Building Construction

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In building construction and in fire prevention there are organizations that have created a useful system on how to determine what type of building falls under which category. The ICC (International Code Council) and the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) create these building codes for the safety of firefighters. The two most commonly known standards for building classifications are the NFPA 5000 and also the International Building Code (IBC). The two are very similar, however, they different on sub-categorizing. The International Building Code uses Roman numerals behind the type of construction. In addition to subcategories with letters for each five classes and the amount of fire resistance provided for each building. NFPA uses Roman numerals behind the type of construction. Unlike the IBC, NFPA uses a 3-digit number system behind that to sub categorize the fire hourly rating for the load-bearing walls, for the beams and columns, and for the floor construction. The IBC and NFPA breaks down construction in to five classes, Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, and Type V. Type V buildings are known as wood frame construction. To break Type V constructions to the basics, they are constructed of lightweight materials to save the contractor money. This type of construction is the most dangerous to firefighter due to the lightweight, cost effective materials used. Some of the wood frame buildings are Log cabins, Post and frame, Balloon Frame, platform frame, plank and beam, and truss frame. Log cabins are structures that are built out of tree logs. The ends are notched in order... ... middle of paper ... ...n most part if steel were to be used in a Type I structure, it would be to reinforce the concrete because concrete is strong in compressive strength but weak in tensil strength. If there is any exposed steel, it is fire proofed with a fire retardant. Mainly the fire hazards that firefighters have to face in these structures are usually because of human error during the construction of the buildings or when occupants are occupying the building. In a construction sites welding, cutting, plumber’s torches, electrical wiring, and heaters all pose a fire hazard. The other risk of this type of building would be of a collapse of the concrete walls or floors during construction.

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