ICC 93 Tall Mass Timber Buildings Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
Table of Contents
DOMAIN 1: Construction Types & Classifications (Questions 1–30)
DOMAIN 2: Fire Protection & Fire-Resistance Ratings (Questions 31–50)
DOMAIN 3: Materials, Products & Manufacturing (Questions 51–70)
DOMAIN 4: Structural Systems & Design Considerations (Questions 71–90)
DOMAIN 5: Connections & Fasteners (Questions 91–100)
DOMAIN 6: Special Inspections & Quality Assurance (Questions 101–120)
DOMAIN 7: Egress, Occupancy & Building Height/Area (Questions 121–135)
DOMAIN 8: Seismic, Wind & Lateral Load Resistance (Questions 136–145)
DOMAIN 9: Construction Safety & Code Administration (Questions 146–150)
DOMAIN 1: CONSTRUCTION TYPES & CLASSIFICATIONS
Questions 1–30
• Q1. According to the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), which three new construction
types were introduced specifically to accommodate tall mass timber buildings?
A) Type III-A, III-B, and III-C
•• B) Type IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C
C) Type V-A, V-B, and V-C
D) Type II-A, II-B, and II-C
Rationale: The 2021 IBC added Type IV-A, Type IV-B, and Type IV-C as new mass timber
construction classifications alongside the existing Type IV-HT (Heavy Timber). These new types
allow for buildings up to 18 stories, a significant increase from previous height limits.
• Q2. Which Type IV classification permits the greatest building height under the 2021 IBC?
•• A) Type IV-A
B) Type IV-B
C) Type IV-C
D) Type IV-HT
Rationale: Type IV-A permits the greatest building height, allowing structures up to 270 feet
(approximately 18 stories). Type IV-B allows 180 feet (12 stories), while Type IV-C and Type IV-
HT are limited to 85 feet.
• Q3. What is the maximum building height permitted for Type IV-B mass timber
construction under the 2021 IBC?
, A) 85 feet
B) 120 feet
•• C) 180 feet
D) 270 feet
Rationale: Type IV-B construction is permitted up to 180 feet in height (approximately 12
stories). This is the mid-range option for mass timber buildings, balancing height allowance
with reduced encapsulation requirements compared to Type IV-A.
• Q4. What is the maximum allowable number of stories for tall mass timber buildings under
Type IV-A construction?
A) 6 stories
B) 9 stories
•• C) 12 stories
D) 18 stories
Rationale: Type IV-A construction allows up to 18 stories total (not just 18 stories of mass
timber above a podium). This is the highest tier of mass timber construction with the most fire
protection requirements.
• Q5. Under the 2021 IBC, what is the maximum building height for Type IV-C construction?
•• A) 85 feet
B) 120 feet
C) 180 feet
D) 270 feet
Rationale: IBC Section 602.4 explicitly limits Type IV-C construction to 85 feet in building
height, although it permits full timber exposure with fewer encapsulation requirements.
• Q6. Which Type IV classification allows the most exposed mass timber surfaces with the
least encapsulation requirements?
A) Type IV-A
B) Type IV-B
•• C) Type IV-C
D) Type IV-HT
Rationale: Type IV-C permits maximum exposed timber surfaces but still requires some fire
protection (sprinklers and char calculations). Type IV-A requires the most encapsulation, while
Type IV-B is intermediate.
• Q7. The existing heavy timber construction type that was retained alongside the new Type
IV classifications is designated as:
A) Type IV-A
, B) Type IV-B
C) Type IV-C
•• D) Type IV-HT
Rationale: The 2021 IBC retained the existing Type IV-HT (Heavy Timber) classification
alongside the new Type IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C categories. Type IV-HT represents traditional heavy
timber construction with its own set of requirements.
• Q8. Which construction type under the 2021 IBC requires the most stringent fire-resistance
ratings for primary structural elements?
•• A) Type IV-A
B) Type IV-B
C) Type IV-C
D) Type IV-HT
Rationale: Type IV-A is the most fire-resistive mass timber construction type, requiring the
highest fire-resistance ratings (3 hours for primary structural frame) and the most extensive
encapsulation.
• Q9. What is the primary difference between Type IV-A and Type IV-B construction
regarding allowable height?
A) No difference—both allow 270 feet
B) Type IV-A allows 85 feet; Type IV-B allows 180 feet
•• C) Type IV-A allows 270 feet; Type IV-B allows 180 feet
D) Type IV-A allows 180 feet; Type IV-B allows 270 feet
Rationale: Type IV-A permits buildings up to 270 feet (18 stories), while Type IV-B is limited to
180 feet (12 stories). This height differential reflects the increased fire protection requirements
for Type IV-A.
• Q10. Which of the following correctly lists the Type IV classifications in order from most
fire-resistive to least fire-resistive?
