BC CH. 10 Ordinary Construction

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of ordinary construction?

Wooden exterior walls

Steel exterior walls

Concrete exterior walls

Masonry exterior walls (correct)

Under which building code classification does ordinary construction fall?

Type IV

Type I

Type III (correct)

Type II

What significant change has recently been allowed by building codes in ordinary construction?

Use of fire retardant treated wood for exterior walls (correct)

Use of steel for interior framing

Use of plastic insulation in cavity walls

Use of unprotected wood for exterior walls

What is a cockloft in ordinary construction?

A void space between the top floor ceiling and the roof Signup and view all the answers

What role do ventilators in a cockloft play?

Indicate the presence of a cockloft Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant fire hazard in ordinary construction?

Void spaces Signup and view all the answers

What recent building code allowance pertains to the use of wood in ordinary construction?

Fire retardant treated wood specified for structural elements Signup and view all the answers

What can compromise the effectiveness of masonry walls as fire barriers?

Improper installation techniques Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of elongation in construction materials under fire conditions?

Elongation and structural failure Signup and view all the answers

What false impression might people have regarding ordinary construction that appears fire-resistive?

False sense of security Signup and view all the answers

Which problem can arise from uneven settlement in composite wall constructions?

Wall cracking and potential failure Signup and view all the answers

What primary function do cavity walls serve in construction?

Rain penetration limitation Signup and view all the answers

What risk is associated with poorly vented hollow masonry walls?

Accumulation of carbon monoxide Signup and view all the answers

What issue can wooden beams encased in masonry create during a fire?

Potential for early failure Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mortar is especially vulnerable to washout, risking wall integrity?

Sand-lime mortar Signup and view all the answers

What are parapet walls at risk of due to environmental factors?

Weather-related deterioration Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters focus on when dealing with buildings that have compromised fire barriers?

Implementing a collapse zone Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant fire hazard posed by lightweight wood truss roofs?

Rapid collapse during a fire Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary cause of structural issues in buildings affected by water damage during firefighting operations?

Masonry wall collapse Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can create hidden hazards during the renovation of older buildings?

Creation of unforeseen structural weaknesses Signup and view all the answers

What often takes precedence over fire safety when restoring historical structures?

Historical preservation Signup and view all the answers

What has led to the lack of distinction between ordinary and fireproof construction methods?

Use of modern materials and techniques Signup and view all the answers

Which construction practice can increase fire risk in contemporary buildings?

Dependent use of lightweight materials Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern with composite walls in ordinary construction?

Uneven settlement leading to structural cracking Signup and view all the answers

What important function does coping serve on a masonry wall?

Protecting the top of the wall from weather elements Signup and view all the answers

What defines a composite wall in masonry construction?

A wall combining two different masonry materials acting as one Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant fire risk associated with renovations in ordinary construction?

Reduced fire resistance due to structural changes Signup and view all the answers

What issue commonly arises from aging materials in buildings characterized as ordinary construction?

Structural deterioration leading to potential failure Signup and view all the answers

What does firestopping aim to accomplish within building structures?

Stop the spread of fire and smoke Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of load-bearing walls in ordinary construction?

To support the weight of the entire structure above Signup and view all the answers

What is a prevalent fire hazard linked to modern buildings featuring void spaces?

Accumulation of combustible gases within hidden areas Signup and view all the answers

Which material has significantly replaced solid sawn wood joists in contemporary construction practices?

Lightweight wood trusses and wooden I-beams Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ordinary Construction Characteristics

Ordinary construction primarily features masonry exterior walls, which provide a standard fire resistance.
Classified under Type III building code, allowing for specific construction techniques and materials.
Recent code updates permit the use of fire retardant treated wood for exterior walls, enhancing fire safety.

Cockloft and Ventilation

A cockloft is a void space found between the top floor ceiling and the roof, significant for fire dynamics.
Ventilators in cocklofts serve to indicate the presence of such spaces, critical during fire assessments.

Fire Hazards and Structural Integrity

Void spaces within ordinary construction pose substantial fire hazards by allowing fire and smoke spread.
Effectiveness of masonry walls as fire barriers can be compromised by openings, poor construction, or material deterioration.
Water damage during firefighting can lead to the collapse of masonry walls, posing risks to firefighters and occupants.

Renovation Challenges

Renovating older buildings can conceal hidden hazards, potentially leading to structural collapse.
Historical preservation often takes precedence over fire safety in the restoration of historic buildings, complicating modern safety measures.

Fire Risk Factors

New construction techniques and lightweight materials can increase fire risks, blurring the distinction with early fireproof designs.
Composite walls may experience uneven settlement, leading to structural cracking and failure over time.

Masonry Construction Concepts

Adobe bricks are traditional building materials composed of clay, water, and straw.
Cantilever walls are freestanding structures unsupported at the top, essential in certain architectural designs.
Composite walls consist of two different masonry materials acting as a single entity, enhancing structural properties.

Restoration Focus

The main aim of restoration is the preservation of original structures and materials, which may conflict with modern safety upgrades.
Firestopping techniques are vital in preventing the spread of fire and smoke between compartments in buildings.

Modern Construction Concerns

Modern structures often utilize lightweight wood trusses or wooden I-beams, promoting efficiency but raising fire safety concerns.
Unprotected steel used in roofing can elongate and fail under fire conditions, leading to dangerous structural collapses.

General Problems in Ordinary Construction

Composite walls may develop issues from uneven settlement, leading to potential complications like wall cracking.
Cavity walls are designed primarily to combat rain penetration, crucial for maintaining interior structure integrity.

Structural Stability and Vulnerabilities

Sand-lime mortar is particularly susceptible to washout, which can result in wall collapse under stress.
Parapet walls are exposed to weather-related deterioration, requiring regular maintenance to ensure stability.

Risks During Firefighting

In compromised buildings, establishing a collapse zone is critical for firefighter safety.
Traditional wood beam connections often utilize mortise and tenon joints, which can weaken in fire scenarios.

Rooftop Hazard Awareness

Lightweight wood truss roofs are significantly at risk for rapid collapse during a fire, necessitating caution and strategic planning.

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Description

This quiz explores key characteristics of ordinary construction, focusing on fire resistance and safety measures. It covers topics such as masonry walls, cocklofts, and the potential fire hazards posed by void spaces. Understanding these elements is crucial for assessing fire safety in Type III buildings.