Building Construction till pg. 21
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary source of information for this guide?

  • Fresno Fire Department's internal guidelines
  • Innovators' contributions in the fire service
  • National Fire Protection Association standards
  • Los Angeles Fire Department Book 29 Building Construction (correct)

    • Why are new construction methods usually not designed to assist fire suppression operations?

  • They prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness over fire safety (correct)
  • They lack the necessary materials for fire suppression
  • They are not approved by the fire department
  • They require more labor for fire safety features

    • How have building materials changed in modern construction compared to conventional construction?

  • Petroleum-based products have replaced natural materials
  • Heavy timbers have been replaced by smaller dimension lumber (correct)
  • Petrochemical based compounds have replaced conventional building materials
  • Heavy timbers have been replaced by steel beams

    • What is one of the most valuable factors that is being lost due to changes in the chemical composition of building materials?

    <p>Time in fire suppression operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Building construction knowledge helps with: Structural Integrity • Ladder Placement • Forcible Entry / Search and • Rescue • Ventilation Feasibility

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be evaluated to determine the remaining time necessary to conduct safe fireground operations?

    <p>The effects from fire on a particular type of construction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the integrity of a working surface (i.e., roof and floor decking) evaluated for safe operations, as mentioned in the text?

    <p>to determine the remaining time necessary to conduct safe fireground operations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where should ladders be placed for stability and strength during ladder operations?

    <p>To the strong area of the building</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of determining the direction of structural members (rafters/joists) before initiating ventilation?

    <p>To enhance safe and effective cutting operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does building construction knowledge contribute to ventilation feasibility?

    <p>By identifying potential hazards and obstacles that may affect ventilation operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of Size-Up according to the provided text?

    <p>To estimate the situation and determine a course of action</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be taken into consideration to determine the remaining time necessary to conduct safe fireground operations?

    <p>Perceived factors like occupancy type, exposure, involvement on arrival</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT part of size up?

    <p>Call for back up</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When there is a structure fire, what should be one of the first considerations of "analyzing the situation"

    <p>type and construction of the building</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The type and construction of the building will help determine what?

    <p>Rate of burning. Possible avenues of fire spread Problems that will have a direct impact on efforts to confine a fire Structural integrity Time necessary to conduct safe fireground operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of visually sizing up old and new construction methods and styles?

    <p>To determine related strengths and hazards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the integrity of a working surface (i.e., roof and floor decking) evaluated for safe operations?

    <p>To identify potential hazards and weaknesses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should you do when conducting a building size up?

    <p>Undress the building &quot;visualize the inside&quot;</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In conventional construction, what do structural members depend on for strength?

    <p>Their size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor determines the size of a structural member in conventional construction?

    <p>The span it needs to support</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does conventional construction not usually depend on for its strength?

    <p>Sum total of all structural parts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is true of conventional construction?

    <p>Size = strength</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In lightweight truss construction, where does the strength come from?

    <p>The total sum of the other members</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if one member fails in lightweight truss construction?

    <p>Others may also fail</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary consideration when evaluating lightweight truss construction for fireground operations?

    <p>The size and spacing of the truss members</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential drawback of using 2 x 4's in lightweight truss construction?

    <p>They are less resistant to heat and fire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A conventional building construction will collapse faster than a lightweight building construction.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A single lightweight truss structural member can span

    <p>70 ft</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In conventional construction, what does not typically rely on a sum total of members for strength?

    <p>Ceiling joists</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common size standard for lightweight construction?

    <p>2-in x 3-in and 2-in x 4-in</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be expected to collapse as a unit into the structure in lightweight truss construction during fire exposure?

    <p>Roof decking and ceiling joists</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable characteristic of wood size in conventional construction?

    <p>Standard use of 2-in x 4-in wood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ability to accurately estimate the amount of time that a structure can be considered structurally strong is dependent on the following factors EXCEPT:

    <p>How many firefighters are working on the fire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the rafters usually made of in a Gable Roof A-frame configuration?

    <p>2 x 6 inches or larger</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical spacing for rafters in a Gable Roof A-frame configuration?

    <p>16 inches to 24 inches on-center</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a ridge board in a Gable Roof A-frame configuration?

    <p>To support and connect the rafters at the peak of the roof</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are 2 x 6 inch rafters commonly utilized for in roof construction?

    <p>Supporting collar beams and ceiling joists</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How were 2 x 6 inch rafters positioned for steep pitched roofs?