•• A) Type IV-A → Type IV-B → Type IV-C → Type IV-HT
B) Type IV-HT → Type IV-C → Type IV-B → Type IV-A
C) Type IV-C → Type IV-B → Type IV-A → Type IV-HT
D) Type IV-B → Type IV-A → Type IV-C → Type IV-HT
Rationale: The hierarchy of fire resistance from most to least is Type IV-A (3-hour frame, fully
encapsulated), Type IV-B (2-hour frame, partially encapsulated), Type IV-C (1-hour frame,
minimal encapsulation), and Type IV-HT (traditional heavy timber with char-based fire
resistance).
• Q11. The 2021 IBC added new provisions for tall mass timber buildings in which of the
following chapters?
, A) Chapter 5 only
B) Chapters 5 and 7 only
•• C) Chapters 5, 6, 7, 17, 23, and 33
D) Chapter 23 only
Rationale: Requirements were added to multiple IBC chapters including Chapter 5 (General
Building Heights and Areas), Chapter 6 (Types of Construction), Chapter 7 (Fire and Smoke
Protection Features), Chapter 17 (Special Inspections and Tests), Chapter 23 (Wood), and
Chapter 33 (Safeguards During Construction).
• Q12. Under the 2024 IBC, what percentage of exposed timber ceilings is permitted in Type
IV-B construction?
A) 20%
B) 40%
•• C) 80%
D) 100%
Rationale: The 2024 IBC permits 100% exposed timber ceilings in Type IV-B construction, a
significant increase from the 20% allowance in the 2021 IBC. This change, based on fire testing
results, provides more design flexibility.
• Q13. What is the maximum allowable area for a Type IV-A building of a given occupancy
compared to Type IV-B?
A) Type IV-A has smaller allowable areas
•• B) Type IV-A has larger allowable areas
C) Both have identical allowable areas
D) Allowable areas are not regulated by construction type
Rationale: Type IV-A, with its superior fire resistance and encapsulation, generally permits
larger allowable areas per story compared to Type IV-B. The increased fire protection allows for
greater building areas under the code.
• Q14. Which Type IV classification requires the highest level of noncombustible protection
for mass timber elements?
•• A) Type IV-A
B) Type IV-B
C) Type IV-C
D) Type IV-HT
Rationale: Type IV-A requires noncombustible protection for all mass timber elements,
providing the highest level of fire safety. This is what enables the tallest buildings in this
construction type.
• Q15. The 2021 IBC represents which historical milestone for mass timber construction?
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
Table of Contents
DOMAIN 1: Construction Types & Classifications (Questions 1–30)
DOMAIN 2: Fire Protection & Fire-Resistance Ratings (Questions 31–50)
DOMAIN 3: Materials, Products & Manufacturing (Questions 51–70)
DOMAIN 4: Structural Systems & Design Considerations (Questions 71–90)
DOMAIN 5: Connections & Fasteners (Questions 91–100)
DOMAIN 6: Special Inspections & Quality Assurance (Questions 101–120)
DOMAIN 7: Egress, Occupancy & Building Height/Area (Questions 121–135)
DOMAIN 8: Seismic, Wind & Lateral Load Resistance (Questions 136–145)
DOMAIN 9: Construction Safety & Code Administration (Questions 146–150)
DOMAIN 1: CONSTRUCTION TYPES & CLASSIFICATIONS
Questions 1–30
• Q1. According to the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), which three new construction
types were introduced specifically to accommodate tall mass timber buildings?
A) Type III-A, III-B, and III-C
•• B) Type IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C
C) Type V-A, V-B, and V-C
D) Type II-A, II-B, and II-C
Rationale: The 2021 IBC added Type IV-A, Type IV-B, and Type IV-C as new mass timber
construction classifications alongside the existing Type IV-HT (Heavy Timber). These new types
allow for buildings up to 18 stories, a significant increase from previous height limits.
• Q2. Which Type IV classification permits the greatest building height under the 2021 IBC?
•• A) Type IV-A
B) Type IV-B
C) Type IV-C
D) Type IV-HT
Rationale: Type IV-A permits the greatest building height, allowing structures up to 270 feet
(approximately 18 stories). Type IV-B allows 180 feet (12 stories), while Type IV-C and Type IV-
HT are limited to 85 feet.
• Q3. What is the maximum building height permitted for Type IV-B mass timber
construction under the 2021 IBC?
, A) 85 feet
B) 120 feet
•• C) 180 feet
D) 270 feet
Rationale: Type IV-B construction is permitted up to 180 feet in height (approximately 12
stories). This is the mid-range option for mass timber buildings, balancing height allowance
with reduced encapsulation requirements compared to Type IV-A.
• Q4. What is the maximum allowable number of stories for tall mass timber buildings under
Type IV-A construction?
