Building Construction
What are the five types of building construction?
Type I-V (Fire Resistive, Non-Combustible, Ordinary, Heavy Timber, Wood Frame)
What is the purpose of a fire-rated door?
Slows fire spread, protects compartments
Define fire load.
Total amount of combustible material in a structure
What is the primary goal of active fire protection?
Extinguish or slow fire spread
What building construction factor contributed to the Worcester Cold Storage Fire tragedy?
Maze-like layout, lack of ventilation, no sprinklers
What is the most fire-resistant type of construction?
Type I - Fire Resistive
What is the function of smoke dampers in HVAC systems?
Prevents smoke from spreading through ventilation ducts
What happens to steel at 1,500°F?
It weakens and expands, leading to structural failure
What type of egress stairwell is required in a high-rise building?
Pressurized, enclosed, and fire-rated stairwell
How did fire doors impact the outcome of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire?
Locked exits trapped workers inside, leading to high fatalities
This type of construction has a non-combustible exterior but a wood-framed interior.
Type III - Ordinary
How do pressurized stairwells protect occupants?
Keeps smoke from entering escape routes
What’s the difference between fire load and fuel load?
Fire load includes heat release rate, fuel load refers to material quantity
What role do sprinkler systems play in fire suppression?
Control heat release, limit fire growth before firefighters arrive
What 2003 nightclub fire in Rhode Island was caused by pyrotechnics igniting foam soundproofing, resulting in 100 deaths?
The Station Nightclub Fire
Name two failure points in a Type V structure during a fire.
Lightweight trusses, gusset plates
How does compartmentalization help control fire behavior?
Limits oxygen supply, slows heat transfer, protects egress routes
How do void spaces impact fire spread?
Allow hidden fire travel, unpredictable collapse risk, smoke explosion
Why is stairwell pressurization important in a high-rise fire?
Prevents smoke from entering escape paths, ensuring safe egress
What 2017 high-rise fire in London gained worldwide attention due to flammable cladding and lack of fire barriers, leading to rapid spread and multiple fatalities?
The Grenfell Tower Fire.
Explain why heavy timber construction (Type IV) resists collapse longer than Type II.
Large timber mass, charring protects interior strength
Explain why the MGM Grand Fire was made worse by poor passive fire protection.
Open elevator shafts, lack of smoke control, fire spread through ceiling spaces
Why is a wind-driven fire dangerous in high-rise buildings?
Can rapidly push flames and smoke down corridors, overwhelming passive systems
What was a major egress issue during the Station Nightclub Fire?
Crowding at front exits, blocked secondary exits, failure of fire-rated walls
What 1911 factory fire in New York City led to significant changes in fire codes and worker safety laws after 146 people died due to locked exits?
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.