Fire Resistance Rating
Rating assigned to a material or an assembly after standardized testing by an independent testing organization that identifies the amount of time a material or assembly of materials will resist a typical fire as measured on a standard time-temperature cur
To the firefighter the most significant characteristic of a building is not its architectural style but how it behaves under what?
Fire Conditions
page 45
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)
Independent fire research and testing laboratory with headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois that certifies equipment and materials. Equipment and materials are approved only for the specific use for which it is tested. (page 49)
Fire Stop
Solid materials, such as wood blocks, used to prevent of limit the vertical and horizontal spread of fire and the products of combustion in hollow walls or floors, above false ceilings, in penetrations for plumbing or electrical installations, in penetrat
Fire Resistance Directory
Directory that lists building assemblies that have been tested and given fire-resistance ratings. Published by Underwriters Laboratories. (page 51)
Noncombustible
Incapable of supporting combustion under normal circumstances. (page 53)
Masonry
Bricks, blocks, stones and unreinforced and reinforced concrete products. (page 54)
Light-Frame Construction
Method for construction of wood-frame buildings. Replaced the use of heavy timber wood framing. (page 62)
Fire Load
The amount of fuel within a compartment expressed in pounds per square foot obtained by dividing the amount of fuel present by the floor area.Fire load is used as a measure of the potential heat released of a fire within a compartment. Also known as a fue
All building codes classify buildings by construction type. These classifications are based on 2 attributes of building construction: these 2 attributes are?
Fire resistance and combustibility (45)
This determines the likelihood of structural collapse under fire conditions.
Fire resistance. (45)
This will impact the rate of fire growth.
The combustible nature of the building structural system (45)
These type buildings permit firefighting to make a more aggressive interior attack than they can make a non-fire type buildings. They also provide an increased degree of occupant safety.
Fire resistive (45)
In addition to classifying buildings by construction type, building codes classify buildings by there what?
Occupancy (46)
A classification that reflects the different life safety issues posed by different occupancies. Healthcare occupancies, for example, resent different fire safety issues than warehouses
Occupancy classification (46)
From a fire protection standpoint, one of the most basic properties of building materials is the degree of what?
Fire resistance(46)
This is a function of the properties of all materials used, including combustibility, thermal conductivity, chemical composition, density, and dimensions. It is also the ability of a structural assembly to maintain its load bearing capacity and structural
Fire Resistance (46)
Building codes will have requirements for the fire resistance of structural elements such as the following:
1 beams
2 columns
3 walls and partitions
4. Floor and ceiling assemblies
5. Roof and ceiling assemblies (46)
A building code will typically require the columns supporting the floors in a fire resistive building have a fire resistance rating of how many hours?
3 hours (46)
The walls enclosing an exit stairwell which may or may not be load bearing typically must have a fire resistive rating of how many hours to protect the stairwell.
1 or 2 hours (46)
1 conducting standard fire resistance testing in a laboratory
2. Performing analytical calculations to determine the resistance to a standard fire test exposure
3. Employing analytical structural fire engineering design methods based on real fire exposure
3 means by which the fire resistance of structural assemblies can be determined. (47)
Of the 3 means which fire resistance of structural assemblies can be determined. The most commonly used method is.
Laboratory test (47)
The primary means used to determine a fire resistance rating is subject to the component to be evaluated to the heat standard fire in a test furnace.
Fire resistance test method (47)
In the standard fire - resistance test the furnace temperature of 1000� is reached at how many minutes?
5 minutes (47)
In the standard fire resistance test the furnace temperature of 1550� is reached after how many minutes?
30 minutes (47)
In the standard fire resistance test the furnace temperature The temperature of 1700� in the furnace is reached at?
1 Hr (47)
The fire resistance ratings for floor and ceiling assemblies are developed for which two type of assemblies?
Restrained and unrestrained (47)
A temperature of 1850� in the test furnace is reached at how many hours?
