187 Questions
What is the primary concern with ordinary construction buildings?
The many void spaces for fire spread
Which type of building uses block or brick exterior load-bearing walls?
Type IV buildings
Why are Type IV buildings rarely constructed nowadays?
High cost of large-dimension lumber
What can accelerate collapse in heavy timber buildings if the building housed machinery at one time?
Oil-soaked floors
In heavy timber construction, what happens when heavy timber beams start to sag?
They release from the walls to protect the load-bearing wall
What can cause the masonry wall in heavy timber construction to become an unstable cantilevered beam?
Fire cuts made on the beams
Which type of building is often used for homes, small businesses, and chain hotels?
Type V buildings
What is the purpose of visualizing and tracing loads in building analysis?
To determine if any structural element is overloaded
Why is evaluating time critical in predicting collapse potential?
To predict when the building might collapse
What is a common factor that can lead to building collapse?
Overloading building components due to excessive loads
Why are void spaces a risk for structural collapse?
Because they can cause fire spread and structural collapse
What is a potential consequence of overloading building components?
Early collapse in case of fire
Why are engineered truss roof or floor assemblies considered weak links in fire incidents?
Because they can fail quickly when fire and/or heat are introduced
What is the purpose of parapet walls in a building?
To hide roof equipment and HVAC units
Why are facades used in construction?
For decoration or paneling purposes
What is the primary purpose of using drywall in Type V wood-frame buildings?
To protect against fire
Which type of building poses challenges to firefighters due to rapidly deteriorating EPS when exposed to fire?
ICF buildings
What is the primary structural material used in load-bearing walls and roofs of Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) buildings?
Oriented strand board (OSB)
Which construction era saw the replacement of balloon framing with platform framing in wood buildings?
Industrial era
In what era were trusses used more frequently in building construction?
Legacy era
Which era saw the use of rough-sawn lumber exposed to flame forming a char crust that slows burning?
Founders' era
Which category of building use includes stadiums, arenas, theaters, and churches?
Public assemblies
How does classifying a building by use and size help firefighting operations?
Forecasts potential fire spread concerns
What is the primary reason why ISOs need to have a deep understanding of building construction?
To predict collapse potential and communicate effectively with the IC
Which type of load includes the weight of the building and permanent fixtures?
Dead loads
What type of material has excellent compressive strength but poor tensile and shear strength?
Concrete
Which statement about steel is true when exposed to high temperatures?
It loses strength
What can happen to masonry units when they are subjected to high temperatures?
They experience spalling and age deterioration
Which of the following is NOT a type of building construction classification mentioned in the text?
Reinforced Concrete
What element in a building plays a critical role in transferring loads and must be evaluated by ISOs to predict potential collapses?
Connections and trusses
Why is understanding a building's construction influences crucial for fire officers?
To evaluate potential fire spread and collapse risks effectively
What is one of the time truisms for predicting collapse mentioned in the text?
The heavier the structural elements, the faster the collapse occurs.
What material are newer parapets in lightweight-era buildings often made of?
Foam plastic
What recommendation is provided in the NIOSH Alert to prevent firefighter injuries due to truss system failures?
Ensure firefighters are evacuated as soon as trusses are exposed to fire.
In what type of building under construction do firefighters face high risks and potential rapid collapse?
Buildings with exposed structural elements and incomplete assemblies
What did the UL and FEMA study compare using full-scale test burns?
The performance aspects of legacy wood structures vs. lightweight engineered wood structures
What is highlighted as a factor that can accelerate potential collapse time during a fire in buildings?
Low material mass
What causes parapets to potentially collapse during a fire?
Eccentric load from sagging roof structures
What does false work commonly consist of during construction, according to the text?
2-by 4-inch and 4-by 4-inch wood columns and beams
Why is knowledge of building construction principles crucial for Incident Safety Officers (ISOs)?
To predict potential building collapse accurately
Which material loses strength as temperatures increase according to the text?
Steel
What are the primary forces that affect building materials like wood, steel, concrete, and masonry?
Shear, tension, compression
How do composite materials differ from basic building materials?
Composite materials are formed by combining multiple materials
What is a characteristic of heavy timber construction when beams are exposed to high temperatures?
Heavy timber beams soften and sag
In building classification, what does the term 'Fire-Resistive' refer to?
Buildings with fire-resistant construction materials
Why is understanding structural elements like columns and trusses crucial for Incident Safety Officers (ISOs)?
To predict and communicate potential collapse scenarios
What is the primary fire concern with ordinary construction buildings?
The many void spaces for undetected fire spread
Why are newer Type IV buildings rare?
High cost of large-dimension lumber
What is the primary concern with heavy timber construction?
