2. Why UnderstandWhy Understand
Building Construction?Building Construction?
Tactics can be determined by constructionTactics can be determined by construction
Be able to recognize what the fire may do nextBe able to recognize what the fire may do next
Be able to recognize structural integrity andBe able to recognize structural integrity and
signs of imminent collapsesigns of imminent collapse
3. NFPA 220NFPA 220
Standard on types of building constructionStandard on types of building construction
First came out in 1952First came out in 1952
Started providing uniformity and identificationStarted providing uniformity and identification
4. What we deal with todayWhat we deal with today
is derived from:is derived from:
Building codesBuilding codes
Design elementsDesign elements
Occupancy needsOccupancy needs
5.
6.
7. 5 Types of Construction5 Types of Construction
Type I Fire ResistiveType I Fire Resistive
Type II Non-CombustibleType II Non-Combustible
Type III Ordinary ConstructionType III Ordinary Construction
Type IV Heavy TimberType IV Heavy Timber
Type V Wood FrameType V Wood Frame
8. Type I - Fire ResistiveType I - Fire Resistive
Fire ResistiveFire Resistive
Concrete and SteelConcrete and Steel
3 Hr Exterior Walls3 Hr Exterior Walls
Commonly found in High-Rise BuildingsCommonly found in High-Rise Buildings
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14. Type II Non-Type II Non-
CombustibleCombustible
Steel or concrete floors, walls and structuralSteel or concrete floors, walls and structural
frameworkframework
Roof covering is combustibleRoof covering is combustible
Commonly found in newer school buildings orCommonly found in newer school buildings or
commercial buildingscommercial buildings
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25. Type III OrdinaryType III Ordinary
(Misnomer)(Misnomer)
Priorly referred to as “brick and joist”Priorly referred to as “brick and joist”
Has masonry bearing wallsHas masonry bearing walls
Floors, Structural framework and roof are woodFloors, Structural framework and roof are wood
A lumberyard enclosed by 4 brick wallsA lumberyard enclosed by 4 brick walls
Commonly found in “warehouse” districts ofCommonly found in “warehouse” districts of
older citiesolder cities
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34. Type IV Heavy TimberType IV Heavy Timber
Structures have masonry walls but floor, ceiling,Structures have masonry walls but floor, ceiling,
roof assemblies are heavy timberroof assemblies are heavy timber
All wooden members must have a minimumAll wooden members must have a minimum
nominal dimension of 8”nominal dimension of 8”
Commonly found in churches and auditoriumsCommonly found in churches and auditoriums
35.
36.
37.
38. Type V Wood FrameType V Wood Frame
Includes balloon and platform frameIncludes balloon and platform frame
Almost all turn of the century homes are woodAlmost all turn of the century homes are wood
frameframe
Commonly used in construction of newerCommonly used in construction of newer
apartment buildings and single familyapartment buildings and single family
homes/garageshomes/garages
49. Tilt-Up ConstructionTilt-Up Construction
Became popular post WWIIBecame popular post WWII
Cheap, FastCheap, Fast
Concrete Slab, Concrete Walls, Roof TyingConcrete Slab, Concrete Walls, Roof Tying
TogetherTogether
Accounts for 75% Of Commercial StructuresAccounts for 75% Of Commercial Structures
AnnuallyAnnually
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55. Major ChangesMajor Changes
Buildings have gotten olderBuildings have gotten older
Fire load inside buildings have changedFire load inside buildings have changed
dramaticallydramatically
Buildings react differently to new fire loadsBuildings react differently to new fire loads
60. LightweightLightweight
Construction vsConstruction vs
EngineeredEngineered
ConstructionConstructionLightweight construction refers to the majorLightweight construction refers to the major
transition point in the late 50’s, early 60’s (posttransition point in the late 50’s, early 60’s (post
WWII) from full dimensional lumber 2x4, 3x6 toWWII) from full dimensional lumber 2x4, 3x6 to
lighter materials 1½x3½, rafters to lightweightlighter materials 1½x3½, rafters to lightweight
trusses etc.trusses etc.
Engineered construction refers toEngineered construction refers to
prefabricated, preassembled materials andprefabricated, preassembled materials and
systems.systems.
61. EngineeredEngineered
Construction (House ofConstruction (House of
Cards)Cards)Larger spans with less supportLarger spans with less support
Larger compartmentsLarger compartments
Prefabricated trussesPrefabricated trusses
Less labor neededLess labor needed
Built fasterBuilt faster
No warning of collapseNo warning of collapse
Total/Catastrophic collapseTotal/Catastrophic collapse