2 hours (48)
When a structural specimens tested the test. This continued until the specimen fails or the specified fire endurance for which the specimen being tested is reached. Thus, if a partition wall were being tested to obtain a 2 hour fire rating, the test would
4 Hrs (48)
In the furnace test. Why aren't assemblies tested beyond 4 hours
Because 4 hours is The maximum time required by the building codes (49)
What are the primary points of failure for the furnace test?
1. Failure to support and applied load
2. Temperature increase on the unexposed side of wall, floor, and a roof assemblies of 250�F above ambient temperatures
3 passage of heat or flame to the assembly sufficient to ignite cotton waste
4. Excessive temper
Although an assembly may fail at any point during the test, fire resistance ratings for test specimens, including fire doors and windows are expressed in what standard intervals?
1. 15 minutes
2. 30 minutes
3. 45 minutes
4. 1 hour
5. 1 1/2 hours
6. 2 hours
7. 3 hours
8. 4 hours
(49)
What are the dimensions in the tests furnace for testing beans, floor, and roof assemblies?
14' x 17'
(49)
Solid materials, such as wood blocks, used to prevent or limit the vertical and horizontal spread of fire in the products of combustion in hollow walls or floors, above false ceilings, and penetrations for plumbing or electrical installations in penetrati
Fire stop (50)
Type I Bldg Classification
Fire- resistive (54)
Type II Bldg Classification
Noncombustible or protected noncombustible (54)
Type III Bldg Classification
Exterior protected (masonry) (54)
Type IV Bldg Classification
Heavy timber (54)
Type V Bldg Classification
Wood frame (54)
This material is one that in the form in which used in under the conditions, anticipated will not ignite, burn, support combustion or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat
Noncombustible material (54)
Incapable of supporting combustion under normal circumstances
Noncombustible (54)
In all NFPA 220, Each classification is designated by a 3 digit number code for example in Type I construction can be either 4-4-3 or 3- 3-2. The 1st digit refers to the?
Fire resistance rating (in hours) of exterior bearing walls
page (54)
In all NFPA 220, Each classification is designated by a 3 digit number code for example in Type I construction can be either 4-4-3 or 3- 3-2.the 2nd digit refers to the
fire resistance rating of structural frames or columns and girders that support loads of more than one floor
pg (54)
In all NFPA 220, Each classification is designated by a 3 digit number code for example in Type I construction can be either 4-4-3 or 3- 3-2. the 3rd digit refers to the?
the fire resistance rating of the floor construction
page(54)
In type I or fire resistive construction, the structural members are of non combustible construction that has a specified fire resistance. What is a noncombustible material but is not fire-resistive and must be protected to attain fire resistance?
Steel (55)
In Type I construction (fire resistive):
Generally, bearing walls, columns, and beams are required to have a fire resistance of how many hours?
2 to 4 Hrs (55)
In Type I construction (fire resistive):
Floor construction is required to have a fire resistance of how many hours?
2 or 3 Hrs (55)
In Type I construction (fire resistive):
The roof deck and construction supporting the roof must have a fire-resistance of how many hrs?
1 to 2 Hrs (55)
In Type I construction (fire resistive):
Interior partitions enclosing stairwells and corridors are required to be fire-resistive as specified by local code, usually how many hrs?
1 or 2 (55)
Some bldg codes contain a provision to omit the fire-resistive rating for a roof construction for some occupancies when the roof is located more than how many feet above the floor?
20 Ft. (55)
In all NFPA 220 thereof to sub classifications of type I construction (fire resistive) they are?
I-A and I-B
page 55
What provided by partitions and floors tends to retard the spread of fire through a bldg?
Fire-resistive compartmentation (57)
In what type of structure classification can firefighters able to launch an interior attack with greater confidence than they are in a building that is not this type of classification?
