Building ConstructionBuilding ConstructionPFF Joel Mock LACoFDPFF Joel Mock LACoFD

Why Understand Why 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 and Be able to recognize structural integrity and signs of imminent collapsesigns of imminent collapse

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

What we deal with What we deal with today is derived from:today is derived from:

Building codesBuilding codes

Design elementsDesign elements

Occupancy needsOccupancy needs

Building ComponentsBuilding Components

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

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

Type II Non-CombustibleType II Non-Combustible

Steel or concrete floors, walls and structural Steel or concrete floors, walls and structural frameworkframework

Roof covering is combustibleRoof covering is combustible

Commonly found in newer school buildings or Commonly found in newer school buildings or commercial buildingscommercial buildings

Type III Ordinary Type 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 of Commonly found in “warehouse” districts of older citiesolder cities

Type IV Heavy TimberType IV Heavy Timber

Structures have masonry walls but floor, Structures have masonry walls but floor, ceiling, roof assemblies are heavy timberceiling, roof assemblies are heavy timber

All wooden members must have a minimum All wooden members must have a minimum nominal dimension of 8”nominal dimension of 8”

Commonly found in churches and auditoriums Commonly found in churches and auditoriums

Type V Wood FrameType V Wood Frame

Includes balloon and platform frameIncludes balloon and platform frame

Almost all turn of the century homes are wood Almost all turn of the century homes are wood frameframe

Commonly used in construction of newer Commonly used in construction of newer apartment buildings and single family apartment buildings and single family homes/garageshomes/garages

Type V - Wood FrameType V - Wood Frame

Major ChangesMajor Changes

Buildings have gotten olderBuildings have gotten older

Fire load inside buildings have changed Fire load inside buildings have changed dramaticallydramatically

Buildings react differently to new fire loadsBuildings react differently to new fire loads

Modern DayModern Day

Modern vs LegacyModern vs Legacy

Hollow vs Solid DoorHollow vs Solid Door

Lightweight Lightweight Construction vs Construction vs Engineered ConstructionEngineered Construction

Lightweight construction refers to the major Lightweight construction refers to the major transition point in the late 50’s, early 60’s transition point in the late 50’s, early 60’s (post WWII) from full dimensional lumber 2x4, (post WWII) from full dimensional lumber 2x4, 3x6 to lighter materials 1½x3½, rafters to 3x6 to lighter materials 1½x3½, rafters to lightweight trusses etc.lightweight trusses etc.

Engineered construction refers to Engineered construction refers to prefabricated, preassembled materials and prefabricated, preassembled materials and systems.systems.

Engineered Construction Engineered Construction (House of Cards)(House of 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

Basic Roof TypesBasic Roof Types

ArchedArched

GabledGabled

SawtoothSawtooth

HipHip

ButterflyButterfly

ShedShed

LanternLantern

Flat Flat

GambrelGambrel

MansardMansard

TrussesTrusses

Prefabricated roof/wall Prefabricated roof/wall supportsupport

Easier than building raftersEasier than building rafters

Fail catastrophicallyFail catastrophically

Bridge TrussBridge Truss

Bowstring TrussBowstring Truss

Special HazardsSpecial Hazards

WTFWTF

WTFWTF

WTFWTF

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Questions? Comments?Questions? Comments?