1402 Hybrid Firefighter II6th Edition

Chapter 4 — Building Construction

South Carolina Fire Academy

Understanding construction types can help firefighters in several ways.

4–2

• Predict aspects of fire

development

• Make aware of structur

al instabilit

y

• Select correct tools

(Cont.)

Understanding construction types can help firefighters in several ways.

4–3

• Judge safety

• Select right

type of vertical ventila

tion

• Apply emerge

ncy escape techniq

ues

• Adds to situatio

nal awaren

ess

Construction size up is based on the consideration of several factors.

4–4

• Age of building

• Construction materials

• Roof type• Renovations,

modifications• Dead loads• Number of

stories• Windows• Other

You must be aware of conditions created both by the fire and by trying to extinguish the fire.

4–5

• Conditions that

contribute to spread

and intensity of fire

• Conditions that make

building

susceptible to collaps

e

Dangerous building conditions are created by a variety of factors.

4–6

• Fuel loading

• Furnishings/ finishes

• Roof coverings

• Large, open spaces

Co

urte

sy of E

dd

ie A

vila

Engineered and truss construction presents unique hazards.

4–7

•When

unprotect

ed can fail

•After 5 to 10 minutes of fire exposure•From exposure to heat without flame

•Critical

temperatu

re for

steel

•1,000°F (538°C)

•Construction

•Metal gusset plates can warp, fail unless corner nailed•May be protected with fire-retardant treatments

Bowstring truss roofs, common in large open floor spaces, present unique problems.

4–8

Construction, renovation, and demolition can create hazards.

4–9

Courtesy of Ron Moore and McKinney (TX) FD

Structural collapse is the failure of a building or any portion of a building.

4–10

• Results from

•Natural cause•Explosion•Damage from other forces

•May occur

•With or without warning

• Should be considered

•During preincident surveys•Throughout size-up

Many factors are considered when determining collapse potential.

4–11

• Renovations,

additions,

alterations

• Age of

structure

•Weather

•Loads

• Construction

Type

(Cont.)

Many factors are considered when determining collapse potential.

4–12

• Length of time fire

burns

• Stage of fire

•Contents

• Amount of

water used to extinguish fire

• Other

indicators

WARNING

Structural collapse can occur with little warning. If indicators start to appear, collapse is imminent and personnel must withdraw from the structure and the collapse zone.

4–13

When collapse is imminent you should follow the following steps.

4–14

• Inform Command, all others in building

•Establish clear collapse zone

•Roll call or personnel accountability report

FIRST SECOND THIRD

Determining a collapse zone is done with several factors in mind.

4–15

Guidelines to consider when determining the collapse zone vary by construction type.

4–16

•Type I

•Not as likely to collapse (Cont.)

Guidelines to consider when determining the collapse zone vary by construction type.

4–17

•Type IV

•Least likely to collapse

Collapse zones are established in three situations.

4–18

•There is indication the structure has been

weakened by prolonged exposure to

fire or heat

The size of a collapse zone must account for several issues, including safety.

4–19

•Construction type

•Other exposures

•Safest location

• Apparatus• Personnel

• Knowing and understanding building construction is as vital as your knowledge and understanding of fire behavior.

• You must be familiar with the types of construction in your community or response area, be aware of changes to existing structures, and follow trends in building construction.

Summary

4–20