BC Ch. 14 Specific Occupancy-Related Construction Hazards

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Questions and Answers

What does building occupancy classification determine?

The number of windows a building can have

The materials used in construction

How a building is constructed and regulated by building and fire codes (correct)

The color of the building

What is a common characteristic of garden apartment buildings?

They are constructed entirely of steel

They often feature a combination of solid masonry, brick veneer, wood, and other materials (correct)

They have no balconies

They are exclusively single-story

Which construction method is known for using tilt-slab concrete with precast wall panels?

Tilt-slab concrete with precast wall panels (correct)

Wood

Adobe bricks

Straw bales

What is a significant challenge in fighting fires in massive single-structure apartment buildings?

Numerous void spaces that facilitate rapid fire spread Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of firestopping measures in building construction?

To seal openings and prevent fire and smoke from spreading Signup and view all the answers

What are 'toothpick towers'?

Massive single-structure apartment buildings with lightweight construction Signup and view all the answers

Why is preplanning important for firefighting in apartment buildings?

To ensure efficient and safe firefighting operations Signup and view all the answers

Why are inmates in jails and prisons particularly vulnerable during a fire?

Inmates are restrained and unable to self-evacuate Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is critical to check during preplanning for fire rescue in apartment buildings?

The location of emergency exits and access points Signup and view all the answers

Which design characteristic is typical of California Bungalows?

One-story design with small rafters and no ridge beam Signup and view all the answers

What building feature often complicates firefighting efforts in high-rise apartments?

Complex structural designs with hidden pathways Signup and view all the answers

What type of construction is frequently employed in strip mall buildings?

Noncombustible (Type II) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the construction material of a building affect fire safety?

Lightweight construction materials can facilitate quicker fire spread Signup and view all the answers

What makes attic spaces a notable fire hazard in many buildings?

They often lack a fire-rated ceiling and allow rapid fire spread Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines early fire-resistive high-rise buildings?

Unprotected steel, cast-iron columns, and inadequate fireproofing Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant concern regarding modern high-rise buildings in relation to fire safety?

Lightweight construction and reduced fire resistance Signup and view all the answers

How do gypsum board fire barriers perform under fire conditions?

Gypsum board can deteriorate when exposed to fire, compromising its effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What hazard can noncombustible warehouses present during fire incidents?

They can disintegrate and collapse if not designed to resist fire Signup and view all the answers

What type of sprinkler system is best for proper coverage in buildings?

NFPA 13 Signup and view all the answers

Type III construction is characterized by which of the following materials?

Lightweight wood-frame materials Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason why attic fires can be particularly hazardous in homes?

Lack of heat detection systems Signup and view all the answers

What is a common oversight in fire walls of large apartment buildings?

They frequently lack parapets Signup and view all the answers

California Bungalows are usually constructed using which materials?

Wood frame with peaked roofs Signup and view all the answers

What is a main characteristic of balloon-frame construction in homes?

Allows rapid fire spread Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable trait of modern high-rise buildings?

Lightweight construction materials Signup and view all the answers

How can the stack effect influence smoke movement in high-rise buildings?

Causes vertical movement of smoke and air Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a fire command center in high-rise buildings?

Controlling fire safety features Signup and view all the answers

What risk does a glass exterior present in high-rise buildings during a fire?

Can fail suddenly trapping heat and smoke Signup and view all the answers

What is the crucial role of fire barriers in construction?

Sectioning off areas to limit fire spread Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant fire risk associated with jails and prisons?

Polyurethane foam in padded cells Signup and view all the answers

In building terminology, what are 'taxpayers'?

Temporary one-story revenue-generating buildings Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable fire hazard found in strip malls?

Common attic spaces facilitating fire spread Signup and view all the answers

Why are warehouses a significant fire hazard?

Large concentrations of stored goods Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Building Occupancy and Construction

Building occupancy classification dictates how a building is constructed and regulated by building and fire codes.
Garden apartment buildings often combine solid masonry, brick veneer, wood, and other materials in their construction.
Massive single-structure apartment buildings (referred to as "toothpick towers") present challenges due to numerous void spaces that facilitate rapid fire spread.

Firefighting and Safety Preplanning

Preplanning is crucial for ensuring efficient and safe firefighting operations in apartment buildings.
Key preplanning considerations include identifying the type of sprinkler system (NFPA 13 vs. 13R) and its coverage.

Construction Types and Hazards

Type III construction generally involves lightweight wood-frame materials, which may present risk factors.
Ineffective fire barriers in attics pose significant fire hazards in garden apartments.
Fire walls in massive apartment buildings often lack parapets, increasing the risk of fire spreading over the roof.

Features and Risks of Various Building Styles

California Bungalows typically feature wood frames with peaked roofs and small rafters.
Attic fires in single-family homes are dangerous as they often go undetected due to the absence of heat detectors.
Victorian-style homes, known for balloon-frame construction, allow rapid fire spread.

Modern High-Rise Buildings

Modern high-rise buildings utilize lightweight construction methods to reduce overall weight and cost.
The stack effect in high-rise buildings can cause vertical movement of smoke and air, impacting fire behavior and safety.

Fire Command Centers and Glass Exteriors

Fire command centers in high-rise buildings serve to monitor and control fire safety features.
Glass exteriors can fail suddenly during fires, trapping heat and smoke, posing additional risks.

Fire Safety Features in Construction

Fire walls play a critical role in separating units in multifamily residential structures to prevent fire spread.
Draft stops limit the size of combustible void areas, slowing down fire spread within buildings.
Fire barriers are essential as they section off areas to limit fire spread throughout a building.

Specific Hazards in Jails, Prisons, and Commercial Spaces

Significant fire risk in jails and prisons includes the use of polyurethane foam in padded cells.
"Taxpayer" buildings refer to temporary one-story structures designed for revenue generation.
In strip malls, common attic or cockloft spaces can facilitate the rapid spread of fire between stores.

Warehouse and Storage Fire Risks

Warehouses are hazardous due to large concentrations of fuel and stored goods.
Modern rack storage warehouses often utilize unprotected steel racks, increasing fire risk.
Noncombustible warehouse buildings typically use tilt-slab concrete with precast wall panels.

Fire Prevention Measures and Their Importance

Firestopping measures seal openings to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, enhancing safety.
Jails and prisons face challenges during fires as inmates may be restrained and unable to escape.
Many structures' attic spaces are significant fire hazards due to the lack of fire-rated ceilings.

Construction Features and Fire Resistance

Early fire-resistive high-rise buildings often had unprotected steel, cast-iron columns, leading to inadequate fireproofing.
Modern lightweight construction methods in high-rises reduce fire resistance, necessitating strategic management in fire situations.
Gypsum board fire barriers can deteriorate under fire exposure, compromising their effectiveness.

Conclusion on Fire Hazards

Common materials for draft stops include non-rated materials like plywood or chipboard, which may not offer adequate fire resistance.
Fire risk in strip malls is exacerbated by large shared attic or cockloft spaces, which help facilitate fire spread.
Maintenance operations in high-rise buildings can create additional fire hazards due to the accumulation of trash and debris.

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Description

Test your knowledge on building occupancy classification and related concepts. This quiz features multiple-choice questions that explore how buildings are constructed and regulated according to building and fire codes. Perfect for architecture students and professionals!