ICC 93 Tall Mass Timber Buildings Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A V2.0 | Instant Download Pdf
Table of Contents
DOMAIN 1: Construction Types & Classifications (2021 & 2024 IBC Updates) — Questions 1–
30
DOMAIN 2: Fire Protection, Fire-Resistance Ratings & Encapsulation — Questions 31–55
DOMAIN 3: Mass Timber Materials, Products & Manufacturing Standards — Questions 56–75
DOMAIN 4: Structural Systems, Lateral Load Design & Seismic Considerations — Questions
76–95
DOMAIN 5: Connections, Fasteners & Hardware — Questions 96–110
DOMAIN 6: Special Inspections, Quality Assurance & IBC Chapter 17 — Questions 111–130
DOMAIN 7: Egress, Occupancy, Building Height/Area & Mixed-Use Podiums — Questions
131–140
DOMAIN 8: Construction Fire Safety (IBC Chapter 33) & OSHA Compliance — Questions 141–
148
DOMAIN 9: Acoustic Performance, Vibration & Serviceability — Questions 149–150
DOMAIN 1: CONSTRUCTION TYPES & CLASSIFICATIONS (2021 &
2024 IBC UPDATES)
Questions 1–30
• Q1. Under 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. What is the maximum building height permitted for Type IV-A mass timber
construction under the 2021 IBC?
A) 85 feet
B) 180 feet
•• C) 270 feet
D) 360 feet
,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 number of stories permitted for Type IV-A construction under
the 2021 IBC?
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.
• Q4. 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.
• 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: Type IV-C is limited to 85 feet in building height. It permits maximum exposed
timber surfaces with minimal 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 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.
• 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. Under the 2024 IBC, what significant change was made to exposed timber allowances
for Type IV-B construction?
A) Exposed timber was completely prohibited
•• B) The allowable exposed ceiling area was increased from 20% to 100%
C) Exposed timber was limited to exterior applications only
D) No changes were made from the 2021 IBC
Rationale: The 2024 IBC significantly expanded the allowable exposed timber in Type IV-B
construction. While the 2021 IBC permitted only 20% exposed timber ceilings, the 2024 IBC
allows essentially full floor area exposure (100%) based on fire testing results.
• Q10. What is the maximum building height for Type IV-HT construction under the 2021
IBC?
•• A) 85 feet (approximately 6 stories)
B) 180 feet (approximately 12 stories)
C) 270 feet (approximately 18 stories)
D) Unlimited
Rationale: Type IV-HT (Heavy Timber) construction is limited to 85 feet in height,
approximately 6 stories, consistent with the limitations that existed before the new Type IV
, categories were introduced.
• Q11. 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).
• Q12. What is the primary difference between Type IV-A and Type IV-B construction
regarding exposed timber?
A) Both allow the same amount of exposed timber
B) Type IV-A allows more exposed timber than Type IV-B
•• C) Type IV-A requires full encapsulation (no exposed timber); Type IV-B permits partial
timber exposure
D) Type IV-B requires full encapsulation; Type IV-A permits partial exposure
Rationale: Type IV-A requires full noncombustible encapsulation of mass timber elements with
no exposed timber permitted. Type IV-B permits partial timber exposure.
• Q13. Which Type IV classification allows the greatest building height under the 2024 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 at 270 feet (18 stories), followed by
Type IV-B at 180 feet (12 stories), and Type IV-C at 85 feet.
• Q14. Under the 2021 IBC, Type IV-A construction requires that mass timber elements be:
A) Fully exposed for aesthetic purposes
B) Treated with fire-retardant chemicals only
•• C) Fully encapsulated by approved noncombustible material
D) Protected with intumescent paint only
Rationale: Type IV-A requires that mass timber elements are fully encapsulated by approved
noncombustible material, providing the highest level of fire protection and enabling the tallest
buildings in this construction type.
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A V2.0 | Instant Download Pdf
Table of Contents
DOMAIN 1: Construction Types & Classifications (2021 & 2024 IBC Updates) — Questions 1–
30
DOMAIN 2: Fire Protection, Fire-Resistance Ratings & Encapsulation — Questions 31–55
DOMAIN 3: Mass Timber Materials, Products & Manufacturing Standards — Questions 56–75
DOMAIN 4: Structural Systems, Lateral Load Design & Seismic Considerations — Questions
76–95
DOMAIN 5: Connections, Fasteners & Hardware — Questions 96–110
DOMAIN 6: Special Inspections, Quality Assurance & IBC Chapter 17 — Questions 111–130
DOMAIN 7: Egress, Occupancy, Building Height/Area & Mixed-Use Podiums — Questions
131–140
DOMAIN 8: Construction Fire Safety (IBC Chapter 33) & OSHA Compliance — Questions 141–
148
DOMAIN 9: Acoustic Performance, Vibration & Serviceability — Questions 149–150
DOMAIN 1: CONSTRUCTION TYPES & CLASSIFICATIONS (2021 &
2024 IBC UPDATES)
Questions 1–30
• Q1. Under 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. What is the maximum building height permitted for Type IV-A mass timber
construction under the 2021 IBC?
A) 85 feet
B) 180 feet
•• C) 270 feet
D) 360 feet
,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 number of stories permitted for Type IV-A construction under
the 2021 IBC?
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.
• Q4. 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.
• 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: Type IV-C is limited to 85 feet in building height. It permits maximum exposed
timber surfaces with minimal 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 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.
• 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. Under the 2024 IBC, what significant change was made to exposed timber allowances
for Type IV-B construction?
A) Exposed timber was completely prohibited
•• B) The allowable exposed ceiling area was increased from 20% to 100%
C) Exposed timber was limited to exterior applications only
D) No changes were made from the 2021 IBC
Rationale: The 2024 IBC significantly expanded the allowable exposed timber in Type IV-B
construction. While the 2021 IBC permitted only 20% exposed timber ceilings, the 2024 IBC
allows essentially full floor area exposure (100%) based on fire testing results.
• Q10. What is the maximum building height for Type IV-HT construction under the 2021
IBC?
•• A) 85 feet (approximately 6 stories)
B) 180 feet (approximately 12 stories)
C) 270 feet (approximately 18 stories)
D) Unlimited
Rationale: Type IV-HT (Heavy Timber) construction is limited to 85 feet in height,
approximately 6 stories, consistent with the limitations that existed before the new Type IV
, categories were introduced.
• Q11. 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).
• Q12. What is the primary difference between Type IV-A and Type IV-B construction
regarding exposed timber?
A) Both allow the same amount of exposed timber
B) Type IV-A allows more exposed timber than Type IV-B
•• C) Type IV-A requires full encapsulation (no exposed timber); Type IV-B permits partial
timber exposure
D) Type IV-B requires full encapsulation; Type IV-A permits partial exposure
Rationale: Type IV-A requires full noncombustible encapsulation of mass timber elements with
no exposed timber permitted. Type IV-B permits partial timber exposure.
• Q13. Which Type IV classification allows the greatest building height under the 2024 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 at 270 feet (18 stories), followed by
Type IV-B at 180 feet (12 stories), and Type IV-C at 85 feet.
• Q14. Under the 2021 IBC, Type IV-A construction requires that mass timber elements be:
A) Fully exposed for aesthetic purposes
B) Treated with fire-retardant chemicals only
•• C) Fully encapsulated by approved noncombustible material
D) Protected with intumescent paint only
Rationale: Type IV-A requires that mass timber elements are fully encapsulated by approved
noncombustible material, providing the highest level of fire protection and enabling the tallest
buildings in this construction type.
