CHAPTER 4 CONSTRUCTION TYPES AND OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATIONS EXPECTED QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS
Question 1.
When an inspector is reviewing plans for the construction of a new structure what two questions
should be asked?
ANSWER
What is the building's purpose or intended use? How andfrom what materials will the building be
constructed?
Question 2.
When the inspector is reviewing plans for a renovation, issuing new occupancy permit, or
making a field inspection what 2 other questions need to be asked?
ANSWER
Have either the purpose or construction materials of building changed since last inspection? What
affect will the changes have on the fire and life safety provisions for the structure?
Question 3.
What are the majority of the building codes based on?
ANSWER
The NFPA, International Code Council (ICC) or Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes
(CCBFC).
Question 4.
Common building elements used in structures in US construction?
ANSWER
Structural Frame, Load bearing walls: interior and exterior, Exterior and Interior nonbearing walls and
partitions, Floor and Roof construction
Question 5.
What type of construction is composed of only noncombustible or limited combustible materials
that provides the highest level of safety? combustible materials that are allowed in Type I
construction deal with?
ANSWER
Type 1. All structural members are composed of only noncombustible materials and possess a high
fire-resistance rating. Reinforced concrete and precast concrete along with protected steel frame
construction meet criteria. Provides structural stability should a fire occur and limits fire spread.
1
, Question 6.
What is the incorrect reference to Type I construction?
ANSWER
Fireproof
Question 7.
What can compromise the fire resistance and life safety of a Type I structure?
ANSWER
The combustible materials that the owner/occupant place in structure such as furniture, wall and
window coverings, stock, and merchandise.
Question 8.
What type of construction is composed of material that will not contribute to fire development
and spread but do not meet the stricter requirements of Type I Construction?
ANSWER
Type II construction. Used when fire risk is expected to be low or when fire-suppression and detection
systems are designed to meet hazard load.
Question 9.
Describe how a typical structure would be built in a Type II application.
ANSWER
Structure with metal framing members, metal cladding, or concrete-block construction of walls with
metal deck roof supported by unprotected open-web steel joists.
Question 10.
What combustible materials may sometimes get incorporated in Type II construction?
ANSWER
Combustible roof systems, flooring, display areas. Also on the exterior: balconies or decorational wall
coverings.
Question 11.
What type of construction is used to build churches, schools, apartment dwellings, and
mercantile structures
ANSWER
Type III construction.
2
CLASSIFICATIONS EXPECTED QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS
Question 1.
When an inspector is reviewing plans for the construction of a new structure what two questions
should be asked?
ANSWER
What is the building's purpose or intended use? How andfrom what materials will the building be
constructed?
Question 2.
When the inspector is reviewing plans for a renovation, issuing new occupancy permit, or
making a field inspection what 2 other questions need to be asked?
ANSWER
Have either the purpose or construction materials of building changed since last inspection? What
affect will the changes have on the fire and life safety provisions for the structure?
Question 3.
What are the majority of the building codes based on?
ANSWER
The NFPA, International Code Council (ICC) or Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes
(CCBFC).
Question 4.
Common building elements used in structures in US construction?
ANSWER
Structural Frame, Load bearing walls: interior and exterior, Exterior and Interior nonbearing walls and
partitions, Floor and Roof construction
Question 5.
What type of construction is composed of only noncombustible or limited combustible materials
that provides the highest level of safety? combustible materials that are allowed in Type I
construction deal with?
ANSWER
Type 1. All structural members are composed of only noncombustible materials and possess a high
fire-resistance rating. Reinforced concrete and precast concrete along with protected steel frame
construction meet criteria. Provides structural stability should a fire occur and limits fire spread.
1
, Question 6.
What is the incorrect reference to Type I construction?
ANSWER
Fireproof
Question 7.
What can compromise the fire resistance and life safety of a Type I structure?
ANSWER
The combustible materials that the owner/occupant place in structure such as furniture, wall and
window coverings, stock, and merchandise.
Question 8.
What type of construction is composed of material that will not contribute to fire development
and spread but do not meet the stricter requirements of Type I Construction?
ANSWER
Type II construction. Used when fire risk is expected to be low or when fire-suppression and detection
systems are designed to meet hazard load.
Question 9.
Describe how a typical structure would be built in a Type II application.
ANSWER
Structure with metal framing members, metal cladding, or concrete-block construction of walls with
metal deck roof supported by unprotected open-web steel joists.
Question 10.
What combustible materials may sometimes get incorporated in Type II construction?
ANSWER
Combustible roof systems, flooring, display areas. Also on the exterior: balconies or decorational wall
coverings.
Question 11.
What type of construction is used to build churches, schools, apartment dwellings, and
mercantile structures
ANSWER
Type III construction.
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