventilation, and overhaul.

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Description

Test your knowledge on building construction types and codes with this flashcard quiz. Learn about the various construction classifications and the organizations responsible for establishing building and fire codes. Perfect for students and professionals in the construction field!