BC Chapter 2

Created by

Doug Wade

Created by

Doug Wade

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What does the first digit in the three-digit number code for building classification represent?

Fire resistance rating (in hours) of exterior bearing walls.

What is Type I Construction?

Fire Resistive Construction with noncombustible structural components.

What must be done to unprotected steel used in fire-resistive designs?

It must be protected by an insulating material.

What is a Fire Retardant?

Any substance that reduces the flammability of fuels or slows their rate of combustion.

What distinguishes Type II-A construction from Type II-B construction?

Type II-A requires structural components to have one-hour fire resistance, while Type II-B allows unprotected structural components.

What is a major characteristic of unprotected noncombustible construction?

Major structural components have no fire resistance.

What type of construction is referred to as "ordinary construction"?

Type III Construction.

In Type IV Construction, what are the dimensions of the wood components compared to Type III Construction?

They are greater than those used in Type III construction.

What is a fundamental concern with Type III construction?

The presence of combustible concealed spaces.

What is the primary structural support method used in Type V construction?

Wood frame construction.

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Description

Explore the key building classifications related to fire safety, including Type I to Type V constructions. Learn about fire resistance ratings, materials used, and how these classifications impact fire behavior and safety regulations.

Questions

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1. In which type of construction is fire retardant-treated wood allowed in roofs or interior partitions?

A Type I Construction B Type III Construction C Type IV Construction D Type II Construction

2. What materials are allowed in Type II construction that are not typically used in Type I construction?

A Steel and concrete B Wood and plastic C Brick and mortar D Glass and aluminum

3. What can cause a Type II construction building to be classified as Type I?

A Height of the building B Use of fire-retardant materials C Omission of fire-resistive rating for a roof located more than 20 feet above the floor D Presence of steel and concrete

4. What is required for structural components in Type II-A (protected) construction?

A No fire resistance rating B Two-hour fire resistance rating C Half-hour fire resistance rating D One-hour fire resistance rating

5. What is a fire retardant?

A A material that is fireproof B A substance that reduces flammability or slows combustion C A type of fire extinguisher D A coating that makes materials noncombustible

6. Under what condition can a roof in Type II construction omit the fire-resistive rating?

A When the building is less than three stories high B When the roof is made of noncombustible materials C When the roof is more than 20 feet above the floor D When fire sprinklers are installed

7. What is the primary characteristic of unprotected, noncombustible construction?

A The use of aluminum. B The use of unprotected steel. C The use of concrete. D The use of fire-retardant wood.

8. What factor does NOT influence the speed at which unprotected steel members fail during a fire?

A Intensity and duration of the exposing fire. B Type of insulation used. C Ceiling height of the building. D Size of the unprotected steel members.

9. What is required for structural components in Type II-A (protected) construction?

A No fire resistance rating. B One-hour fire resistance rating. C Three-hour fire resistance rating. D Two-hour fire resistance rating.

10. Which type of construction allows structural components to remain unprotected?

A Type I (fire-resistive). B Type III (exterior protected). C Type II-A (protected). D Type II-B (unprotected).

11. What is a common characteristic of unprotected, noncombustible construction?

A Failure of unprotected steel from the heat of burning contents. B Use of insulated steel. C Use of fire-resistant materials. D Use of combustible materials.

12. What is commonly referred to as 'ordinary construction'?

A Type I construction B Type III construction C Type II construction D Type IV construction

13. What materials are typically used for the exterior walls in Type III construction?

A Combustible materials B Wood C Plastic D Any noncombustible material with the required fire resistance

14. What are the two subclassifications of Type III construction based on?

A Exterior wall material B Protected or unprotected interior structural components C Building height D Combustible or noncombustible materials

15. How can the structural components of Type III construction be protected?

A By using steel B By using plaster or gypsum board C By using concrete D By using wood

16. What type of steel is sometimes used in NFPA® Type III 2-0-0 and IBC Type III B constructions?

A Reinforced steel B Protected steel C Galvanized steel D Unprotected steel

17. What is a fundamental fire concern with Type III construction?

A Heavy timber components B Noncombustible exterior walls C Unprotected steel trusses D Combustible concealed spaces

18. What type of joists are commonly used for floor construction in Type III buildings?

A Nominal 2-inch x 10-inch joists B Nominal 2-inch x 12-inch joists C Nominal 6-inch x 12-inch joists D Nominal 4-inch x 8-inch joists

19. What does the first digit in a three-digit number code represent in fire-resistive construction?

A Fire resistance rating of structural frames or columns. B Fire resistance rating (in hours) of exterior bearing walls. C Fire resistance rating of the floor construction. D Fire resistance rating of interior partitions.

