FIP-FIP9725 - Building Construction

Course Description

Buildings go up, and fires can bring them down. To understand the effect of fire on the structural integrity of a building, it is necessary to understand and consider the construction of that building. Knowing how a building is built allows fire fighters to look for warning signs of imminent collapse. It also makes them better able to predict fire spread and, therefore, where it may be necessary to search for and extinguish extension of the fire.

After students complete this chapter and the related course work, they will be able to describe the characteristics of various building components and how each reacts to fire. Students will also be able to describe the five types of building construction and the types of materials used in each. Finally, students will be able to describe various building components, including foundations, ceilings, roofs, trusses, doors, walls, and windows.

Course Outline

Describe the characteristics of masonry building materials.Describe the characteristics of concrete building materials.Describe the characteristics of glass building materials.Describe the characteristics of wood building materials.Describe the characteristics of engineered wood building materials.Describe the characteristics of plastic building materials.List the five types of building construction.Describe the characteristics of Type I construction.Describe the effects of fire on Type I construction.Describe the characteristics of Type II construction.Describe the effects of fire on Type II construction.Describe the characteristics of Type III construction.Describe the effects of fire on Type III construction. Describe the characteristics of Type IV construction.Describe the effects of fire on Type IV construction.Describe the characteristics of Type V construction.Describe the effects of fire on Type V construction.Describe the characteristics of balloon-frame construction. Describe the effects of fire on balloon-frame construction. Describe the characteristics of platform-frame construction.Describe the effects of fire on platform-frame construction. Describe the challenges associated with fighting a fire in a hybrid building. Describe the purpose of a foundation in a structure.List the warning signs of foundation collapse. Explain how floor construction affects fire suppression operations. Describe the characteristics of fire-resistive floors. Describe the characteristics of wood-supported floors. Describe the characteristics of ceiling assemblies. List the three primary components of roof assemblies. List the three primary types of roofs. Describe the characteristics of trusses. List the types of trusses. Describe the effects of fires on trusses. Describe the characteristics of walls.List the common types of walls in structures. Describe the characteristics of door assemblies. Describe the characteristics of window assemblies. Describe the characteristics of fire doors.Describe the characteristics of fire windows. Explain the effect that interior finishes have on fire suppression operations.Explain the effect that exterior finishes and siding have on fire suppression operations.Describe the hazards that buildings under construction or demolition pose to fire fighters.Describe the factors that increase the chance of building collapse.Describe how building construction factors into preincident planning and incident size-up.