BC CH. 10 Ordinary Construction

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.

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.