20. Why must steel be protected by an insulating material in fire-resistive designs?

A Steel is noncombustible but not fire-resistive. B Steel is combustible and needs protection. C Steel has good thermal insulating properties. D Steel is inherently fire-resistive.

21. Which material is inherently noncombustible and has good thermal insulating properties?

A Wood B Foam plastics C Concrete D Steel

22. What type of materials are typically permitted in limited use in Type I construction?

A Inherently fire-resistive materials B Only noncombustible materials C Combustible materials D Noncombustible materials

23. What is the primary characteristic of Type I construction?

A Heavy timber B Fire-resistive C Exterior protected D Noncombustible

24. Which type of construction is also known as 'Heavy Timber'?

A Type II B Type I C Type IV D Type V

25. What does the second digit in a three-digit number code represent in building classifications?

A Fire resistance rating of structural frames B Fire resistance rating of exterior bearing walls C Fire resistance rating of roofs D Fire resistance rating of floors

26. What type of construction is characterized by the use of wood framing?

A Type V B Type III C Type I D Type II

27. What is Type IV construction commonly known as?

A Light frame construction B Concrete construction C Steel frame construction D Heavy timber or mill construction

28. What must concealed spaces in Type III construction contain?

A Ventilation systems B Insulating materials C Steel reinforcements D Appropriate fire stops

29. What are the exterior walls in both Type III and Type IV constructions typically made of?

A Wooden planks B Masonry construction C Glass facades D Steel panels

30. Which standard details the requirements for building classifications and subclassifications?

A NFPA® 13 B NFPA® 101 C NFPA® 5000 D NFPA® 220

Study Notes

Overview of Building Construction Types and Fire Resistance

This document provides a comprehensive understanding of various building construction types, their fire resistance ratings, and the materials used. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety regulations to mitigate fire risks and enhance occupant safety.

Main Topic 1: Fire Resistance Ratings

Three-Digit Code: Each building's fire resistance is represented by a three-digit code, indicating the fire resistance ratings for exterior bearing walls, structural frames, and floor construction.
Importance for Safety: Understanding these ratings is essential for compliance with local building codes and ensuring structural integrity during fires.

Main Topic 2: Construction Types

Type I Construction

Fire Resistive Materials: Utilizes noncombustible materials such as steel and concrete, requiring insulation for steel to meet fire resistance standards.
Limited Combustibles: Allows certain treated combustible materials under strict regulations.

Type II Construction

Material Flexibility: Supports noncombustible materials alongside limited combustibles; Type II-A has one-hour fire resistance while Type II-B has no protection.
Fire Retardants: Essential in reducing flammability in both protected and unprotected structures.

Type III Construction

Ordinary Construction: Features noncombustible exterior walls with combustible interior components.
Fire Safety Risks: Concealed spaces can allow rapid fire spread; thus, incorporating effective fire stops is critical.

Type IV Construction

Heavy Timber Designation: Uses solid or laminated wood without concealed spaces between structural elements.
Safety Benefits: Enhances structural integrity while allowing aesthetic applications in modern architecture.

Type V Construction

Combustible Materials Usage: Entirely made from combustible materials like wood frames, commonly used in residential buildings.
Concealed Voids Risks: Extensive hidden spaces pose significant challenges during firefighting efforts due to increased fire hazards.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the three-digit fire resistance rating system is crucial for ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Different construction types (I-V) have varying material requirements that influence their overall safety against fires.
The presence of concealed spaces in certain construction types increases risks during a fire event, necessitating stringent design considerations to enhance safety.