The document discusses building construction types and materials. It covers 5 types of building construction classified based on the materials used. Type I allows noncombustible materials while Type V allows wood. Common building materials like wood, masonry, steel, concrete and their reactions to fire are explained. Dangerous conditions firefighters may face during fire suppression related to building construction such as lightweight truss construction are also reviewed.

1. Fire and Emergency
Services Orientation and
Terminology
5th Edition
Chapter 6 — Building
Construction

2. REVIEW QUESTION
What classification is assigned to a
building based on the type of materials
used in construction?
6–2

3. Learning Objective 1
Distinguish the main differences
between the five types of building
construction.
6–3

4. Type I construction has structural
members made of noncombustible
or limited combustible materials.
6–4
Courtesy of McKinney (TX) Fire Department

5. Type II construction can
include materials with no fire-resistance
ratings in limited
quantities.
Courtesy of McKinney (TX) Fire Department
6–5

6. Type III has exterior walls and
structural members of non- or
limited combustible materials.
Courtesy of McKinney (TX) Fire Department
6–6

7. Type IV has walls and associated
structural members of non- or
limited combustible materials.
6–7

8. Type V has walls, floors, roofs,
and supports of wood or other
approved materials.
6–8

9. REVIEW QUESTION
Compare and contrast the differences
in the various levels of building
construction ratings.
6–9

10. REVIEW QUESTION
Why is it important to understand the
basic effects of fire on common building
materials?
6–10

11. Learning Objective 2
Explain how common building materials
affect fire prevention and code
enforcement.
6–11

12. Wood is used in both load-bearing
and nonload-bearing
walls.
Load-bearing Nonload-bearing
6–12

13. Wood’s reaction to fire
conditions depends on two
factors.
6–13

14. Masonry is minimally affected
by fire and exposure to high
temperatures.
6–14

15. Cast iron stands up well to
fire, but is usually found only
in older buildings.
6–15

16. Steel is the primary material
used for structural support in
modern building construction.
6–16
Courtesy of McKinney (TX) Fire Department

17. Steel elongates when heated
and may fail, depending on
variables.
6–17

18. Reinforced concrete does not
perform well under fire
conditions.
6–18

19. Gypsum has excellent heat-resistant
and fire-retardant
properties.
6–19

20. Glass is not an effective barrier
to fire extension, and fiberglass
can be difficult to extinguish.
6–20

21. REVIEW QUESTION
Name six commonly used building
materials and describe the basic effect
of fire on each of these materials.
6–21

22. Learning Objective 3
Describe the firefighter hazards related
to building construction.
6–22

23. REVIEW QUESTION
How does a fire load in a building affect
the spread of fire?
6–23

24. Dangerous building conditions
may create hazards to
firefighters.
6–24

25. REVIEW QUESTION
What are six basic dangerous building
conditions a firefighter can face during
fire suppression?
6–25

26. Lightweight and truss construction
is one of the most serious building
construction hazards.
6–26

27. New building construction
technologies may also cause
hazards to firefighters.
6–27

28. Construction, renovation, and
demolition increase the risk of
fire dramatically.
6–28
Courtesy of McKinney (TX) Fire Department

29. REVIEW QUESTION
What difficulties can construction,
renovation, and demolition sites present
during a fire?
6–29

30. Summary
• Whenever firefighters enter a burning
structure, conduct an exterior fire attack, or
provide exposure protection, factors of
building construction directly affect their
safety.
6–30

31. Summary
• 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.
6–31