Chapter 12. Special Structures and Design Features

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Questions and Answers

What height is typically defined as a high-rise building according to model building codes?

  • 50 feet
  • 75 feet (correct)
  • 100 feet
  • 60 feet

What special protection problems do increases in building height create for high-rise buildings?

  • Increased elevator speed
  • Reduced coordination of resources
  • Dependence on safety features of the building (correct)
  • Decreased occupancy and activities

What makes exterior access difficult for high-rise buildings beyond the reach of aerial equipment?

  • Limited number of occupants
  • Less coordination needed
  • Shorter building height
  • Inaccessibility to staging and fire floors (correct)

Why do modern high-rise buildings often lack operable windows?

<p>To increase HVAC efficiency (B)</p>
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What innovation made high-rise buildings possible at the end of the 19th century?

<p>Steel-frame construction (A)</p>
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In early high-rise construction, what did open stairwells and elevator shafts permit?

<p>Vertical travel of smoke and fire (A)</p>
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Why do taller high-rise buildings with larger populations face challenges during evacuation under fire conditions?

<p>More difficult and time-consuming evacuations (B)</p>
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Why does the fire department need assistance from the engineering staff during emergency operations in modern high-rise buildings?

<p>To help with building operations (C)</p>
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What is a crucial aspect of fire protection in high-rise buildings according to the text?

<p>Standpipes (D)</p>
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What was the main form of fire protection in early high-rise buildings?

<p>Standpipe systems (A)</p>
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Which NFPA standard mandates the use of pressure-reducing valves for standpipe systems?

<p>NFPA 14 (A)</p>
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What is the purpose of a pressure-reducing valve in a standpipe system?

<p>To decrease water pressure (A)</p>
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Where are standpipe risers and hose valves typically located in buildings?

<p>In stairwells (C)</p>
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Why are pressure-reducing valves necessary in standpipe systems?

<p>To maintain consistent water pressure at different heights (A)</p>
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What function do automatic sprinklers serve in fire protection?

<p>Suppress fires automatically (A)</p>
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What is the main reason for the use of standpipe systems in tall buildings?

<p>To provide quick deployment of hoselines during firefighting operations (A)</p>
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Why is preplanning essential for firefighters in buildings with partitions or rack storage?

<p>To ensure the safety of firefighters and facilitate navigation (A)</p>
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What is a recommended safety measure for firefighters entering areas with partitions or rack storage?

<p>Enter with a hoseline or a rope and tagline system (D)</p>
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Why are modern elevators considered critical for firefighters in high-rise buildings?

<p>To facilitate access to upper floors (B)</p>
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What is a key feature of modern codes related to elevator use for firefighters in high-rise buildings?

<p>Introducing dedicated elevators for fire department use (A)</p>
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Why is careful decision making required when using elevators during a fire event?

<p>To ensure firefighters remain below the fire floor (A)</p>
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What should firefighters be aware of when considering elevator use during an emergency?

<p>The location of protected stairs in relation to the elevator (B)</p>
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Why should firefighters never use an elevator that has been exposed to water during a fire event?

<p>Water may damage the elevator machinery (D)</p>
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When should firefighters consider using elevators during an emergency?

<p>If the fire is below the 5th floor (C)</p>
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What type of water supply is required in high-rise buildings located in seismic zones?

<p>Secondary on-site water supply in the form of a storage tank (D)</p>
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Since the mid-1970s, what systems have high-rise buildings been required to have?

<p>Automatic sprinkler systems and standpipe systems (D)</p>
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What is one typical feature found in a fire command center in high-rise buildings?

<p>Central/status panel for smoke management systems (C)</p>
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What is a means of vertical extension in a high-rise building mentioned in the text?

<p>Exterior fire spread (B)</p>
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In high-rise buildings, what type of structures are required to be enclosed to prevent vertical fire and smoke spread?

<p>Elevator shafts and stairwells (C)</p>
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What systems are typically monitored by the fire alarm system in high-rise buildings?

<p>Waterflow switches and detection devices (C)</p>
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What is NOT required to be monitored through the fire alarm system in high-rise buildings?

<p>Smoke detectors in individual residential units (C)</p>
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To prevent disorientation during a fire emergency, what must high-rise buildings have according to building codes?

<p><em>Visible exit signs, emergency lighting, and fire safety plans</em> (B)</p>
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What triggers the Phase I Operation of elevators in buildings?

<p>All of the above (D)</p>
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Which type of elevators are exempt from Phase I Operation requirements?

<p>Freight elevators (B)</p>
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What is the purpose of Phase I Operation during a fire?

<p>To prevent civilian deaths in elevators during fires (B)</p>
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In what situation does Phase II Operation override Phase I Operation?

<p>To allow firefighters to use elevators (C)</p>
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What poses challenges for firefighters in limited access buildings?

<p>Obstructed emergency access openings and limited access for firefighting and evacuation (D)</p>
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What are the requirements for fire safety in underground buildings?

<p>Emergency access openings and ventilation systems (B)</p>
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What are membrane structures constructed with and what do they use for shaping?

<p>Thin, waterproof fabric; air pressure (D)</p>
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What are the fire safety requirements for covered malls?

<p>Sprinklers, fire-resistive separations between stores, and smoke control systems (D)</p>
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What is the defining factor of a high-rise building according to model building codes?

<p>Exceeding 80 feet in height (D)</p>
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Why are modern high-rise buildings often constructed without operable windows?