    <p>Butted together without a ridge board</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the composition of the ridge in conventional roof construction?

    <p>1 x 6 inch ridge board or absence of a ridge board which resulted in the 2 x 6 inch rafters butted together</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the main components of truss systems used in lightweight construction?

    <p>Top chords, bottom chords, and webbing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the connectors used to hold the wood trusses together in lightweight construction?

    <p>Metal gusset plate connectors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common thickness of 18 gauge steel plates used as metal gusset place connectors?

    <p>3/8 inch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical on-center spacing for truss rafters in lightweight construction?

    <p>24 inches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a ridge board in conventional construction?

    <p>To support the rafters and provide strength to the roof structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential drawback of using 2 x 3 or 2 x 4 inch trusses with metal gusset plate connectors?

    <p>Reduced burning time and potential early failure rate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary drawback of using plywood as a decking in newer roofs?

    <p>Minimal resistance to fire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the size or ridges and rafters in hip roof?

    <p>2 x 6 in or larger</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential hazard of roofs with a steep pitch?

    <p>Need for roof ladders for ventilation operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the areas of strength in a hip roof?

    <p>Ridge board, valley rafters, hip rafters, and the area where rafters cross the outside walls</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical material used for wooden truss members in bridge truss roofs?

    <p>2 x 12 inch lumber</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary era of construction for buildings with bridge truss roofs?

    <p>1930's and 1940's</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of sheathing was typically utilized in conventional roof construction before 1933?

    <p>Straight sheathing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of sheathing was typically utilized in conventional roof construction AFTER 1933?

    <p>Diagonal sheathing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable characteristic of the roof that fails predictably in sections when exposed to fire?

    <p>Characteristic sloping ends</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the strength of a bridge truss roof dependent on?

    <p>Size of lumber utilized and the span of trusses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable characteristic of Bowstring Arch Roofs?

    <p>They were constructed during the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical size of the lumber used for arch trusses in Bowstring Arch Roofs?

    <p>2 x 12 or 2 x 14 inches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a strength of bowstring arched roofs?

    <p>it usually fails in sections, depending on the type of fire and structural integrity of the roof.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are lamella arch roofs made of?

    <p>2 x12 in wood framing with steel plates and bolts at junctions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are lamella arch roofs common at?

    <p>Gyms, large buildings, large supermarkets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a hazard of Lamella Arch Roof?

    <p>total roof collapse may occur if fire removes more than 20% of the roof structure (domino effect)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of roof uses metal tie rods to offer lateral support?

    <p>Tied Truss Arch Roof</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary hazard of the tied truss arch roof?

    <p>early failure of the metal tie rods and turnbuckles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the sawtooth roof constructed with?

    <p>rafters of 2 x 8 inches or larger and utilizes wood and/or metal supports for bracing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Consider the perimeter of the building a strong point in a conventional flat roof?

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of fire cuts in construction?

    <p>To prevent wall collapse in the event of fire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential drawback of using 2 x 3 or 2 x 4 inch trusses with metal gusset plate connectors?

    <p>Reduced structural integrity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What will have a direct effect on the area and travel of a fire in relation to facades?

    <p>The size or extension of the facade from the building</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of Bungalow Construction?

    <p>Utilization of rough-cut 2 x 4 inch studs and rafters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important consideration when evaluating Balloon Construction?

    <p>The absence of horizontal fire blocking in the walls</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically hidden by Balloon Construction?

    <p>Open vertical pathways to the attic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What will enhance the structural stability of a facade?

    <p>Support from pillars, posts, or other means</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically concealed by facades?

    <p>The roof line</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which equipment indicates that the roof is in close proximity when seen above a facade?

    <p>Windows</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Wooden I Beam Roof

    • Wooden I Beam construction features parallel top and bottom chords connected by a wooden stem, effectively distributing loads.
    • The design induces compression in the top chord and tension in the bottom chord, creating a bridging effect.
    • Prefabrication occurs at factories with materials like 2x4s or occasionally 2x3s for the chords.
    • Horizontal laminations may allow low-grade lumber to serve as structural members.
    • The 3/8 inch plywood or chip-board stems connect to chords with a continuous glued-edge joint.
    • Common installation configurations involve securing either the top or bottom chord to bearing walls with the opposite member unsupported.
    • On-center spacing of joists is typically 24 inches, with nailing blocks added for enhanced sheet plywood attachment.
    • Diaphragm nailing is used for securing plywood to structural members, emphasizing staggered joints for strength.
    • Fire hazards include rapid degradation of the wooden stem and chords, leading to potential collapse with exposure.

