Building Construction(94
questions and answers)
How long is a building's life span?
75-100 years
(gravity working to pull it down)
On average, how many FFs lose their lives each year?
110
Since 1900s, frequency of fires have dropped. What has happened to FF
deaths?
Deaths has stayed the same
(important to study construction for this reason)
Why is it important to be able to speak about building construction? (4)
1. communication with other agencies
2. more specific with each other
3. professional image
4. clear/precise communication essential
What are loads?
forces placed upon structural components
Buildings are subject to multiple types of loads, are all planned?
Some are planned and others are not.
There are designed and undersigned loads
FFs should have a basic understanding of what in relation to loads? (2)
1. loads within a building
2. building loads will change when building compromised
What are buildings built to withstand?
gravity
What is a gravity resistance system (GRS)? (2)
, 1. All structural elements and connections that support and transfer loads
placed on structure.
2. transfer all loads placed on structure down to the ground
What does compromise of the GRA do? (2)
1. interrupts load transfer to ground
2. loads placed on adjoining structural members-- not designed to handle
What's it the enemy of all buildings?
gravity
What are 2 basic load categories caused by gravity?
1. dead load
2. live load
What is a dead load?
weight of building and everything permanently attached to it
What is a live load?
weight of all movable things in and on building (people, furniture)
Added load (i.e. air conditioner) may not be planned for in what way?
structurally
Dead loads and materials being expensive effect construction in what way?
(2)
1. reduction in dead weight at top of building allows reductions in overall
weight of GRS
2. less mass in structural members = less fire resistance
What is fire resistance related to?
surface area to mass ratio
Are live loads specifically calculated?
questions and answers)
How long is a building's life span?
75-100 years
(gravity working to pull it down)
On average, how many FFs lose their lives each year?
110
Since 1900s, frequency of fires have dropped. What has happened to FF
deaths?
Deaths has stayed the same
(important to study construction for this reason)
Why is it important to be able to speak about building construction? (4)
1. communication with other agencies
2. more specific with each other
3. professional image
4. clear/precise communication essential
What are loads?
forces placed upon structural components
Buildings are subject to multiple types of loads, are all planned?
Some are planned and others are not.
There are designed and undersigned loads
FFs should have a basic understanding of what in relation to loads? (2)
1. loads within a building
2. building loads will change when building compromised
What are buildings built to withstand?
gravity
What is a gravity resistance system (GRS)? (2)
, 1. All structural elements and connections that support and transfer loads
placed on structure.
2. transfer all loads placed on structure down to the ground
What does compromise of the GRA do? (2)
1. interrupts load transfer to ground
2. loads placed on adjoining structural members-- not designed to handle
What's it the enemy of all buildings?
gravity
What are 2 basic load categories caused by gravity?
1. dead load
2. live load
What is a dead load?
weight of building and everything permanently attached to it
What is a live load?
weight of all movable things in and on building (people, furniture)
Added load (i.e. air conditioner) may not be planned for in what way?
structurally
Dead loads and materials being expensive effect construction in what way?
(2)
1. reduction in dead weight at top of building allows reductions in overall
weight of GRS
2. less mass in structural members = less fire resistance
What is fire resistance related to?
surface area to mass ratio
Are live loads specifically calculated?
