Continuing Education
For the Fire Fighter
Copyright: IFSTA, Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 6th Edition
Building Construction
Module 1
Chapter 4
Copyright: IFSTA, Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 6th Edition
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Describe the List the main
impact of fire on types of
common building occupancy
materials. classifications.
Explain the
impact of fire on
construction
classifications.
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A WIDE VARIETY OF BUILDING MATERIALS
ARE USED IN CONSTRUCTION.
All react differently to heat
of fire
Knowing reaction can help
Courtesy of Ron Moore and
McKinney (TX) FD
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WOOD IS THE MOST COMMON MATERIAL
USED IN NORTH AMERICA.
Also main
component in
structural
assemblies
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THE SIZE AND MOISTURE CONTENT OF
WOOD AFFECTS HOW IT REACTS TO FIRE.
Small vs. large
dimensions
Moisture and burn
rate
New vs. old
construction
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EACH TYPE OF MASONRY SHOWS SIGNS OF
DETERIORATION IN DIFFERENT WAYS.
Concrete/
Brick Stone
Concrete Block
Courtesy of Ron Moore and
McKinney (TX) FD
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THE EFFECT OF HEAT ON METAL DEPENDS ON
THE TYPE AND EXPOSURE.
Wrought
Cast Iron
Iron
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THE EFFECT OF HEAT ON METAL DEPENDS ON
THE TYPE AND EXPOSURE.
STEEL
Courtesy of Ron Moore and McKinney (TX) FD
• Used for structural support
• Lengthens when heated
• Failure at near or above
1,000°F (538°C)
• Keys to keep in mind when
firefighting
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THE EFFECT OF HEAT ON METAL DEPENDS ON
THE TYPE AND EXPOSURE.
Aluminum Tin Copper Lead
• Many uses • Used for • Found in • Found in
• Affected ceiling wiring, pipes,
by heat tiles, roofs pipes, flashing,
more gutters, stained or
rapidly decorative leaded
than steel elements glass
windows
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REINFORCED CONCRETE TYPICALLY
PERFORMS WELL UNDER FIRE CONDITIONS.
Courtesy of Ron Moore and McKinney (TX) FD
Fortified with rebar
•Loses strength through
spalling
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GYPSUM HAS EXCELLENT HEAT-RESISTANT
AND FIRE-RETARDANT PROPERTIES.
Known as drywall, Sheetrock®
High water content
Breaks down gradually under fire conditions
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THE PROCESS OF LATH AND PLASTER CAN PRESENT
UNIQUE CHALLENGES DURING AN INCIDENT.
May be replaced with wire mesh
Can be difficult to penetrate
Can conceal fire in cavity
May add fuel
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BOTH GLASS AND FIBERGLASS REACT TO HEAT
Glass IN DIFFERENT WAYS.
Not typically used Typically used for
for support insulation
Comes in many Glass component
forms not significant fuel
Fiberglass
May be difficult to
extinguish
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PLASTIC TYPICALLY MELTS AND CONTRIBUTES
TO THE CONTENT LOAD DURING AN INCIDENT.
Exterior uses
Water, sewer pipes
Decorative use
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COMPOSITE MATERIALS ARE MADE BY COMBINING TWO
OR MORE DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT MATERIALS.
Finger-
Synthetic
jointed
wood
timber
Particle Laminated
board timber
Medium
density
fiberboard
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CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION TYPE IS
DETERMINED BY SEVERAL FACTORS.
Architect,
structural
engineer,
contractor
Materials Local
used in building
construction codes
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BUILDING CODES ARE ADOPTED AND SOMETIMES
MODIFIED TO MEET LOCAL REQUIREMENTS.
Locally or
nationally
developed
Major US • NFPA
models • ICC
• Adopted by
Canadian provincial or
code local
government
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SOME BUILDINGS MAY BE EXEMPT FROM FOLLOWING
LOCAL CODES AND RENOVATIONS CAN ALSO CHANGE
STRUCTURES.
May be exempt Renovations
• Manufactured homes • Contain more than one
• Federal- or State- construction method
owned buildings • May improve fire
safety
• May create potential
hazards
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THE IBC® AND NFPA® CLASSIFY FIVE TYPES OF
CONSTRUCTION.
Type I Type II
Courtesy of Ron Moore and McKinney (TX) FD
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THE IBC® AND NFPA® CLASSIFY FIVE TYPES OF
CONSTRUCTION.
Type III
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THE IBC® AND NFPA® CLASSIFY FIVE TYPES OF
CONSTRUCTION.
Type IV Type V
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MANUFACTURED HOMES ARE NOT REQUIRED
TO CONFORM TO MODEL BUILDING CODES.
Fire-
resistance
Must may vary
conform to
Built in U.S. HUD
factory standard
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OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS ARE DEFINED BY
BUILDING AND LIFE SAFETY CODES.
Single-use Separated use
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SUMMARY
Your safety when fighting fire depends on your ability to know how the building will
contribute to and even control the spread of fire.
You must also understand the effect fire and heat have on structural components and
materials to be able to anticipate results.
Knowing and understanding building construction is as vital as your knowledge and
understanding of fire behavior.
You must be familiar with the types of construction in your community or response
area, be aware of changes to existing structures, and follow trends in building
construction.
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