74 Questions
What was the primary source of information for this guide?
Los Angeles Fire Department Book 29 Building Construction
Why are new construction methods usually not designed to assist fire suppression operations?
They prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness over fire safety
How have building materials changed in modern construction compared to conventional construction?
Heavy timbers have been replaced by smaller dimension lumber
What is one of the most valuable factors that is being lost due to changes in the chemical composition of building materials?
Time in fire suppression operations
Building construction knowledge helps with: Structural Integrity • Ladder Placement • Forcible Entry / Search and • Rescue • Ventilation Feasibility
True
What should be evaluated to determine the remaining time necessary to conduct safe fireground operations?
The effects from fire on a particular type of construction
Why is the integrity of a working surface (i.e., roof and floor decking) evaluated for safe operations, as mentioned in the text?
to determine the remaining time necessary to conduct safe fireground operations.
Where should ladders be placed for stability and strength during ladder operations?
To the strong area of the building
What is the primary purpose of determining the direction of structural members (rafters/joists) before initiating ventilation?
To enhance safe and effective cutting operations
How does building construction knowledge contribute to ventilation feasibility?
By identifying potential hazards and obstacles that may affect ventilation operations
What is the purpose of Size-Up according to the provided text?
To estimate the situation and determine a course of action
What should be taken into consideration to determine the remaining time necessary to conduct safe fireground operations?
Perceived factors like occupancy type, exposure, involvement on arrival
Which of the following is NOT part of size up?
Call for back up
When there is a structure fire, what should be one of the first considerations of "analyzing the situation"
type and construction of the building
The type and construction of the building will help determine what?
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
What is the purpose of visually sizing up old and new construction methods and styles?
To determine related strengths and hazards
Why is the integrity of a working surface (i.e., roof and floor decking) evaluated for safe operations?
To identify potential hazards and weaknesses
What should you do when conducting a building size up?
Undress the building "visualize the inside"
In conventional construction, what do structural members depend on for strength?
Their size
What factor determines the size of a structural member in conventional construction?
The span it needs to support
What does conventional construction not usually depend on for its strength?
Sum total of all structural parts
Which is true of conventional construction?
Size = strength
In lightweight truss construction, where does the strength come from?
The total sum of the other members
What happens if one member fails in lightweight truss construction?
Others may also fail
What is a primary consideration when evaluating lightweight truss construction for fireground operations?
The size and spacing of the truss members
What is a potential drawback of using 2 x 4's in lightweight truss construction?
They are less resistant to heat and fire
A conventional building construction will collapse faster than a lightweight building construction.
False
A single lightweight truss structural member can span
70 ft
In conventional construction, what does not typically rely on a sum total of members for strength?
Ceiling joists
What is a common size standard for lightweight construction?
2-in x 3-in and 2-in x 4-in
What can be expected to collapse as a unit into the structure in lightweight truss construction during fire exposure?
Roof decking and ceiling joists
What is a notable characteristic of wood size in conventional construction?
Standard use of 2-in x 4-in wood
The ability to accurately estimate the amount of time that a structure can be considered structurally strong is dependent on the following factors EXCEPT:
How many firefighters are working on the fire
What are the rafters usually made of in a Gable Roof A-frame configuration?
2 x 6 inches or larger
What is the typical spacing for rafters in a Gable Roof A-frame configuration?
16 inches to 24 inches on-center
What is the purpose of a ridge board in a Gable Roof A-frame configuration?
To support and connect the rafters at the peak of the roof
What are 2 x 6 inch rafters commonly utilized for in roof construction?
Supporting collar beams and ceiling joists
How were 2 x 6 inch rafters positioned for steep pitched roofs?
Butted together without a ridge board
What was the composition of the ridge in conventional roof construction?
1 x 6 inch ridge board or absence of a ridge board which resulted in the 2 x 6 inch rafters butted together
What are the main components of truss systems used in lightweight construction?
Top chords, bottom chords, and webbing
What are the connectors used to hold the wood trusses together in lightweight construction?
Metal gusset plate connectors
What is the most common thickness of 18 gauge steel plates used as metal gusset place connectors?
3/8 inch
What is the typical on-center spacing for truss rafters in lightweight construction?
24 inches
What is the primary purpose of a ridge board in conventional construction?
To support the rafters and provide strength to the roof structure
What is a potential drawback of using 2 x 3 or 2 x 4 inch trusses with metal gusset plate connectors?
Reduced burning time and potential early failure rate
What is the primary drawback of using plywood as a decking in newer roofs?
Minimal resistance to fire
What is the size or ridges and rafters in hip roof?
2 x 6 in or larger
What is a potential hazard of roofs with a steep pitch?
Need for roof ladders for ventilation operations
What are the areas of strength in a hip roof?
Ridge board, valley rafters, hip rafters, and the area where rafters cross the outside walls
What is the typical material used for wooden truss members in bridge truss roofs?
2 x 12 inch lumber
What was the primary era of construction for buildings with bridge truss roofs?
1930's and 1940's
What type of sheathing was typically utilized in conventional roof construction before 1933?
Straight sheathing
What type of sheathing was typically utilized in conventional roof construction AFTER 1933?
Diagonal sheathing
What is a notable characteristic of the roof that fails predictably in sections when exposed to fire?
Characteristic sloping ends
What is the strength of a bridge truss roof dependent on?
Size of lumber utilized and the span of trusses
What is a notable characteristic of Bowstring Arch Roofs?
They were constructed during the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's
What is the typical size of the lumber used for arch trusses in Bowstring Arch Roofs?
2 x 12 or 2 x 14 inches
What is a strength of bowstring arched roofs?
it usually fails in sections, depending on the type of fire and structural integrity of the roof.
What are lamella arch roofs made of?
2 x12 in wood framing with steel plates and bolts at junctions
Where are lamella arch roofs common at?
Gyms, large buildings, large supermarkets
What is a hazard of Lamella Arch Roof?
total roof collapse may occur if fire removes more than 20% of the roof structure (domino effect)
Which type of roof uses metal tie rods to offer lateral support?
Tied Truss Arch Roof
What is the primary hazard of the tied truss arch roof?
early failure of the metal tie rods and turnbuckles.
What is the sawtooth roof constructed with?
rafters of 2 x 8 inches or larger and utilizes wood and/or metal supports for bracing
Consider the perimeter of the building a strong point in a conventional flat roof?
True
What is the primary purpose of fire cuts in construction?
To prevent wall collapse in the event of fire
What is a potential drawback of using 2 x 3 or 2 x 4 inch trusses with metal gusset plate connectors?
Reduced structural integrity
What will have a direct effect on the area and travel of a fire in relation to facades?
The size or extension of the facade from the building
What is a common characteristic of Bungalow Construction?
Utilization of rough-cut 2 x 4 inch studs and rafters
What is an important consideration when evaluating Balloon Construction?
The absence of horizontal fire blocking in the walls
What is typically hidden by Balloon Construction?
Open vertical pathways to the attic
What will enhance the structural stability of a facade?
Support from pillars, posts, or other means
What is typically concealed by facades?
The roof line
Which equipment indicates that the roof is in close proximity when seen above a facade?
Windows
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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