Combustible nature
What can accelerate collapse in heavy timber buildings if the building housed machinery at one time?
Oil-soaked floors heating up
What is a potential consequence of overloading building components?
Structural collapse
Why is understanding a building's construction crucial for fire officers?
To predict potential collapses
What material is used to protect the wooden structural elements in wood-frame construction from fire?
Gypsum wall board
Why is classifying a building's construction using the type/era/use/size approach important for firefighters?
To identify the strengths and weaknesses of the building's materials and structure
Why is determining whether a fire is a structure fire crucial?
To identify if the load-bearing components are under attack by fire or heat
What makes void spaces in Type III ordinary construction a risk for structural collapse?
They can cause fire spread and structural collapse
Why are parapet walls considered vulnerable to collapse?
They extend past the top of the roof
What factor can lead to overloading of building components and potential collapse?
Using attic spaces for storage
Why is understanding the role of trusses important for predicting potential collapses?
Trusses can fail quickly when exposed to fire or heat
How do large, open-span interior spaces increase collapse risk?
By creating unobstructed open spaces that can collapse
What common factor can lead to connection failures and ultimately building collapses?
Having connections rely on gravity and axial load
What is the main concern related to wooden elements in buildings?
They are prone to rapid deterioration in fires
How does drywall protect Type V wood-frame buildings from fire?
By acting as a fire barrier through calcination
What is a major challenge hybrid buildings present to firefighters?
Insufficient research on their stability during fires
In SIP buildings, what material is sandwiched between the structural facings?
Rigid foam plastic insulation
What is a characteristic of Lightweight era buildings?
Low mass structural elements
What is the primary purpose of classifying buildings by use and size?
To identify potential hazards for firefighters
Why do SIP walls in buildings pose a rapid collapse risk during fires?
The possibility of utility cuts and conduits allowing fire entry
Which era saw an advancement where curtain walls began being used in commercial buildings?
Legacy Era
What is one of the factors that can accelerate the potential collapse time of a building during a fire?
Low material mass
Why are firefighters advised to evacuate as soon as trusses are exposed to fire, according to the NIOSH Alert?
To prevent injuries and deaths from truss system failures
What did the UL and FEMA study compare using full-scale test burns?
Collapse times between lightweight and legacy wood structures
What is highlighted as a challenge for firefighters facing residential fires?
Dangers due to rapidly deteriorating materials
What is the primary reason for referring to a fire in a building under construction as a 'loser'?
Great danger and high potential for loss
What factor buys time when steel is exposed to high temperatures?
Water cooling the steel
Why do parapets in newer, lightweight-era buildings often fail during a fire?
Their inability to support firefighter weight
What can contribute to a rapid collapse during a fire in buildings under construction?
Use of lightweight materials in construction
What is the purpose of classifying the building's construction using the type/era/use/size approach?
To identify strengths and weaknesses associated with a given building
Why are parapet walls considered vulnerable to collapse?
Because they are typically freestanding with little stability
What factor can lead to overloading of building components and potential collapse?
Addition of a second roof structure or storage on a flat roof building
Why is evaluating time critical in predicting collapse potential?
To predict when structural elements might fail
What can cause fire-related collapse in buildings?
Presence of void spaces in construction
Why are trusses considered weak links when exposed to fire or heat?
Since they are known for rapid failure under heat conditions
How do parapets differ from facades in construction?
Parapets are freestanding while facades are typically connected to the building structure.
What is the primary concern with Type IV heavy timber construction buildings?
Wide-open areas and content exposure
Why are newer Type IV buildings considered rare?
High cost of large-dimension lumber
What is a common feature of Type V wood-frame construction buildings?
Gypsum wall board protection
In Type III ordinary construction buildings, why are void spaces a risk for structural collapse?
Presence of hidden voids
What can accelerate potential collapse time during a fire in heavy timber buildings that previously housed machinery?
Use of oil-soaked floors
Why do heavy timber beams release from walls in Type IV buildings undergoing fire incidents?
To protect load-bearing walls
What is a primary reason for calling homeowners and small business owners 'taxpayers' in relation to firefighters?
"Taxpayers" refers to the common layout of businesses and apartments in buildings
What is one of the time truisms mentioned for predicting collapse?
The heavier the material mass, the faster the structure comes down
What role do parapets play in newer, lightweight-era buildings during a fire?
Failing quickly due to additional eccentric loads
Why do firefighters evacuate as soon as trusses are exposed to fire according to the NIOSH Alert?
To prevent firefighter injuries due to truss system failures
What can cause a rapid collapse in buildings under construction if a fire ignites?
