BC Ch. 8 Wood-Frame Construction

Questions and Answers

Which material is known to create combustible void spaces, increasing fire risks in wood-frame construction?

Glass

Concrete

Wood (correct)

Steel

What does the term 'framed building' refer to in wood construction?

A building with non-combustible materials

A building with a skeleton of beams and columns (correct)

A building with no interior walls

A structure with load-bearing walls

What is a 'wall-bearing building'?

A building where the walls carry the structural load (correct)

A building where the beams carry the structural load

A building with curtain walls

A building with metal siding

What is the purpose of chamfering the corners of timber?

To reduce the ignition risk Signup and view all the answers

What is 'engineered wood'?

Laminated timbers or wood modified for structural use Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'glued laminated timber (glulam)'?

Timber formed by gluing planks together Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'heavy timber' classified as in construction?

Lumber with dimensions of 8 inches or more Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of 'legacy construction'?

Utilization of traditional building methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern with wood shingle roofs in terms of fire safety?

They can contribute to rapid fire spread and conflagration Signup and view all the answers

Which classification is given to roofing materials that are the least fire-resistant?

Class C Signup and view all the answers

What is a key firefighter safety concern with tile roofs?

They may not show visible signs of weakening before collapsing Signup and view all the answers

What is imitation timber primarily used for in construction?

Decorative purposes Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant fire hazard of imitation timber?

It is highly combustible and can emit toxic fumes when burned Signup and view all the answers

What is a flitch plate girder composed of?

A steel plate sandwiched between two wooden beams Signup and view all the answers

What is a ridge board used for in roofing?

To connect the upper ends of rafters at the roof ridge Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a top plate in wood-frame construction?

To support the ceiling joists and connect the wall studs Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of engineered wood products?

They offer enhanced structural performance. Signup and view all the answers

Which framing method poses a risk of fire traveling from the cellar to the attic?

Balloon frame Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'matched lumber' refer to?

Lumber with tongue and groove along its length Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary fire hazard of lightweight wood trusses?

Early collapse due to small cross-sections Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with truss frame construction?

Unitization of roof and floor trusses with wall studs Signup and view all the answers

What significant risk do wooden I-beams present in fire scenarios?

Their OSB web is prone to rapid burning. Signup and view all the answers

What hazard is commonly associated with low-density fiberboard sheathing?

It can easily smolder or burn if ignited. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fire-related concern of asphalt felt siding?

It produces dense black smoke when burned. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of firestopping in building construction?

It restricts vertical fire movement through concealed spaces. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of fire safety, what does 'draftstopping' aim to restrict?

Horizontal fire movement through large areas Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of fire protection involved with pressure treated wood?

It still burns but reduces flame spread. Signup and view all the answers

Which siding material is considered combustible and is laid horizontally over sheathing?

Novelty siding Signup and view all the answers

What problem arises from delamination in plywood during a fire?

Separation of layers and increased burn rate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials is typically used for sheathing in wood-frame construction?

Plywood Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wood-Frame Construction and Fire Risks

Combustible void spaces created by wood increase fire hazards in wood-frame structures.
Framed buildings utilize a skeleton of beams and columns rather than load-bearing walls.
Wall-bearing buildings rely on their walls to support the structural load.

Timber Characteristics and Treatment

Chamfering corners of timber reduces ignition risk by creating safer edge profiles.
Engineered wood consists of laminated timbers or wood modified for enhanced structural performance.
Glued laminated timber (glulam) is formed by gluing layers of planks together, providing strength and flexibility.

Construction Techniques

Heavy timber is classified as lumber with dimensions of 8 inches or more, offering substantial support.
Legacy construction involves the use of solid wood members, distinguishing it from modern lightweight alternatives.
Oriented strand board (OSB) is made from layered wood strands glued under pressure, providing a versatile sheathing option.

Fire Hazards in Wood Construction

Balloon frame construction lacks firestopping, enabling flames to spread swiftly from cellar to attic.
Platform framing builds each floor as a platform for the next, providing stability.
Lightweight wood trusses are prone to early collapse in fires due to their small cross-sections.

Fire Safety Measures

Firestopping limits vertical movement of fire through concealed spaces, crucial for safety.
Draftstopping restricts horizontal fire spread in larger concealed areas to prevent widespread flames.
Pressure-treated wood reduces flame spread but can still ignite under prolonged exposure to fire.

Material Properties and Risks

Wooden I-beams can fail quickly in a fire due to the burning of their OSB webs.
Delamination in plywood increases its exposed surface area, accelerating burning in fire conditions.
Low-density fiberboard sheathing can easily smolder or burn if ignited, presenting significant risks.

Cladding and Roofing Concerns

Novelty siding is a combustible material laid horizontally, posing increase fire risks.
Asphalt felt siding is highly combustible and produces dense smoke when involved in fires.
Vinyl siding, made from thermoplastic material, can deform and drip when exposed to extreme heat.

Fire Resistance Classifications

Class C roofing materials have the lowest fire resistance, raising hazards in high-risk situations.
Tile roofs may collapse without visible signs of weakness, endangering firefighter safety.

Structural Elements in Wood Construction

Flitch plate girder consists of a steel plate sandwiched between two wood beams, enhancing load-bearing capacity.
Ridge boards connect the upper ends of rafters, playing a critical role in roof stability.
Studs are vertical columns in wood-frame buildings that provide essential structural support.

These notes encompass key facts about wood-frame construction, focusing on fire hazards, benefits of materials, and structural characteristics.

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Description

Test your knowledge on wood construction with this quiz, featuring 40 multiple-choice questions based on the chapter. Topics include materials, structural terms, and fire safety considerations in wood-frame buildings.