Type I Fire Resistive (57)
Bldg codes usually permit a limited use of combustible materials in Type I construction. A code may also allow the use of fire retardant-treated wood in roofs or interior partitions. Combustible materials typically are permitted for such uses as the follo
1. Roof coverings
2. Interior floor finishes
3. Interior wall finishes and trims
4. Doors and door frames
5. Window sashes and frames
6. Platforms
7. Nailing and furring strips
8. Light-transmitting plastics
9. Foam plastics subject to restrictions (57)
The two most common methods of constructing Type I bldgs are by using?
Reinforced concrete or a Protected steel frame (57)
Reinforced concrete can fail if it is subjected what?
Very intense fire for long duration explosion (57)
Which type of steel has no fire resistance?
Unprotected Steel (58)
When steel is used in a fire resistive design it must be protected by what?
Insulating Material (58)
When steel is protected by an insulating material what can be varied to achieve the different fire ratings?
The thickness of the insulating material. (58)
Type II construction (non combustible)
can be either what?
Protected or unprotected (58)
The use of what is the most common characteristic of unprotected non combustible construction?
Unprotected Steel (58)
What is an example for non combustible construction?
Unprotected steel columns or steel beams for roof support (58)
In Type II construction structural steel is frequently provided with a degree of fire resistance that is less than that required for Type I construction and sometimes referred to as what?
Protected noncombustible construction (58)
Type II construction has two subclassifications, designated what?
Type II-A & II-B (58)
In type II-A construction the structural components are required to have how many Hr(s) of fire-resistance?
1Hr (58)
In Type II-B construction structural components are what?
Unprotected (58)
Materials other than steel can be used in Type II construction. A material such as concrete block can be used for the walls of a Type II bldg with steel beams or trusses used to support the roof. What else can be used but their structural role is limited?
Glass and aluminum (58)
An unprotected, noncombustible bldg cannot be expected to provide what under fire conditions?
Structural stability (58)
Type II construction: What factors contribute to unprotected steel members failing?
1. Ceiling Height of the bldg
2. Size of the unprotected steel members
3. Intensity and duration of the exposing fire (58)
Type III construction is commonly referred to as what?
Ordinary Construction (58)
Type III construction is frequently constructed with exterior walls of what material? But from a Technical standpoint any noncombustible material with the required fire resistance can be used for the exterior walls.
Masonry (58)
The interior structural members of Type III construction may be what?
Protected or Unprotected (59)
Type III construction has two subclassifications which are what?
Type III-A and Type III-B (59)
Type III-A construction is required to have a how many hr(s) fireresistive rating for interior members?
1 Hr (59)
Type III-B construction has a fire resistance rating for interior members of how many hrs?
no fire resistance rating (59)
When the structural components of Type III construction are required to have a fire rating. They can be protected by several means. Probably the most common are the use of?
Plaster in older bldgs and Gypsum board in newer bldgs (59)
The dimensions of the wood used in Type III construction are permitted to be smaller than those required in Type IV construction. In Type III construction it would not be uncommon to use what size joists for floor construction?
nominal 2x10 inch (59)
a type III construction it would not be uncommon to use nominal 2 x 10" joist for four construction. But In Type IV construction, the minimum dimensions for floor construction would be?
6x10 inch (59)
A fundamental fire concern with Type III construction is the combustible concealed spaces that are created between where?
Floor and ceiling joists and between studs in partition walls when they are covered with interior finish material. (59)
In what type of construction is it not unusual to encounter drop ceilings that can facilitate his fires and make it difficult for firefighters to find a fire
Type III
page 60
In Type III construction what is essential to prevent fire from spreading through concealed spaces?
Fire Stopping (60)
When can firefighters not assume a level of structural stability where the structural components are what?
Combustible (60)
Type IV construction is commonly known as what?
Hear-Timber or Mill construction
Like Type III construction, Type IV construction has exterior walls normally of what type of material?
Masonry (60)
What are the two important distinctions between Type III & Type IV construction?
1. Type IV construction the beams, columns, floors and roofs are made of solid or laminated wood with dimensions greater than in Type III.
2. Concealed spaces are not permitted between structural members in Type IV. (60)
Type IV construction was used extensively in what kind of bldgs?
