Ch 18 pg 458-461 Old-Style High-Rise Construction

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Questions and Answers

What was a common characteristic of pre-war high-rise buildings in terms of structural design?

They used lightweight materials exclusively.

They were often overbuilt and heavily reinforced. (correct)

They typically featured minimal reinforcement.

They relied solely on brick and mortar for support.

What was the original purpose of 90 West Street at the time of the September 11 events?

It was a residential complex.

It was fully decommissioned.

It served as an emergency response center.

It was undergoing renovations. (correct)

Which structural feature was commonly used in pre-war constructions to enhance load-bearing capacity?

Steel I-beams encased in concrete (correct)

Reinforced glass panels

Hollow steel pipes

Wooden beams

What characteristic of high-rise office buildings contributes to larger and more open floor spaces?

Core-construction techniques Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important reason prewar buildings experience less fire spread?

They lack central air-conditioning systems that serve multiple floors. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of prewar buildings decreases the pathways for hidden fire to travel?

The absence of connecting ducts between floors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the major disadvantages of newer high rises?

Lightweight building materials Signup and view all the answers

How do openable windows contribute to fire safety in prewar buildings?

They enable horizontal ventilation to disperse smoke. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the central air-conditioning system play in fire spread issues in multi-story buildings?

It can distribute smoke and toxins throughout the building. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a disadvantage of the newer style of high-rises mentioned?

Use of lightweight building materials Signup and view all the answers

Which building material was primarily replaced by spray-on fireproofing in newer high-rises?

Poured concrete Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the World Trade Center's construction utilized a lightweight method?

Floors with lightweight concrete on metal decking Signup and view all the answers

What type of construction method involves nonbearing walls as the exterior?

Curtain wall construction Signup and view all the answers

What safety feature of prewar high-rises contributed to restricting fire spread within the building?

Compartmentation Signup and view all the answers

What structural characteristic helped protect the Marriott Hotel from fire spread during the incident at 90 West Street?

Interior walls Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of older high-rises during a fire scenario?

Social distancing in fire drills Signup and view all the answers

What was a key requirement for occupants of older high-rises in the event of a fire?

To be aware of proper behavior Signup and view all the answers

What key construction type must firefighters evaluate in a high-rise structure?

Heavyweight, medium, or lightweight Signup and view all the answers

What factor does NOT influence whether to order an all-out attack or retreat during a fire incident?

Availability of backup units Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fireproofing applied to steel is essential to evaluate during a high-rise response?

Spray-on fireproofing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would likely complicate a firefighting strategy in a high-rise building?

A fire involving multiple floors and structural damage from an external blast Signup and view all the answers

In the event of a catastrophic fire in a high-rise, which aspect is most critical for the incident commander to evaluate?

The time required for rescue and fire control efforts Signup and view all the answers

What is the immediate action building employees should take upon a report of fire?

Shut down all HVAC systems. Signup and view all the answers

Who directs the measures to be taken with HVAC systems after the fire department arrives?

The Incident Commander. Signup and view all the answers

Why must the use of HVAC systems during a fire be handled cautiously?

Improper use can intensify the fire problem. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential before using HVAC systems for smoke control during a fire?

Engagement in serious pre-fire planning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the greatest threat to life in modern high-rise fires, compared to the threat of collapse?

Being unable to preform Rapid effective ventilation Signup and view all the answers

Why have architects chosen to seal modern high-rise buildings effectively?

To improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs Signup and view all the answers

What must be done if horizontal ventilation is required during a fire in a sealed high-rise?

Manually break windows Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method to control smoke spread within the HVAC system during a fire?

Install smoke detectors within the system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following building codes requires smoke detectors in high-rises?

New York City’s Local Law No. 5 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Old-Style High-Rise Construction

Pre-war buildings were characterized by overbuilding, often encasing steel I-beams in concrete for enhanced support.
90 West Street, a 25-story building constructed in 1907, faced significant challenges during the September 11 attacks but demonstrated resilience in fire containment.

Fire Spread Features in Prewar Buildings

Absence of central air-conditioning systems reduces fire hazards by eliminating duct systems that could spread smoke across multiple floors.
Openable windows in prewar buildings provide effective horizontal ventilation during a fire, mitigating smoke accumulation.
These buildings feature more compartmentation, lack hung ceilings, and have fewer electrical items, contributing to fire safety.

Fire Safety of 90 West Street

The building's design included interior walls that effectively contained fires, preventing spread to adjacent structures like the Marriott Hotel.

Safety Awareness in Older High-Rises

Occupants of older high-rises were trained in fire drill procedures to ensure safety during emergencies.

Challenges with Modern High-Rises

Modern high-rises often utilize lightweight building materials, leading to increased risks compared to older designs.
The World Trade Center featured lightweight concrete on metal decking rather than traditional poured concrete, impacting fire resistance.

Firefighting Strategy Considerations

Firefighters must assess the building's construction type, presence of trusses, and fireproofing methods to inform their response strategies.
Factors influencing strategy include the cause of the fire, potential civilian risks, and the time required for rescue or containment efforts.

Risks of Catastrophic Collapse

Catastrophic collapse is a possibility in severe fires, necessitating a careful risk/benefit analysis by Incident Commanders (ICs).
The primary risk in modern high-rises often comes from ineffective ventilation rather than structural collapse.

HVAC System Management in Fires

Many recent high-rises utilize sealed designs, causing issues when smoke and heat spread through HVAC systems during fires.
Critical need for smoke detectors in HVAC systems to shut down airflow during incidents to prevent smoke spread across multiple floors.
Building staff must be instructed to shut down HVAC systems upon fire reports and cooperate with fire department strategies for smoke control.
Complexities in using HVAC systems to manage smoke during fires can pose additional risks when mishandled.

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Description

Test your knowledge on old-style high-rise construction techniques and materials used in pre-war buildings. Learn about the significance of structures like 90 West Street and how they reflect engineering practices of the past. This quiz delves into the principles of load support and reinforcement methods utilized during that era.