Type IV Heavy Timber Construction

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of fire-cutting the ends of girders in Type IV heavy timber construction?

  • It eases the installation process during initial construction.
  • It allows the girder to release from the wall in a collapse, preventing wall failure. (correct)
  • It increases the load-bearing capacity of the girder under extreme conditions.
  • It enhances the aesthetic appeal of the structural design.

In Type IV heavy timber construction, what constitutes the minimum size requirement for columns supporting roof and ceiling loads?

  • 8"x8"
  • 4"x6"
  • 6"x6"
  • 6"x8" (correct)

Why are long bolts and nuts considered a potential weakness in Type IV heavy timber construction?

  • They are difficult to replace, leading to prolonged maintenance downtime.
  • They are prone to loosening over time, compromising structural integrity.
  • They increase the overall weight of the structure, adding stress to the timber.
  • They can act as conduits for heat, potentially igniting the interior of the timber. (correct)

What is a primary characteristic of Type IV heavy timber construction that contributes to its resistance to collapse in a fire?

<p>The mass and density of the timber members. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical composition of exterior walls in Type IV heavy timber construction?

<p>Masonry or stone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical function do self-closing fire doors serve in Type IV heavy timber construction?

<p>Restricting the spread of fire through openings in fire-rated walls (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Type IV heavy timber construction, how might the conversion of an old factory into residential units increase fire risk?

<p>By creating concealed spaces that can allow fire to spread undetected (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What design feature is often incorporated into Type IV heavy timber buildings to aid in firefighting efforts?

<p>Floor drains or scuppers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between how heavy timber and unprotected steel structures perform under fire conditions?

<p>Heavy timber can hold up better than unprotected steel because it chars slowly and maintains structural integrity longer. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of leaving interior walls and ceilings unfinished in Type IV heavy timber buildings?

<p>Minimizes concealed spaces where fire can spread (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the potential for oil-soaked floors present a significant fire hazard in Type IV heavy timber buildings?

<p>Oil-soaked floors ignite easily and contribute to a rapid fire spread and increased intensity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why a fire in a Type IV heavy timber building might be described as a 'longer burning fire'?

<p>The substantial size of the timber members provides a significant fuel load, causing it to burn for an extended period. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances might the 'slow burning' characteristic of Type IV heavy timber construction become less beneficial?

<p>When the fire department transitions to defensive firefighting tactics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific feature is required for fire walls located in a Type IV structure with a combustible roof to prevent the spread of fire?

<p>An extension above the roofline (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary purposes of installing sprinkler systems in Type IV heavy timber structures?

<p>To protect the structural integrity of the timber during a fire, allowing for an offensive attack (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the design of openings between floors in Type IV heavy timber construction contribute to fire safety?

<p>Openings are enclosed by adequate fire barriers, restricting the spread of fire between floors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum thickness requirement for girders in Type IV heavy timber floor construction?

<p>Six inches thick (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the potential for excessive fuel load from stock or manufacturing processes a concern in Type IV heavy timber buildings?

<p>It intensifies the fire, making it more difficult to control and potentially overwhelming the fire resistance of the timber. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is MOST likely to be found in older Type IV heavy timber buildings that presents a potential fire hazard?

<p>Gas pipes penetrating beams (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum thickness requirement for floors in Type IV heavy timber construction?

<p>Three inches thick (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Type IV construction, what distinguishes a 'fire wall' in heavy timber construction from other types of walls?

<p>It is customarily a bearing masonry wall and acts as a barrier to fire. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What design feature is often used for floor planks in Type IV heavy timber construction to enhance structural integrity and fire resistance?

<p>Tongue and groove (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the height limitations of exterior walls in Type IV heavy timber construction?

<p>Exterior walls can be up to 8 stories in height. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of scuppers in Type IV heavy timber buildings during firefighting operations?

<p>Scuppers are drains designed to remove excess water, preventing water damage and structural overload. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the common term used to describe Type IV construction?

<p>Heavy timber (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When can newly constructed buildings be categorized as Type IV - Heavy Timber?