A) 6 stories
B) 9 stories
•• C) 12 stories
D) 18 stories
Rationale: Type IV-A construction allows up to 18 stories total (not just 18 stories of mass
timber above a podium). This is the highest tier of mass timber construction with the most fire
protection requirements.
• Q5. Under the 2021 IBC, what is the maximum building height for Type IV-C construction?
•• A) 85 feet
B) 120 feet
C) 180 feet
D) 270 feet
Rationale: IBC Section 602.4 explicitly limits Type IV-C construction to 85 feet in building
height, although it permits full timber exposure with fewer encapsulation requirements.
• Q6. Which Type IV classification allows the most exposed mass timber surfaces with the
least encapsulation requirements?
A) Type IV-A
B) Type IV-B
•• C) Type IV-C
D) Type IV-HT
Rationale: Type IV-C permits maximum exposed timber surfaces but still requires some fire
protection (sprinklers and char calculations). Type IV-A requires the most encapsulation, while
Type IV-B is intermediate.
• Q7. The existing heavy timber construction type that was retained alongside the new Type
IV classifications is designated as:
A) Type IV-A
, B) Type IV-B
C) Type IV-C
•• D) Type IV-HT
Rationale: The 2021 IBC retained the existing Type IV-HT (Heavy Timber) classification
alongside the new Type IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C categories. Type IV-HT represents traditional heavy
timber construction with its own set of requirements.
• Q8. Which construction type under the 2021 IBC requires the most stringent fire-resistance
ratings for primary structural elements?
•• A) Type IV-A
B) Type IV-B
C) Type IV-C
D) Type IV-HT
Rationale: Type IV-A is the most fire-resistive mass timber construction type, requiring the
highest fire-resistance ratings (3 hours for primary structural frame) and the most extensive
encapsulation.
• Q9. What is the primary difference between Type IV-A and Type IV-B construction
regarding allowable height?
A) No difference—both allow 270 feet
B) Type IV-A allows 85 feet; Type IV-B allows 180 feet
•• C) Type IV-A allows 270 feet; Type IV-B allows 180 feet
D) Type IV-A allows 180 feet; Type IV-B allows 270 feet
Rationale: Type IV-A permits buildings up to 270 feet (18 stories), while Type IV-B is limited to
180 feet (12 stories). This height differential reflects the increased fire protection requirements
for Type IV-A.
• Q10. Which of the following correctly lists the Type IV classifications in order from most
fire-resistive to least fire-resistive?
•• A) Type IV-A → Type IV-B → Type IV-C → Type IV-HT
B) Type IV-HT → Type IV-C → Type IV-B → Type IV-A
C) Type IV-C → Type IV-B → Type IV-A → Type IV-HT
D) Type IV-B → Type IV-A → Type IV-C → Type IV-HT
Rationale: The hierarchy of fire resistance from most to least is Type IV-A (3-hour frame, fully
encapsulated), Type IV-B (2-hour frame, partially encapsulated), Type IV-C (1-hour frame,
minimal encapsulation), and Type IV-HT (traditional heavy timber with char-based fire
resistance).
• Q11. The 2021 IBC added new provisions for tall mass timber buildings in which of the
following chapters?
, A) Chapter 5 only
B) Chapters 5 and 7 only
•• C) Chapters 5, 6, 7, 17, 23, and 33
D) Chapter 23 only
Rationale: Requirements were added to multiple IBC chapters including Chapter 5 (General
Building Heights and Areas), Chapter 6 (Types of Construction), Chapter 7 (Fire and Smoke
Protection Features), Chapter 17 (Special Inspections and Tests), Chapter 23 (Wood), and
Chapter 33 (Safeguards During Construction).
• Q12. Under the 2024 IBC, what percentage of exposed timber ceilings is permitted in Type
IV-B construction?
A) 20%
B) 40%
•• C) 80%
D) 100%
Rationale: The 2024 IBC permits 100% exposed timber ceilings in Type IV-B construction, a
significant increase from the 20% allowance in the 2021 IBC. This change, based on fire testing
results, provides more design flexibility.
• Q13. What is the maximum allowable area for a Type IV-A building of a given occupancy
compared to Type IV-B?
A) Type IV-A has smaller allowable areas
•• B) Type IV-A has larger allowable areas
C) Both have identical allowable areas
D) Allowable areas are not regulated by construction type
Rationale: Type IV-A, with its superior fire resistance and encapsulation, generally permits
larger allowable areas per story compared to Type IV-B. The increased fire protection allows for
greater building areas under the code.
• Q14. Which Type IV classification requires the highest level of noncombustible protection
for mass timber elements?
•• A) Type IV-A
B) Type IV-B
C) Type IV-C
D) Type IV-HT
Rationale: Type IV-A requires noncombustible protection for all mass timber elements,
providing the highest level of fire safety. This is what enables the tallest buildings in this
construction type.
• Q15. The 2021 IBC represents which historical milestone for mass timber construction?