Factories, Mills and warehouses in the 19th and early 20th centuries. (60)
What is Type IV construction used for primarily today?
Where it is desired for appearance (61)
What is the primary fire hazard associated with Type IV construction?
Massive amount of fuel from structural members and if members haven't been cleaned of old oils. (61)
What are some advantages of heavy timber construction?
1. The greater mass of the heavy timber provides greater structural endurance under fire conditions.
2. The larger timbers are slower to ignite and burn.
3. If the timbers haven't been exposed to a prolonged fire they may be sandblasted and used. (61)
Type V construction is commonly known as?
Wood frame construction (61)
What is the basic method of construction in Type V?
Using a Wood frame to provide the primary structural support (61)
How many hrs of fire resistance are required for the structural members in Type V construction?
1 Hr (61)
In Type V construction what materials are used for protecting the combustible frame members?
Plaster or Fire Rated Gypsum Board (61)
What is a fundamental problem posed with Type V construction?
Concealed voids and channels more extensive than in Type III Construction. (62)
Because a heavily involved Type V wood frame bldg also poses a threat to adjacent structures bldg codes impose a restriction on what?
1. The maximum allowable heights and areas.
2. May require a separation distance between a Type V bldg and an adjacent property line.
What is known as "the common currency of small residential and commercial bldgs in North America today"?
Light Frame Construction (62)
Method for construction of wood frame bldgs that replaced the use of heavy timber wood framing.
Light-Frame Construction (62)
What is an example of a bldg having a mixed use and a mixed construction type?
Where a different type of structure is built on top of an existing one. (62)
Mixed Construction:
Some buildings are allowed to have a mixed-use and a mixed construction type. For example: In some jurisdictions it is permissible to have Type V constr. over Type I constr. up to a height of how many ft?
70 Ft. (62)
The amount of fuel within a compartment expressed in pound per square foot obtained by dividing the amount of fuel present by the floor area. It is used as a measure of the potential heat release of a fire within a compartment also known as Fuel Load.
Fire Load (63)
Wood and Paper have heats of combustion between 7,000 - 8,000 per pound BTU's per pound.An occupancy with a fire load of 10lbs per square foot would produce how many BTU's per square foot?
70,000-80,000 Btu's per square foot (63)
The fire load can be used to estimate what?
The total potential heat release of thermal energy that a bldg may be subjected to if all combustibles become fully involved in a fire. (63)
Bldgs with combustible structural components Types III, IV, and V have an inherently greater fire load than
Types I or II because?j
The structural framing materials contribute a significant amount of fuel to a fire. (63)
A fire load does not translate into an equivalent structural load. What is an example?
A warehouse of Type IV (Heavy Timber) constr. containing iron radiators have a light fire load buy a very large structural load. Conversely, a toy store would have a moderate structural load but a high fire load because most toys are combustible with comb
Bldg codes classify bldgs according to their what, as well as their construction type?
Occupancy (63)
Classifying bldgs according to occupancy facilitates the administration of a what?
Code (63)
These types of occupancies for example in which crowds of people gather ____ ____? present a potential threat to life because of crowd density.
Night Clubs (63)
Grouping all the various uses to which a bldg can be put
( ___ __________) into relatively small number of classifications allow for the use of less cumbersome code language.
the occupancies (63)
In any occupancy, What? can slow the rate at which the occupants would be able to flee in an emergency?
Crowd Density (63)
In what occupancy are the occupants scattered throughout the bldg and are more mobile?
Warehouse (63)
What Codes? therefore, treat occupancies in which crowds of people can gather differently from occupancies that hold relatively few people?