<p>To ensure proper ventilation with HVAC systems (B)</p>
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What impact does an increase in building height have on the safety of occupants and firefighters?

<p>Enhances safety features of the building itself (C)</p>
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Why were early high-rise buildings usually limited to residential or office use?

<p>Limitations in building technology (B)</p>
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What is a challenge faced by firefighters in high-rise buildings beyond the reach of aerial equipment?

<p>Difficulty in accessing staging and fire floors (A)</p>
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Why do taller high-rise buildings with larger populations pose difficulties during evacuation under fire conditions?

<p>More time-consuming evacuations (C)</p>
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Why should firefighters arrange to meet someone involved with the engineering staff during emergency operations in modern high-rise buildings?

<p>For assistance with building operations (C)</p>
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What is a crucial reason for firefighters to preplan the building layout in high-rise buildings with partitions or rack storage?

<p>To locate the nearest protected stairs in relation to the elevator (D)</p>
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Why should firefighters always enter areas with partitions or rack storage with a hoseline or rope and tagline system?

<p>To ensure safety and avoid disorientation (B)</p>
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When should firefighters consider using an elevator during an emergency in a high-rise building?

<p>When evacuating occupants from below the fire floor (A)</p>
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What should firefighters be aware of when considering elevator use during an emergency in high-rise buildings?

<p>The operation of actual local elevator systems (D)</p>
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What is a primary consideration for firefighters using elevators during high-rise building emergencies?

<p>Determining the location of operable windows for ventilation (B)</p>
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Why are modern elevators considered vital for firefighters in high-rise buildings?

<p>To provide direct access to all floors for firefighting operations (B)</p>
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What is a significant challenge for firefighters responding to emergencies in buildings with partitions or rack storage?

<p>Preventing disorientation caused by partitions (A)</p>
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Why do elevators in high-rise buildings require careful decision-making during fire events?

<p>To avoid using elevators below ground level (D)</p>
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What is the purpose of Phase I Operation of elevators in buildings?

<p>To restrict elevator use during fires to prevent civilian deaths (B)</p>
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What is the primary function of a standpipe system in high-rise buildings?

<p>Facilitating rapid deployment of hoselines for firefighting (C)</p>
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Why is the pressure-reducing valve important in a standpipe system?

<p>To reduce the amount of water pressure to protect firefighters (D)</p>
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What challenges do limited access buildings pose for firefighters according to the text?

<p>Obstructed emergency access openings (B)</p>
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What distinguishes membrane structures mentioned in the text?

<p>Thin, waterproof fabric construction with air pressure shaping (C)</p>
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What has been the impact of automatic sprinklers on fire-related incidents?

<p>Reduced the number of fire-related deaths and property damage (B)</p>
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What problem can arise with standpipe systems due to building height?

<p>Variation in pressure due to building height (A)</p>
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Why are freight elevators exempt from Phase I Operation requirements?

<p>As they are designed for carrying goods, not passengers (A)</p>
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What fire safety requirement is specific to covered malls according to the text?

<p>Fire-resistive separations between stores (C)</p>
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Why are modern fire protection features often missing in older buildings?

<p>Cost prohibitive to retrofit buildings (C)</p>
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What is the purpose of NFPA® 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems?

<p>Ensure proper installation and maintenance of standpipe systems (B)</p>
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What is an essential feature of standpipe systems in tall buildings?

<p>Pressure-reducing valves for water regulation (D)</p>
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What is a key factor that determines the dependence on standpipes in high-rise buildings?

<p>The height of the building (B)</p>
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What aspect of elevator operation is overridden by Phase II Operation in buildings?

<p>Allowing firefighters to use elevators with a key switch (C)</p>
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What is a common challenge faced by firefighters in underground buildings as mentioned in the text?

<p>Heat and smoke venting problems (B)</p>
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Why are periodic tests necessary for pressure-reducing valves in standpipe systems?

<p>To verify proper maintenance and settings (A)</p>
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What type of water supply is required in high-rise buildings located in seismic zones?

<p>Secondary on-site water supply in the form of a storage tank (B)</p>
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Which systems are required in high-rise buildings since the mid-1970s?

<p>Automatic sprinkler systems and standpipe systems (D)</p>
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What do model building codes typically require in high-rise buildings for fire safety?

<p>Voice alarm systems and monitored smoke detectors in residential units (A)</p>
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What is a key feature of the fire command center in high-rise buildings?

<p>Fire department two-way telephone system panel (A)</p>
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What is a means of vertical extension in a high-rise building according to model building codes?

<p>Enclosed vertical shafts such as elevator shafts (B)</p>
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Why should high-rise buildings have clearly visible exit signs according to building codes?

<p>To prevent disorientation during emergency evacuations (D)</p>
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What is NOT monitored through the fire alarm system in high-rise buildings?

<p>Smoke detectors in individual residential units (C)</p>
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What is a potential issue related to high-density storage in buildings?

<p>Obstructed penetration of water from overhead sprinklers (A)</p>
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How can vertical fire travel through racks be described?

<p>A potential hazard associated with steel members of the racks (C)</p>
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What factor can negatively impact the effectiveness of ceiling-mounted sprinklers in buildings?

<p>Obstructions from building elements (A)</p>
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What is a consequence of the collapse of steel members of racks during a fire?

<p>Affecting the stability of the entire structure (B)</p>
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How does obstructed penetration of water from overhead sprinklers impact fire safety?

<p>Reduces the effectiveness of fire protection systems (A)</p>
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