Chapter 3Chapter 3

Construction TypesConstruction Types

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Identifies combustibility of building structure, non-structural skin, and interior elements

Some construction types restrict material usage more than others

Code lists minimum construction type required for specific types of occupancy

In conjunction with occupancy classification, determines a buildings’ maximum height and floor area

Key

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Building HeightBuilding Height CombustibleCombustible Fire ResistiveFire Resistive Floor AreaFloor Area Limited CombustibleLimited Combustible Non CombustibleNon Combustible ProtectedProtected Story HeightStory Height UnprotectedUnprotected

Elements of ConstructionElements of Construction

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: Def

initi

ons Noncombustible materialsNoncombustible materials – will not ignite, burn, – will not ignite, burn,

or release flammable vapors when subject to fire.or release flammable vapors when subject to fire.

Combustible materialsCombustible materials – are materials that will – are materials that will continue to burn when the flame source is continue to burn when the flame source is removed.removed.

Fire-resistant materials –Fire-resistant materials – once treated will delay once treated will delay the spread of fire by a designated time period and the spread of fire by a designated time period and can prevent or retard the passage of heat, hot can prevent or retard the passage of heat, hot gasses, and flames.gasses, and flames.

Types I – Noncombustible: Types I – Noncombustible: concrete or masonry bearing concrete or masonry bearing w/2 hour protection of w/2 hour protection of structurestructure

Type II – Noncombustible: Type II – Noncombustible: generally concrete or generally concrete or masonry bearing w/1 hour masonry bearing w/1 hour protection of structureprotection of structure

Type III – Combustible – Mix of Type III – Combustible – Mix of Combustible and Combustible and Combustible: exterior is Combustible: exterior is masonry bearing, interior is masonry bearing, interior is woodwood

Type IV - Mill or Heavy TimberType IV - Mill or Heavy Timber

Type V – Combustible: Type V – Combustible: residential stick or balloon residential stick or balloon framingframing

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S Mixed Construction TypesMixed Construction Types Party wallParty wall Fire separation wall Fire separation wall

Occupancy RequirementsOccupancy Requirements Construction types limit occupancy typesConstruction types limit occupancy types Evacuation timeEvacuation time Assembly, Hazardous, and Institutional are the Assembly, Hazardous, and Institutional are the

stricteststrictest Jurisdictions often require both ICC and LSCJurisdictions often require both ICC and LSC

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Number of OccupantsNumber of Occupants Location of buildingLocation of building Access to siteAccess to site SprinklersSprinklers Fire WallsFire Walls HazardousHazardous Single StoriesSingle Stories MezzaninesMezzanines BasementsBasements

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What about renovations What about renovations after a fire?after a fire?

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