Bldg Codes (63)
International Bldg Code (IBC) Classifications (10) in all Group A
Assembly (64)
IBC Code for Group B
Business (64)
IBC Code Group E
Educational (64)
IBC Code Group F
Factories (64)
IBC Code Group H
High Hazard (64)
IBC Code Group I
Institutional (64)
IBC Code Group M
Mercantile (64)
IBC Code Group R
Residential (64)
IBC Code Group S
Storage (64)
IBC Code Group U
Utility & Miscellaneous (64)
IBC Code Group R, Residential includes what? Obviously a hotel with 1500 rooms and highly transient occupants present a far greater fire safety risk that a monastery, even though both are classified under the same grouping. Therefore, the codes further di
1. Hotels
2. Apartment Bldgs
3. Monasteries
4. SF dwellings (64)
The IBC Code Classifications further divide the major occupancy classifications into a number of subclassifications to describe what?
Occupancy groups with more similar characteristics (64)
IBC Occupancy Group R are subdivided into 4 Groups R-1 is?
Occupancies with primarily transient occupants including 1.hotels
2.motels
(64)
IBC Occupancy Group R are subdivided into 4 Groups R-2 is ?
Occupancies with primarily permanent occupants and more than 2 dwelling units, such as:
1. apartment bldgs.
2. dormitories
3. non-transient hotels (64)
IBC Occupancy Group R are subdivided into 4 Groups R-3 is?
Occupancies with primarily permanent occupants and not more than 2 dwelling units Such as:
1. adult facilities that provide accommodations for 5 or fewer persons of any age for less than 24Hrs
2. child care facilities for 5 or fewer persons of any age for
IBC Occupancy Group R are subdivided into 4 Groups R-4?
Occupancies used as assisted-living facilities with
5 to 16 occupants
(65)
IBC Assembly Occupancies are subdivided into 5 Sub-groups such as A-1
Assembly occupancies, usually with fixed seating such as: 1. motion picture theaters
2. concert halls (65)
IBC Assembly Occupancies are subdivided into 5 Sub-groups such as A-2
Assembly occupancies used for consuming food and drink such as:
1. night clubs
2. restaurants. (65)
IBC Assembly Occupancies are subdivided into 5 Sub-groups such as A-3
Assembly occupancies used for:
1. worship
2. recreation or amusement such as bowling alleys, churches, dance halls and exhibition halls. (65)
IBC Assembly Occupancies are subdivided into 5 Sub-groups such as A-4
Assembly Occupancies intended for viewing indoor sporting events such as:
1. tennis courts
2. arenas.
Assembly Occupancies are subdivided into 5 Sub-groups such as A-5
Assembly uses for outdoor activities such as:
1. bleachers, grandstands and stadiums (65)
The IBC contains a total of how many subgroups within the 10 major occupancy classifications?
26
(65)
The IBC also makes separate provision for what type of dwellings no more than 3 stories high?
1 or 2 Family Dwellings (65)
Although these 1 or 2 family dwellings would be classified as R in the IBC they are governed by a separate code, which is ?
The International Residential Code (65)
NFPA Classifications make use of 12 major occupancy classifications which are?
1. Assembly
2. Educational
3. Day Care
4. Health Care
5. Ambulatory Health Care
6. Detention & Correctional
7. Residential
8. Residential Board & Care
9. Mercantile
10. Business
11. Industrial
12. Storage
Other bldg codes may use other occupancy classifications
One code for example classifies both correctional facilities and health care facilities as what type of occupancies.
Institutional (65)
Bldgs frequently contain occupants that represent more than one occupancy classification. For example a bldg might contain mercantile and what occupancy?
Residential (65)
In Mixed Occupancies bldg codes will require fire-resistive separations between various occupancies. Thus an infant care center and a restaurant could be required to be separated by a how many hr fire resistive separation when located in the same bldg?
2 Hrs (66)
The specific requirements for occupancy separation will depend on the local building code. In mixed Occupancies required separations can vary from
_ to _ hrs and not all occupancies would require a separation.
1 to 3 Hrs (66)
What is of critical importance to firefighters with regards to fire-resistance & bldg classifications?
How a bldg will react under fire conditions (67)
Fire behavior in a bldg is determined in large measure by what 2 factors?
1. The Materials of which it is constructed
2. Structural Fire Resistance (67)