Fire and Emergency Services Orientation and

Terminology5 th Edition

Chapter 6 — Building Construction

REVIEW QUESTION

What classification is assigned to a building based on the type of materials used in construction?

6–2

Learning Objective 1

Distinguish the main differences between the five types of building construction.

6–3

Type I construction has structural members made of noncombustible or l imited combustible materials.

6–4

Courtesy of McKinney (TX) Fire Department

Type II construction can include materials with no fire-resistance ratings in l imited quantit ies.

6–5

Courtesy of McKinney (TX) Fire Department

Type III has exterior walls and structural members of non- or l imited combustible materials.

6–6

Courtesy of McKinney (TX) Fire Department

Type IV has walls and associated structural members of non- or l imited combustible materials.

6–7

Type V has walls, f loors, roofs, and supports of wood or other approved materials.

6–8

REVIEW QUESTION

Compare and contrast the differences in the various levels of building construction ratings.

6–9

REVIEW QUESTION

Why is it important to understand the basic effects of fire on common building materials?

6–10

Explain how common building materials affect fire prevention and code enforcement.

Learning Objective 2

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Wood is used in both load-bearing and nonload-bearing walls.

6–12

Load-bearing Nonload-bearing

Wood’s reaction to f ire condit ions depends on two factors.

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Masonry is minimally affected by f ire and exposure to high temperatures.

6–14

Cast iron stands up well to f ire, but is usually found only in older buildings.

6–15

Steel is the primary material used for structural support in modern building construction.

6–16

Courtesy of McKinney (TX) Fire Department

Steel elongates when heated and may fail, depending on variables.

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Reinforced concrete does not perform well under fire conditions.

6–18

Gypsum has excellent heat-resistant and fire-retardant properties.

6–19

Glass is not an effective barrier to fire extension, and fiberglass can be diff icult to extinguish.

6–20

REVIEW QUESTION

Name six commonly used building materials and describe the basic effect of fire on each of these materials.

6–21

Describe the firefighter hazards related to building construction.

Learning Objective 3

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REVIEW QUESTION

How does a fire load in a building affect the spread of fire?

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Dangerous building conditions may create hazards to f irefighters.

6–24

REVIEW QUESTION

What are six basic dangerous building conditions a firefighter can face during fire suppression?

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Lightweight and truss construction is one of the most serious building construction hazards.

6–26

New building construction technologies may also cause hazards to f irefighters.

6–27

Construction, renovation, and demolit ion increase the risk of f ire dramatically.

6–28

Courtesy of McKinney (TX) Fire Department

REVIEW QUESTION

What difficulties can construction, renovation, and demolition sites present during a fire?

6–29

Summary

• Whenever firefighters enter a burning structure, conduct an exterior fire attack, or provide exposure protection, factors of building construction directly affect their safety.

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• At a minimum, firefighters should recognize the five types of building construction, know how building materials react to fire, be able to identify dangerous building conditions and the hazards of lightweight truss construction, and be aware of hazards during construction, renovation, and demolition.

Summary

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