<p>If they use long spanning structural members such as composite lumber and laminated beams (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum dimensional requirement for wood to be considered heavy timber for columns?

<p>8&quot;x8&quot; (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials is typically NOT allowed for structural members in Type IV construction?

<p>Unprotected steel (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common roof configuration used in Type IV heavy timber construction?

<p>Bowstring shaped (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Type IV heavy timber construction, what are interior structural members made of?

<p>Solid or laminated wood with no concealed spaces (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of beams being penetrated for electrical conduit in Type IV heavy timber construction?

<p>Compromised structural integrity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the policy outlined in the manual regarding Type IV heavy timber construction?

<p>Providing general information about Type IV heavy timber building construction classification (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action is expected of each member in the context of the 'responsibility' section of the manual?

<p>Exercising appropriate control as dictated by rank in the implementation of the manual chapter. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cross-laying one-inch planks of lumber in Type IV heavy timber construction?

<p>Improve structural performance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the fire load of a Type IV Heavy Timber building?

<p>Extremely heavy fire load. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the "fire rating" on openings in a fire wall?

<p>To determine the fire resistance of the wall (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common range for the width of fire planks used on a Type IV building?

<p>4 inches to 6 inches (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most critical factor that allows Type IV heavy timber buildings to exhibit excellent resistance to collapse under fire conditions?

<p>The substantial mass of the wooden structural members, which are slow to burn. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Type IV heavy timber construction, what is the primary performance expectation for the structural members during a fire?

<p>They should resist ignition and combustion long enough to allow occupants to evacuate and firefighters to initiate an offensive attack. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the design and construction of fire walls in Type IV heavy timber structures specifically prevent the spread of fire to combustible roofs?

<p>They extend beyond the roofline to act as a vertical barrier against fire spread. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of Type IV heavy timber construction presents the greatest challenge to firefighters once a fire has progressed beyond the initial stages?

<p>The heavy fire load and large, open combustible areas that can quickly become overwhelming. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST significant risk associated with unprotected or altered openings between floors in Type IV heavy timber buildings?

<p>Increased risk of rapid vertical fire spread, bypassing the fire-resistant properties of the heavy timber. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Type IV Construction

Type IV construction, also known as Heavy Timber or Mill Construction, requires exterior and interior walls to be made of noncombustible or limited combustible materials. Interior structural members like beams and columns are solid or laminated wood without concealed spaces.

Heavy Timber Dimensions

For heavy timber construction, columns must be at least 8"x8", and when supporting roof/ceiling loads, beams must be a minimum of 6”x8”. Floor and roof planks must be at least 1"x3".

Type IV Construction Locations

Heavy timber construction is often found in old factories, mills, warehouses and churches. Newer buildings may also use it. These buildings have high fire loads but good collapse resistance due to the mass of materials.

Heavy Timber Fire Resistance

Heavy timber can hold up better than unprotected steel in a fire. However, the large, open areas can cause a large fire that drives personnel out.

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Type IV Walls

Exterior bearing and nonbearing walls are made of masonry or stone. Fire walls are bearing masonry walls that act as barriers to fire.

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Heavy Timber Interior

In a heavy timber building, the interior walls and ceilings are usually unfinished. Openings in a fire wall must have the same fire rating as the wall itself, use self-closing fire doors. Fire walls must extend above a combustible roof.

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Column Thickness

Columns must be a minimum of eight inches thick.

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Type IV Roof Support

Roofs are supported by columns or heavy timber trusses. Common truss configurations include flat, parallel chords, triangular, and bowstring shapes.

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Heavy Timber Floors

Floors are built to carry heavy loads. This is accomplished through the installation of columns to support large floor timbers or parallel chord trusses. Girders must be at least six inches thick, and floors must be at least three inches thick.

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Strengths of Type IV

Large structural members and sprinkler systems support the heavy timber structure for an offensive attack. Openings between floors are enclosed by adequate fire barriers. Ends of girders are fire cut.

