Building Construction Chapter 4
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Questions and Answers

What is the function of stairs in a building?

  • To act as a decorative element in the building
  • To create barriers between different levels of the building
  • To enable access to multiple levels and serve as a component of egress (correct)
  • To provide additional storage space for the building

    • How are convenience stairs defined?

  • Stairs not a part of means of egress (correct)
  • Stairs designed for aesthetic purposes only
  • Stairs with added safety features for emergency situations
  • Stairs that have restricted access during emergencies

    • Where are scissor stairs often found?

  • Hospitals
  • Office buildings
  • Airports (correct)
  • Schools

    • What is the primary location of spiral stairs?

    <p>Residences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum width of the run for circular stairs?

    <p>10 inches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the defining characteristic of folding stairs?

    <p>They are ladders used for attic access</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the defining characteristic of straight run stairs?

    <p>They extend in one direction their entire length</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are scissor stairs often found?

    <p>Airports</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining feature of fire escapes?

    <p>Open metal stairs attached to the outside of a building</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum requirement for smoke proof stair enclosures in more recent building codes?

    <p>Protection for floors 30 feet above level of discharge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the standard speed at which escalators are typically set?

    <p>100 feet per minute</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key requirement for stairs as a means of egress?

    <p>Fire resistance rating of the enclosure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is characteristic of elevators?

    <p>Serves two or more levels or landings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the type of elevator that carries resources that may be bulky or heavy?

    <p>Service elevator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of elevator uses a ram or piston with pressurized hydraulic fluid?

    <p>Hydraulic elevator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of dedicated elevator car use for firefighters?

    <p>Assisting firefighters in reaching different building levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of power supply may traction elevators operating at great heights require?

    <p>500 volts, either DC or AC</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of elevator motor directly aids in stopping the car at the correct floor during normal operations?

    <p>AC motors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are dumbwaiters commonly used for transporting small items?

    <p>Restaurants, schools, hospitals, retirement homes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of elevator is most common in buildings over 6 stories?

    <p>Traction elevator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of HVAC systems?

    <p>To create and maintain a comfortable environment for occupants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum number of separate hoistways required for a building with 4 or more elevators?

    <p>2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of blind hoistways in tall buildings?

    <p>Serve express elevators that operate in upper elevator zones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In tall buildings of reinforced concrete, how are elevator hoistway enclosures typically constructed?

    <p>Three sides with poured concrete and one side with block</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the usual fire rating requirement for elevator hoistway enclosures in tall buildings?

    <p>1-2 hour rating</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a compensated system in pressurized stairwells?

    <p>Adjust airflow into the stairwell based on the number of doors open</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When does manual activation of smoke control mode typically occur?

    <p>After FD arrival and potentially late in fire development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does an HVAC system operating in smoke control mode do?

    <p>Discharges smoke through the exhaust fan from the fire floor to the outside without returning air to the supply fan</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of duct detectors in HVAC systems?

    <p>Detect smoke to prevent recirculation through the HVAC system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is overpressure relief in a stairwell achieved?

    <p>By using dampers that open to the outside</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what voltage is high voltage electrical equipment defined?

    <p>600 volts or higher</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines low voltage equipment?

    <p>Less than 600 volts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of oil in oil-filled transformers?

    <p>Conduct heat away from the core and electrically insulate internal components</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do older cooling oils in transformers contain that is hazardous and requires labeling?

    <p>Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Stairs in a Building

    • Stairs provide a means of vertical transportation and access between floors.

    Types of Stairs

    • Convenience stairs: secondary stairs that provide access to floors, but are not a primary means of egress.
    • Scissor stairs: often found in industrial or commercial settings, where space is limited.
    • Spiral stairs: typically found in smaller areas, such as residences or secondary spaces.
    • Circular stairs: minimum width of the run is not specified, but it depends on the size and shape of the staircase.
    • Folding stairs: can be folded up to save space when not in use.
    • Straight run stairs: have a single, straight flight of stairs.

    Fire Escapes and Stair Enclosures

    • Fire escapes: a means of escape in case of emergency, often found on the exterior of a building.
    • Smoke-proof stair enclosures: minimum requirement in more recent building codes is to provide a smoke-proof enclosure for stairwells.

    Escalators and Elevators

    • Escalators: typically set at a standard speed.
    • Stairs as a means of egress: a key requirement is to provide a safe and accessible route for occupants.
    • Elevators: characteristic feature is vertical transportation of people or goods.
    • Freight elevators: carry resources that may be bulky or heavy.
    • Hydraulic elevators: use a ram or piston with pressurized hydraulic fluid.
    • Dedicated elevator car use for firefighters: allows firefighters to access a building quickly and safely during emergencies.

    Elevator Systems

    • Traction elevators: may require a high-voltage power supply when operating at great heights.
    • Elevator motor: directly aids in stopping the car at the correct floor during normal operations.
    • Dumbwaiters: commonly used for transporting small items, such as food or supplies.

    Building Systems

    • HVAC systems: primary purpose is to provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
    • Elevator hoistway enclosures: in tall buildings of reinforced concrete, typically constructed with a fire-resistant material.
    • Blind hoistways: in tall buildings, provide a separate shaft for elevators, allowing for easier maintenance and upgrades.
    • Compensated system: in pressurized stairwells, helps to maintain a consistent air pressure.

    Safety and Emergency Systems

    • Smoke control mode: manual activation typically occurs during a fire emergency.
    • Duct detectors: primary function is to detect smoke and fire in HVAC systems.
    • Overpressure relief: in a stairwell, achieved through the use of relief vents or doors.
    • High voltage electrical equipment: defined as equipment operating at 600 volts or higher.
    • Low voltage equipment: defined as equipment operating at 600 volts or lower.
    • Oil-filled transformers: primary function of oil is to cool and insulate the transformer.
    • Older cooling oils in transformers: contain hazardous materials, such as PCBs, which require labeling and special handling.

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