Exposed structural elements
What did the UL and FEMA study reveal about floor assembly failure in lightweight engineered wood structures compared to legacy wood structures?
Lightweight engineered wood structures failed after 30 minutes
What is one of the factors that can accelerate potential collapse time during a fire in buildings?
Alterations and age deterioration
Why are buildings under construction referred to as 'losers' by firefighters?
'Loser' refers to the risk of loss and danger they pose
What is of concern for firefighters in grid-block ICF buildings?
Rapid deterioration of EPS
In SIP buildings, what can cause the panels to lose their structural integrity?
Melting of interior EPS due to heat
Why are lightweight-era building collapses quick in fire conditions?
Their structural elements have high mass-to-surface ratio
Which element can contribute to a rapid structural failure in SIP walls during a fire?
Heat causing interior EPS to contract
What is the primary issue with hybrid buildings during actual fires, according to the text?
Lack of research information on their stability
Why do commercial steel and concrete buildings with curtain walls pose a risk during fires?
Unprotected steel softening and elongating
What characteristic makes ICF buildings prone to rapid structural failure during fires?
Rapid deterioration of expanded polystyrene (EPS)
What makes drywall vulnerable to bowing, crumbling, and falling during fires?
Sacrificing water due to calcination
Why is it essential for Incident Safety Officers (ISOs) to have a deep understanding of building construction?
To effectively communicate collapse potential to the Incident Commander
Why are steel and concrete crucial materials to understand for predicting building collapse?
Because they exhibit different strengths under various forces
What is a major difference between concrete and steel when exposed to high temperatures?
Concrete softens and sags while steel loses strength
Which type of building construction utilizes materials like wood, steel, concrete, masonry, plastics, and adhesives?
Composite construction
Why is understanding structural elements like columns, beams, connections, and trusses crucial for predicting potential collapses?
To assess the transfer of loads effectively within a building
How do live loads differ from dead loads in buildings?
Dead loads are permanent fixtures while live loads are external forces acting on the building.
What can accelerate collapse time during a fire in buildings?
The presence of void spaces within the building
Why is understanding building classifications important for fire officers?
To assess potential risks related to fire spread and collapse based on construction types
What is the primary fire concern with heavy timber construction?
Wide-open areas and content exposure
What is the primary concern with wood-frame buildings?
Combustible nature
What is the major challenge associated with Type IV heavy timber construction?
Wide-open areas and content exposure
Why might newer Type IV buildings be rare?
High cost of large-dimension lumber
What factor may contribute to a long-lasting fire in Type IV buildings?
Exposure of structural wood mass
In heavy timber construction, what can accelerate building collapse if machinery was previously housed?
Oil-soaked floors
What makes Type V wood-frame buildings vulnerable to fire?
"Combustible nature"
Why are heavy timber buildings stoutly constructed?
"Mill construction"
What type of building construction uses expanded polystyrene (EPS) to form a concrete mold for walls?
Hybrid buildings
Which building era brought much larger buildings with unprotected steel and the associated risks that come with it?
Industrial Era
What is one common characteristic of SIP walls made of oriented strand board (OSB) and EPS panels?
They quickly melt under heat alone.
In what building era were trusses used more frequently and drywall replaced lath and plaster?
Legacy Era
Why are buildings in the Lightweight Era more prone to quick collapses in fire conditions?
They use lightweight structural elements.
Which building construction type uses curtain walls that can collapse quickly during fires and endanger outside crews?
Steel and concrete commercial buildings
Why is it crucial for ISOs to have a deep understanding of building construction?
To predict collapse potential and communicate it effectively
What is a characteristic of steel when exposed to high temperatures?
It loses strength
What is the primary difference between concrete and steel regarding their strength properties?
Concrete has poor tensile and shear strength
Why do ISOs need to understand forces and building materials in the context of building collapse?
To predict collapse potential accurately
What is the primary purpose of composite materials in building construction?
To reduce the weight of structural elements
Which structural element plays a critical role in transferring loads in a building?
Columns
Why is evaluating time critical in predicting collapse potential?
To assess the effect of fire and heat on load-bearing components
What factor can lead to building collapse due to overloading of components?
Addition of rooftop signs
Why are parapet walls vulnerable to collapse?
Because they rely on gravity and axial load
What is the primary function of facades in construction?
To provide decorative finishes
In what way can hoarding behavior contribute to building collapse?
By adding excessive weight to the building
How do void spaces impact structural integrity in Type III ordinary construction?
By causing fire spread and structural collapse
What makes trusses a potential weak link when exposed to fire?
Their lightweight construction material
Why are large, open-span interior spaces more susceptible to collapse risk?