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Weaknesses of Type IV

Structural members contribute a large fuel load. Beams are penetrated for electrical conduit, and older buildings for gas pipes. Bolts and nuts provide a path for heat to reach the interior.

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Type IV Hazards

Floors may be oil-soaked. Unprotected openings may exist between floors. Converting old factories into residential units can create concealed spaces.

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Fire Control in Type IV

After a fire expands, it is difficult to control. Under prolonged attack, these buildings will fail. The “slow burning” characteristic is of no value once defensive tactics are used.

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Noncombustible Walls in Type IV

Type IV construction requires exterior and interior walls to be of noncombustible or limited combustible materials, key for fire resistance.

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Conversion Risks

Though heavy timber is slow-burning, alterations like residential conversions can create concealed spaces, increasing fire risks.

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Study Notes

  • Type IV heavy timber building construction classification information provided
  • Each member is responsible for exercising appropriate control in the implementation of this manual chapter, as dictated by rank

General Information

  • Type IV construction, also known as Heavy Timber or Mill Construction, necessitates noncombustible or limited-combustible materials for exterior and interior walls
  • Other interior structural components like beams, columns, arches, and roofs use solid or laminated wood without concealed spaces
  • Wood dimensions that are large enough are considered heavy timber
  • Columns must be 8"x8"
  • 6”x8” minimum for roof and ceiling load support
  • Floor and roof planks must be 1"x3" minimum
  • Heavy timber construction can sustain massive loads across great distances
  • Type IV was common in old factories, mills, warehouses, gothic churches, and schools
  • Newly constructed buildings may be classified as “Type IV - Heavy Timber” because of long spanning structural members like composite lumber and laminated beams
  • These buildings present an extremely heavy fire load and have collapse resistance capabilities
  • Materials used are difficult to ignite because of their mass and become difficult to extinguish due to their large exposed surface area once ignited
  • Heavy timber may hold up better than unprotected steel construction
  • Fire, if not suppressed early, may drive personnel out causing a long, hot fire

Walls

  • Exterior bearing and nonbearing walls use masonry or stone and are up to 8 stories high
  • Larger structures make use of masonry fire walls
  • A fire wall in heavy timber construction is a bearing masonry wall
  • Interior walls and ceilings are unfinished, showing exposed masonry walls
  • Undersides of exposed wood floors are used as ceilings for the floor below
  • Fire wall openings require the same fire rating as the wall it pierces and must contain self-closing fire doors
  • Fire walls in structures with combustible roofs must extend above the roof
  • Columns must be a minimum of eight inches thick

Roofs/Floors

  • Roofs are supported by columns or heavy timber trusses
  • Common truss configurations include flat, parallel chords, triangular, and bowstring shapes
  • Floors are built to carry heavy loads using columns to support large floor timbers or parallel chord trusses with heavy timber components
  • Girders must be a minimum of six inches thick
  • Floors must be a minimum of three inches thick
  • Floor planks use tongue and groove one-inch lumber that are cross-laid

Strengths

  • Large structural members and sprinkler systems support heavy timber structures for offensive attacks
  • Openings between floors use adequate fire barriers
  • Girder ends are fire cut to release in a collapse without bringing the wall down
  • Load bearing walls are non-combustible
  • Floor drains or scuppers may be present to drain excess water from firefighting
  • Normally, there are no void spaces

Weaknesses

  • Structural members contribute a large fuel load to a fire
  • Beams may be penetrated for electrical conduit and gas pipes
  • Long bolts and nuts are used to attach timbers to other members which provides a path for heat to reach the interior
  • Floors may be oil-soaked
  • Unprotected openings between floors may exist
  • Excessive fuel loads of stock, manufacturing processes, or storage of unfinished goods may be present
  • Converting old factories into residential units creates concealed spaces
  • Control after the initial fire growth is difficult
  • Buildings will fail under prolonged attack despite substantially sized lumber and not prone to collapse
  • Heavy timber that is "slow burning” is of no value once the fire department uses defensive tactics, and the fires become “longer burning fires”

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