BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

OBJECTIVE Learning Outcome 1 Assessment Criteria 1 Describe Building Construction. 1.1 1.2 List types of building. Explain each type of building construction and its resistance to heat of fire.

REFERENCES a. NFPA Inspection Manual Seventh Edition. b. ESSENTIALS Fourth Edition Of Fire Fighting - IFSTA.

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BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
INTRODUCTION The type of construction and the materials used in a building influence the building's life safety and fire protection requirements. As an inspector, you have a major responsibility in determining that those requirements are met at all times. In order to discharge that responsibility, you must know the functions of the various structural elements of a building and understand the significant characteristics of the various construction types. TYPES OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Each of the model building codes classifies building construction in different terms. In general construction classifications are based on, the type of materials used in the construction and on the fire-resistance rating requirements of certain structural components. Most building codes have the same five construction classifications, but use different terms to name the classifications. The five types of building construction include: a. Type I b. Type II c. Type III (fire-resistive) construction (noncombustible or limited combustible) construction (ordinary) construction (heavy timber) construction (wood-frame) construction

d. Type IV e. Type V

TYPE OF BUILDING AND SPECIFICATIONS a. Type I - (fire-resistive) construction - This type of construction contains structural members that are of noncombustible or limited combustible! material and have a high fire resistance rating, generally 2 to 4 hours. These combustible materials, which include roof coverings, some types of insulating materials, and limited amounts of wood for interior finish and flooring, do not add significantly to the fire hazard when properly regulated. However, the use of some combustibles, such as wood or other paneling, may not be adequately regulated.

Figure 1: Fire-Resistive Construction.

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b. Type II - (noncombustible or limited combustible) construction The materials that make up buildings classified as Type II construction do not contribute to the development or spread of fire. . Typical of this class of construction are metal framed, metal-clad buildings and concrete-block buildings with metal deck roofs supported by unprotected open-web steel joists. A serious disadvantage of unprotected noncombustible construction is its inability to with stand fire temperatures for short periods without being damaged or failing structurally. Many noncombustible buildings contain substantial combustible elements, such as combustible metal deck roofs, balconies, mansards, and so on.

Figure 2: Noncombustible or Limited Combustible Construction. c. Type III - (Ordinary) Construction - Type III construction, formerly known as "ordinary construction," is widely used for mercantile buildings, schools, motels, and apartment houses. In this type of construction, the exterior bearing walls and bearing portions of exterior walls consist of noncombustible or limitedcombustible materials, such as brick, concrete, or reinforced concrete. They carry hourly fire-resistance ratings, and they exhibit stability when exposed to fire.

Figure 3: Ordinary Construction.

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d. Type IV - (Heavy Timber) Construction One of the more desirable characteristics of this type of construction is that it will resist structural collapse better than other forms and materials of construction. In addition, the surface char that develops on the burning timbers acts as insulation and slows heat penetration into the timbers. To qualify as heavy timber, or Type IV, construction, a building must meet several requirements. First, the bearing walls and the bearing portions of walls must be of noncombustible materials, have a fireresistance rating of 2 hours or more, and remain stable when exposed to fire. All exterior walls, bearing and nonbearing, must be made of noncombustible materials. Floors and roofs must be built of wood, generally without concealed spaces. Where concealed spaces are permitted, they must be closed with tightly fitting wooden covers. In order to qualify as heavy timber construction, columns, beams, girders, and roof deck planks must have specified minimum dimensions. Structural components of specified sizes made of materials other than wood must have a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 hour.

Figure 4: Heavy Timber Construction. e. Type V - (Wood-Frame) Construction - Construction in which the exterior walls are principally or entirely made of wood or some other combustible materials and that does not qualify as Type III or Type IV is known as "wood frame" or simply "frame" construction. In this type of construction, walls and partitions typically are framed with 2- by 4-inch wood studs attached to wood sills and plates.

Figure 5: Wood-Frame Construction.

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CONCLUSION By knowing the types of buildings will be able to provide knowledge the basis of the nature and durability of a building during operation rescue and fire fighting building.

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