BC Ch. 9 Heavy Timber and Mill Construction

Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of Heavy Timber Construction?

Use of thin wooden panels for aesthetic purposes

Use of lightweight steel framing

Use of large, solid wood beams and columns for structural support (correct)

Use of concrete blocks for foundation work

What distinguishes Mill Construction from other forms of Heavy Timber Construction?

It uses plastic beams

It features hollow columns

It is primarily used for residential buildings

It uses non-combustible exterior walls (correct)

What is the natural fire resistance feature of Heavy Timber Construction?

The wood is treated with fireproof chemicals

The beams are coated with a metal layer

The thick wood members char on the outside, insulating the interior (correct)

The wood is soaked in water before installation

During what period did Heavy Timber Construction see a significant increase due to industrial needs?

Industrial Revolution Signup and view all the answers

Why is Heavy Timber Construction considered environmentally beneficial?

Wood is a renewable resource Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a challenge associated with Heavy Timber Construction?

It requires regular maintenance to prevent moisture intrusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary structural function of a beam in Heavy Timber Construction?

To bear loads and support structures Signup and view all the answers

What material is primarily used in Heavy Timber Construction?

Solid wood Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of moisture exposure in Heavy Timber structures?

It can lead to mold growth and wood decay. Signup and view all the answers

What purpose do Mass Plywood Panels (MPP) serve in modern construction?

They contribute to the trend of using wood in taller structures. Signup and view all the answers

What does the fire resistance of Heavy Timber structures primarily rely upon?

The charred layer that forms on large wooden timbers. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of building codes for Type IV-A construction, what are the new height limits?

Up to 18 stories with mass timber covered in gypsum board. Signup and view all the answers

What critical factor affects the fire safety strategy in Heavy Timber buildings?

The operation of functional sprinkler systems. Signup and view all the answers

Why might abandoned Heavy Timber Buildings pose a significant risk?

They are prone to arson and can lead to massive fires. Signup and view all the answers

Which firefighting recommendation is advised for vacant Heavy Timber Buildings?

Establish large collapse zones for safety. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if fire barriers are removed from Vacant Heavy Timber Buildings?

They facilitate rapid fire spread throughout the building. Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'Prefire Planning' play in managing Heavy Timber structures?

To identify effective firefighting strategies and needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common attribute of modern Heavy Timber Construction like CLT?

It uses engineered wood products for stability. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'beam' in construction?

A large, horizontal structural member used to support floors or roofs Signup and view all the answers

What defines a 'column' in the context of construction?

A vertical structural member that carries the load from the beams to the foundation Signup and view all the answers

How does 'char' contribute to fire resistance in heavy timber?

It forms a protective barrier that insulates the interior wood from further combustion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of 'non-combustible materials' in mill construction?

To prevent ignition and burning when exposed to fire Signup and view all the answers

What denotes the importance of 'engineered wood products' in modern construction?

They are created by bonding wood fibers or veneers, making them stronger and more stable than solid wood Signup and view all the answers

Which description accurately represents 'Mill Construction'?

Thick, solid wood floors and large timber beams paired with non-combustible exterior walls Signup and view all the answers

What function do 'Fire Cut Girders' serve in Mill Construction?

To prevent the wall from being pulled down if the girder collapses Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a 'scupper' in Mill Construction?

To drain water and prevent excessive load on floors Signup and view all the answers

Why are concealed spaces avoided in Mill Construction?

To reduce the spread of fire Signup and view all the answers

What is a misconception about 'Slow Burning' in Heavy Timber Construction?

It underestimates the danger of prolonged burning, which can lead to a conflagration Signup and view all the answers

In Heavy Timber Buildings, what is the danger of 'Conflagration Breeders'?

Structures that can initiate large, uncontrollable fires due to factors like radiant heat and fire brands Signup and view all the answers

What fire hazard is linked to the use of unprotected steel in Heavy Timber Buildings?

Steel can fail early in a fire, leading to potential collapse Signup and view all the answers

Why are sprinkler systems vital in Heavy Timber Buildings?

They ensure that fires are quickly controlled and do not spread Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes 'Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)'?

A wood panel made by gluing layers of lumber together with each layer perpendicular to the previous one Signup and view all the answers

What issue does 'delamination' present in CLT during a fire?

The glue holding layers together can fail, leading to delamination Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Heavy Timber Construction Characteristics

Heavy Timber Construction utilizes large, solid wood beams and columns for structural integrity.
Fire resistance is achieved as thick wood members char on the outside, creating an insulating barrier for the interior.

Mill Construction Specifics

Distinguished from Heavy Timber Construction by the use of non-combustible exterior walls.
Incorporates thick, solid wood floors and large timber beams alongside non-combustible materials.

Environmental Benefits

Heavy Timber is considered environmentally friendly due to wood being a renewable resource.

Challenges

Requires regular maintenance to prevent moisture intrusion and potential fire hazards.
Modifications to old Heavy Timber buildings can compromise fire resistance, especially when unprotected steel is involved.

Structural Components

Beams serve as horizontal structural members supporting roofs and floors.
Columns are vertical members carrying load from beams to the foundation.

Fire Resistance

Non-combustible materials in Mill Construction prevent ignition during fire exposure.
"Char" formation on large timbers acts as a protective layer, preserving the core from combustion.

Significant Terminology

"Conflagration Breeders" refer to structures that may initiate large, uncontrollable fires.
"Delamination" in Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) can weaken the structure during a fire.

Modern Engineering

Engineered wood products have enhanced strength and stability compared to solid wood.
Mass Plywood Panels (MPP) consist of layers of wood veneers bonded together, used in taller structures.

Safety Measures

Functional sprinkler systems are critical for quick fire control and preventing large-scale fires.
Fire Cut Girders in Mill Construction prevent walls from collapsing if girders fail.

Code and Regulation

New Type IV-A construction codes permit up to 18 stories with mass timber covered in gypsum board for enhanced fire safety.
Minimum wood column dimensions in Heavy Timber buildings are 8 inches in any dimension, with specific sizes for supporting loads.

Emergency Preparedness

Prefire planning is essential for determining effective firefighting strategies and resource allocation.
Caution is necessary during firefighting in modified Heavy Timber buildings due to the risk of unprotected steel elements.

Case Studies

The Worcester Cold Storage Fire highlighted the need for effective fire prevention measures in vacant heavy timber buildings.

Key Points on Fire Hazards

Concealed spaces in modern renovations can allow undetected fire spread, raising safety concerns.
Vacant Heavy Timber buildings without proper fire barriers can experience rapid fire propagation.

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Description

This quiz explores the characteristics, specifics, and environmental benefits of Heavy Timber and Mill Construction. It also addresses the challenges and structural components unique to these construction types. Test your knowledge on the principles that define these methods.