Collapse of BB CH11 Medium

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Questions and Answers

What type of construction are the row houses?

Brick construction
Concrete construction
Wood-frame construction (correct)
Steel-frame construction

What did the captain request when giving the preliminary status report?

Backup for the engine
An alarm for a working fire (correct)
Additional construction materials
An ambulance for injured workers

What size of hose was pulled off the apparatus?

3-inch hose
11/2-inch hose (correct)
1-inch hose
2-inch hose

What was the initial observation of the construction worker who ran up to the arriving pumper?

Smoke coming from the ceiling of the top floor (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the trend regarding the use of truss construction?

It is increasing (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern for the fire service regarding truss construction?

Preventing firefighter deaths and injuries (A) Signup and view all the answers

What firefighting strategy is recommended for fires in truss constructed buildings?

Defensive firefighting strategy (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the response of the veteran fire officer when asked about using defensive firefighting for truss structure fires?

He had no response (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's view on the need for change in the fire service?

Change is necessary to adapt to the increasing trend of truss construction (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the timeframe for the increasing collapse during fires in truss buildings?

It will be increasing (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of truss construction on firefighter deaths and injuries?

It has an increasing impact (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's response to the need for change in the fire service?

The author had a response (C) Signup and view all the answers

What can weaken the metal surface fastener before installation?

Improper transportation or storage of prefabricated wood trusses (A) Signup and view all the answers

Where can corrosion of the sheet metal surface fasteners occur?

In enclosed, well-insulated roof spaces with trapped moisture (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is absent in lightweight wood trusses compared to solid wood beams in terms of fire containment?

Fire containment value (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what type of buildings can lightweight wood truss constructions be expected to fail more rapidly than solid beam constructions?

Condominiums, townhouses, and private homes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What must fire departments do with truss buildings in their community?

Identify them, program them into the dispatch system, and develop defensive standard operating procedures (C) Signup and view all the answers

When was the first known firefighter to die after being trapped by the collapse of a lightweight wood truss?

1984 (D) Signup and view all the answers

What has lightweight wood truss construction led to in terms of firefighter deaths?

Numerous firefighter deaths (D) Signup and view all the answers

What makes lightweight wood trusses susceptible to loosening during a fire?

V-shaped nailing points penetrating wood to a depth of only 1/2 inch (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is required for fire service to combat various types of fire inside buildings with lightweight wood trusses?

Firefighting strategies (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is exempt from laws requiring marking of lightweight wood truss buildings?

Residence buildings (D) Signup and view all the answers

What can allow fire to spread more quickly throughout concealed spaces compared to solid wood beams?

Lightweight wood trusses (C) Signup and view all the answers

What must the fire service do with truss buildings in their community?

Identify them, program them into the dispatch system, and develop defensive standard operating procedures (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are lightweight wood truss systems commonly connected by?

Gusset plates or gang nails (C) Signup and view all the answers

How long can lightweight wood truss systems be expected to collapse in a fully developed fire?

Approximately ten minutes (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern for the fire service regarding lightweight wood truss systems?

The sheet metal surface fastener (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the first points to fail in lightweight wood truss systems during a fire?

The insufficient depth of penetration of the nailing points (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text emphasize as a significant concern for the fire service?

Lightweight wood truss construction (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text underscore the need for in buildings utilizing lightweight wood truss construction?

Improved safety measures and regulations (B) Signup and view all the answers

What kind of members are connected by gusset plates or gang nails in lightweight wood truss systems?

Smaller wooden members (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a deficient structural connection during a fire in lightweight wood truss construction?

Sheet metal surface fastener (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text highlight as the first to fail in lightweight wood truss systems during a fire?

Insufficient depth of penetration of the nailing points (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the specific danger highlighted by the text regarding lightweight wood truss construction?

Hazards faced by firefighters (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text emphasize the urgent need for in buildings utilizing lightweight wood truss construction?

Greater attention to fire safety (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall emphasis of the text regarding lightweight wood truss systems?

Potential hazards and structural deficiencies (D) Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Lightweight Wood Truss Construction and Fire Hazards

The text describes a firefighting scenario in a townhouse where firefighters encounter unexpected hazards from lightweight wood truss construction.
The firefighter and officer enter a smoke-filled apartment but find no fire until the ceiling collapses, revealing flaming wood trusses.
Lightweight wood truss systems are commonly used in building construction, featuring smaller wooden members connected by sheet metal surface fasteners called gusset plates or gang nails.
These truss systems are increasingly used in homes and apartments, but they can be expected to collapse after approximately ten minutes in a fully developed fire.
The main concern for the fire service is the sheet metal surface fastener, which only connects the outer 1/2 inch of wood truss members, making it a deficient structural connection during a fire.
The design of the truss can be defended from an engineering viewpoint, but the sheet metal surface fastener is considered a dangerous structural connection.
During a fire, the points of connection, particularly the insufficient depth of penetration of the nailing points, are the first to fail in lightweight wood truss systems.
The text also details the firefighting operation in the townhouse, including the firefighter becoming trapped and seriously burned, and the officer escaping by crashing through a glass window.
The hazards faced by the firefighters stem from the lightweight wood truss construction, which is a significant concern for the fire service.
The incident highlights the dangers of lightweight wood truss systems and the need for increased awareness and safety measures in buildings constructed using this method.
The text provides a detailed account of the firefighting operation and the specific dangers posed by lightweight wood truss construction, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures and regulations in building construction.
Overall, the text underscores the potential hazards and structural deficiencies associated with lightweight wood truss systems, as well as the urgent need for greater attention to fire safety in buildings utilizing this construction method.

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