    Open Web Roof

    • Open web construction employs parallel wooden chords with cross-connected steel tube web members for added strength.
    • The top chord is under load, creating compression, while the bottom chord remains unsupported, experiencing tension.
    • Spanning capabilities reach up to 70 feet with glued, mitered finger joints enabling longer single pieces.
    • Similar to wooden I Beams, on-center spacing is 24 inches, with nailing blocks providing additional support.
    • Fire hazards in these constructions include unprotected chords, leading to swift failure under heat conditions.

    Metal Gusset Plate Roof

    • Predominantly made from 2x4s, these roofs utilize metal gusset plates for structural connections.
    • Truss designs can vary (flat, gable, etc.) and accommodate spans up to 80 feet using 2x4s.
    • Construction details involve 18-gauge steel plates with penetration prongs for stability.
    • Weaknesses include quick collapse due to heat exposure of wooden chords and metal connectors.

    Panelized Roof

    • These roofs combine laminated wood or metal beams with 2x4 joists and plywood decking.
    • Laminated beams, often spaced 12 to 40 feet apart, provide structural integrity for the roof.
    • Metal gusset plates are increasingly used, enhancing cost efficiency but introducing collapse risks under fire.
    • Nailing blocks are included for securing plywood, with fire conditions quickly compromising the materials involved.

    Open Web Bar Joist Roof

    • This roof features metal top and bottom chords with solid steel bar web supports.
    • Bar joist spacing can be as much as eight feet to support different decking materials.
    • The perimeter of the structure is considered a stronger area, but heat exposure poses a collapse risk.

    Lightweight Concrete Roof

    • Composed of a steel or wood sub-structure with a concrete layer for insulation; offers significant fire resistance.
    • Requires specialized cutting tools for ventilation, highlighting its structural resilience against fire.

    Metal Construction Methods

    • Corrugated metal buildings have diverse applications, utilizing wood or steel sub-structures, but fail quickly under extreme heat.
    • Metal beam structures vary from two stories to high-rises, with fire safety considerations due to material vulnerabilities.

    Concrete Construction Methods

    • Tilt-up buildings utilize pre-cast concrete slabs and are characterized by lightweight interior structures prone to rapid fire spread.
    • Firefighter safety is a primary concern with ventilation operations in these structures due to lightweight materials.

    Masonry Construction Methods

    • Brick buildings differ significantly pre and post-1933, with older structures posing severe operational hazards.
    • Innovations in building codes post-1933 improved earthquake resilience, demanding the integration of reinforcements and standards for safety.
    • Understanding construction variations and fire response strategies are crucial for mitigating risks in various building types.### Masonry Window Lintel
    • Lime mortar in bricks is white, porous, sandy, and easily removed.
    • Sloppy workmanship can result in uneven brick laying, with "king row" bricks laid on-end for added strength every fourth to seventh row.
    • Appearance-enhancing quality bricks often used on façades of unreinforced masonry buildings.
    • Indicators of unreinforced masonry: recessed windows, bond-beams over windows, rafter tie plates.
    • Required reinforcements per Earthquake Ordinance include steel bracing from parapets to roof and metal straps connecting walls.

    Hazards of Unreinforced Masonry

    • Primary collapse hazards: walls, roofs, and floors, especially after deterioration or fire exposure.
    • The design allows floor and roof joists to pull out during a fire, preventing wall collapse.
    • Arch-type roofs (bowstring, tied truss) can worsen collapse risks when modified, especially during fire conditions.

    Structural Considerations

    • Personnel placement is crucial; maintain a distance equal to the wall height due to potential outward collapse.
    • Recognize vertical openings, holes in floors, and stair removal that may weaken structural stability.

    Block Buildings

    • Constructed primarily of concrete blocks; strong and prevalent in various applications.
    • Often supports lightweight floor joists and roofs, with facades common in designs.

    Frame/Stucco Construction

    • Utilized for diverse applications; structurally sound yet may conceal extensive remodels.
    • Fire hazards include vertical fire spread if balloon construction is present, mitigated by horizontal fire blocking.

    Bungalow and Balloon Construction

    • Common in single-family dwellings from the 1920s to 1940s, using rough-cut lumber.
    • Bungalow construction employs older lightweight techniques; presence of termites and multiple roof layers impacts stability.
    • Balloon construction risks arise from a lack of fire blocking, allowing open vertical runs.