Because they create unobstructed open spaces
What is one of the recommendations from the NIOSH Alert regarding firefighting operations under or above trusses exposed to fire?
Evacuate firefighters as soon as trusses are exposed to fire
What is the significant difference in collapse time between the lightweight engineered wood structure and the legacy wood structure in the UL and FEMA Study?
The lightweight structure collapsed in approximately 15 minutes, while the legacy did not fail until approximately 30 minutes
Why does false work, such as 2-by 4-inch and 4-by 4-inch wood columns and beams, pose a significant risk during construction?
It can lead to a hot, rapidly spreading fire and sudden collapse
What does the NIOSH alert aim to prevent in relation to firefighters?
Injuries and deaths due to truss system failures
What can contribute to a rapid collapse if a fire develops in buildings under construction?
Exposed structural elements
What is highlighted as a time truism for predicting collapses in structures?
'Wet (cooled) steel buys time'
Why are parapets made entirely of foam plastic in newer lightweight-era buildings particularly vulnerable?
They quickly collapse even under minimal weight
What is highlighted as a factor that can accelerate potential collapse time during a fire in buildings?
'Low material mass'
What is the primary function of a lintel in a building structure?
To serve as a beam that spans an opening in a load-bearing masonry wall
What characterizes a hybrid building according to the information provided?
A mix of multiple NFPA 220 types or not fitting into any of the five types
What is the purpose of a girder in a building structure?
To carry other beams
What is the function of false work in the context of building construction?
Temporary shoring, bracing, or formwork used to support incomplete structural elements
What is the disturbance called when concrete material crumbles and is lost due to heat exposure?
Spalling
Which force causes a material to be crushed or flattened axially through the material?
Compression
In building structures, what is the primary role of a connection?
To attach structural elements to each other
'Emergency abandonment' refers to a strict order for crews to immediately escape from a building interior, leaving behind:
Tools impeding rapid retreat
'Partial collapse' in a building signifies an event where:
'Dead loads' cause localized damage but no full failure
What characteristic describes a ductile material in terms of force resistance?
The material will bend, stretch, or deflect as it resists forces, keeping some strength
What is the primary role of an Incident Safety Officer (ISO) in relation to building construction and loads?
Sharing information on collapse potential with Incident Commanders (IC)
What is the key characteristic of brittle materials according to the text?
They fracture or fail when deformed
What is the biggest threat posed by a partial collapse in a building, according to the text?
Secondary partial or general collapse
In building construction, what is a cantilever beam supported by?
One end only
What type of construction method utilizes continuous wood studs from foundation to roof?
Balloon framing
What is the purpose of a precautionary withdrawal order in emergency situations?
For crews to orderly exit bringing hoses and tools along
Which material reacts differently to fire by softening and elongating?
Steel
'Axial load' refers to a load imposed through the centroid of another object. What type of load is it?
Compression force
'Emergency abandonment' orders for firefighters involve what specific action?
'Imminent collapse' situations
What term is used to describe a beam that spans an opening in a load-bearing masonry wall?
Lintel
In building construction, what is the primary purpose of a platform framing method?
To build the next floor on top of existing walls
What is the term for a diagonal brace primarily serving as a column but also absorbing beam forces?
Raker
Which force causes a material to be crushed or flattened axially through the material?
Compression
What is the term for a seemingly decorative metal plate used to distribute force over more bricks or blocks in corrective measures inside a building?
Spreader
What type of load is imposed in a manner causing another object to twist?
Torsional load
Which term refers to the weight of the building itself and anything permanently attached to it?
Dead load
What is the primary characteristic of a veneer wall in building construction?
It supports only its own weight
What term describes a series of triangles used to form an open-web structural element functioning as a beam?
Truss
What is a force that causes a material to be torn in opposite directions perpendicular or diagonal to the material?
Shear
What is an emergency abandonment order in firefighting terms?
Crews evacuating a building immediately in an imminent collapse situation
What is the biggest threat created by a partial collapse of a building?
A secondary partial or general collapse
What are the primary load-bearing portions of a building typically called?
Columns
Which material softens and elongates when exposed to fire?
Steel
What type of load is imposed through the centroid of another object?
Axial load
What is an essential support for floors and roofs within a building?
Beams
Which term describes a material that will fracture or fail as it is deformed past its design limits?
Brittle
'Collapse zone' refers to an area exposed to trauma, debris, and thrust in case of what event?
Partial collapse
Learn about the importance of understanding building construction for fire safety incidents. Incident safety officers (ISO) need to predict collapse potential and communicate it to the incident commander (IC). Knowledge of building construction principles is crucial for making informed judgments about collapse potential.
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