building construction

1. Building Construction for the
Fire Service
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2. Objectives
• Understand why codes and inspections are important
during the construction process
• To be able to identify different types of residential
construction
• Become more familiar with construction terminology and
types
• To be able to understand styles of building systems
• Evaluate risk versus safety with each construction type
• Determine when to consider defensive attack
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3. History of Residential Framing
• Framing, in construction, is the fitting together of pieces
to give a structure support and shape. Framing materials
are usually wood, engineered wood, or structural steel.
Building framing is divided into two broad categories,
heavy-frame construction (heavy framing) if the vertical
supports are few and heavy such as in timber framing,
pole building framing, or steel framing or many and
smaller called light-frame construction (light framing)
including balloon, platform and light-steel framing. Light-
frame construction using standardized dimensional
lumber has become the dominant construction method
in North America. 3

4. Building Codes
Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) has adopted several
codes that pertain to residential building construction.
• Maryland Building Performance Standard is the name given to
the culmination of codes adopted.
• International Building Code (IBC)
• International Residential Code (IRC)
• International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• Other codes that have been adopted
• National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)
• National Fire Sprinkler Code (NPFA 13D)
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5. Building Codes
Building codes dictate acceptable building practices to be used
in a specific geographic area. They are quite broad and general
but specify criteria such as design strength for roof snow-
loading, or hurricane wind resistance.
Most building codes are enforced by the separate counties, or
county designee.
The code process ensures all structures are built to resist
weather-related threats specific to that area, and gives
contractors “instructions” to follow.
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6. Building Codes
International Building Code has 35 chapters specifying how
structures should be constructed. From height vs. size
requirements to elevators, and materials allowed to be used for
construction.
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7. Building Codes
Each county in Maryland will have an inspection process in place
and will require plan submittal, followed up by routine
inspections to ensure compliance with the code.
• Building plan submittal
• Footing inspection
• Construction inspection (structural framing)
• Mechanical inspection (Electrical, Plumbing, & Mechanical)
before walls are closed-up
• Sprinkler inspection
• May be more – depending on jurisdiction
• Final inspection prior to occupancy
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8. Building Codes
Code enforcement ensures that the structure is structurally
sound and appropriate construction materials and methods are
used throughout the process. This will protect the tenant and
fire service personnel from unnecessary harm. Codes change
routinely and as new materials and methods are proven, they
are considered acceptable practice and added to the code.
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9. Framing Terms
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Roofing:
1. Rafter
2. Sheathing
3. Dormer Ridge
4. Dormer Rafter
5. Hip Rafter
6. Header
7. Fascia
8. Double Header
9. Tail Rafter
10. Hip Jack Rafter
11. Joist
Walls/Flooring:
1. Stud
2. Cap Plate
3. Bracing
4. Sole Plate
5. Plywood Subflooring
6. Firestop
7. Floor Joist
8. Sill
9. Ledger
10. Carriage
11. Plywood Sheathing
Foundation:
1. Wall (concrete or masonry)
2. Anchor Bolts
3. Footer

10. Framing Anatomy – Sill plate
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Attachment of wood framing
to foundation. Usually
consists of treated
dimensional lumber, but can
differ for modular or panelized
construction.

11. Framing Anatomy – Wall Framing
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Wall studs are the structural
members that will extend from the
sill plate to the floor deck or roof
above. Usually consist of 2” by 6”
lumber.
Wall studs

12. Framing Anatomy – Headers
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A header is used to span larger
areas such as openings
including doors, windows, and
room entries. May be
dimensional lumber or
engineered products.

13. Framing Anatomy – Roof System
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Roof framing us usually
supported by the exterior
walls, and can be dimensional
(stick built) or a engineered
truss system.

14. Platform Framing – 1900s –
Present
Wall studs extend from sill plate to
next floor only.
Floor framing sits on top of wall
(interior & exterior) framing.
Fire usually will only travel within
one floor cavity.
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15. Panelized Construction – 1990s –
Present
Wall, floor, and roof sections are
built in a factory off-site and
delivered to job. Even more
lightweight than conventional
construction.
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16. Structural beams used for
residential construction
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Common lightweight wooden beams widely used:
1. Laminated Beams – common in floor systems but can
be used as headers or main support beams
2. TGI’s – common in floor systems

17. See the difference?
Dimensional Lightweight
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18. Beams & Trusses
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19. Trusses
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20. Gusset Plate
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21. Truss Problems
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22. Other Issues
Penetrations should only be made in pre-punched
knockouts or as specified by manufacturer
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23. Burn time
Will vary with type of
wood, air movement,
metal penetration, cut-
outs, and structure fire
load.
Under “ideal” fire
conditions, deep enough
charring for release of
truss plate is present
within 7 minutes after
engineered lumber is
impinged. 23

24. Hazard Identification
• Assume all newer (1990s through today) construction
contains lightweight engineered components until
proven otherwise
• Only true way to tell is to expose floor/roof assemblies.
• Upon observing truss member failure, consider total
failure of system (either floor or roof).
• Do not rely on adjoining trusses, it is a “system.”
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25. Review
• Identify different types of residential construction
• Become more familiar with construction terminology and
types
• To be able to understand types of building systems
• Evaluate risk versus safety with each construction type
• Determine when to consider defensive attack
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26. QUESTIONS?
Ryan Chapman
(301) 748-8198
aclrntk9@gmail.com
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