    Wooden I Beam Construction

    • Two parallel wooden chords connected by a wooden stem offer structural support.
    • Prefabricated open web construction presents rapid failure when exposed to fire due to unprotected chord members.

    Metal Gusset Plate Roofs

    • Composed of wooden trusses held with metal gusset plate connectors; a variety of shapes with common structural elements.
    • Fire exposure leads to rapid collapse risk; plywood decking offers minimal fire resistance.

    Panelized Roofs

    • Constructed from a mixture of beams, purlins, joists, and plywood.
    • Additional collapse risks from lightweight trusses and insufficient fire protection.

    Open Web Bar Joist Roofs

    • Utilizes steel chords with solid steel bars for web supports, common in various buildings.
    • Metal's weakness under high heat represents a major collapse risk when fully exposed to fire.

    Lightweight Concrete Roofs

    • Comprised of corrugated metal and a concrete mixture, offering strong, fire-resistant surfaces.
    • Difficult to penetrate for ventilation, requiring specialized tools for effective cutting.

    Metal Construction Methods

    • Corrugated and metal beam buildings vary widely; structurally strong yet prone to rapid failure under fire conditions.
    • Elevated fire and smoke risks in multi-story metal beam buildings necessitate careful fire response strategies.### Glass and Modern Building Materials
    • Falling panels of glass or building materials can pose significant hazards.
    • Brick buildings offer structural integrity and do not extend vertically through walls; newer designs may have brick veneer on lightweight construction.

    Fire Planning and Metal Expansion

    • Pre-fire planning and knowledge of building types are crucial for safety.
    • Metal beams can expand approximately 9 inches per 100 feet when exposed to heat, risking wall displacement.

    Concrete Construction: Tilt-Up Methods

    • Tilt-up buildings are created from concrete slabs "tilted up" to form walls and can reach heights of up to five stories.
    • Lightweight materials in interior components contribute to rapid fire spread and potential roof collapse.
    • Ventilation operations on tilt-up roofs require trained personnel due to inherent dangers.

    Masonry Construction Overview

    • Masonry buildings, especially those built with brick, vary significantly by construction era.
    • Pre-1930s brick buildings are often unreinforced, presenting severe risks during fires or earthquakes.
    • Major characteristics of pre-1933 masonry include:
      • Ordinary brick construction
      • Lime and sand mortar without cement
      • Lack of steel reinforcement

    Post-1933 Building Standards

    • Newer masonry buildings must meet updated safety standards following the 1933 Long Beach Earthquake:
      • Minimum nine-inch thick exterior walls
      • Required use of steel "rebar" reinforcement
      • Anchored rafters and joists for stability

    Modifications After 1959 and 1971

    • After the 1959 Tehachapi Earthquake, codes mandated:
      • Installation of bond-beam caps on parapet walls
      • Drilling and anchoring of exterior walls to rafters
    • The 1971 Sylmar Earthquake led to the Earthquake Ordinance for improving structural integrity:
      • Strengthening walls, floors, and roofs

    Identifying Unreinforced Masonry

    • Indicators of unreinforced masonry include:
      • Rafter tie plates on exteriors
      • Bond-beam caps atop parapet walls
      • Deeply recessed window frames
      • White, porous lime mortar that is easily worn away

    Hazards of Unreinforced Masonry

    • Common hazards include wall, roof, and floor collapses due to deteriorated lime mortar.
    • Anchoring rafters and joists increases collapse potential under fire conditions.
    • Arch roofs may exacerbate risks by pushing walls outward if modified improperly.

    Safe Practices During Emergencies

    • Personnel should maintain safe distances equal to the height of exterior walls during firefighting.
    • Safe zones include building corners and a distance away from the structure.

    Block Construction Characteristics

    • Block buildings often consist of concrete blocks, providing robust structural integrity.
    • Lightweight roofs and other architectural facades may be present in older constructions.

    Frame and Stucco Construction Hazards

    • Frame/stucco buildings vary widely in age and structure but are typically sound.
    • Vertical fire spread may occur, especially in balloon frame constructions, but is often mitigated by horizontal fire blocking.
    • Facades can conceal fire spread and function as external attics, complicating fire management.

    Summary of Construction Types

    • Understanding building types, their construction methods, and associated hazards is vital for effective emergency response and safety planning.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge of building construction standards with this quiz based on the Los Angeles Fire Department Book 29. This guide follows industry recommendations and standards in collaboration with the innovative contributions of the fire service.

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