Exam Questions and CORECT Answers
What determines the type of building construction of a structure? - CORRECT ANSWER -
The construction materials and their resistance to fire exposure
What regulates the type of construction a building can be? - CORRECT ANSWER - Locally
adopted building codes. This is based on: intended use (occupancy classification), structure size,
presence or lack of presence of automatic fire suppression system
How are building codes developed? - CORRECT ANSWER - Some jurisdictions develop
codes locally but most are based on nationally accepted model building codes
What is occupancy classification? - CORRECT ANSWER - Intended use of a structure
What are the 2 major model building codes that most jurisdictions in the US follow? -
CORRECT ANSWER - 1. NFPA 5000, building construction and safety code
2. The international code council's (ICC) international building code (IBC)
Why are renovated buildings potentially dangerous? - CORRECT ANSWER - They may have
more than one construction method (the old and the new)
How many construction types are there? - CORRECT ANSWER - 5 types
How are construction types classified? - CORRECT ANSWER - By the construction
materials used and their performance when exposed to fire
What is Type I building construction? - CORRECT ANSWER - Fire-resistive: highest level
of protection from fire spread/structural collapse. Noncombustible/limited-combustible
materials. Fire-resistive structural members.
, T/F: FFs can expect Type I construction to remain structurally stable longer than other
construction types during a fire - CORRECT ANSWER - true
Which building construction type is considered to be the most collapse resistant? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Type I
If you see reinforced concrete, precast concrete, and protected steel frame construction, which
construction type are you thinking? - CORRECT ANSWER - Type I
T/F: Type I structures are fireproof - CORRECT ANSWER - False - they are fire resistant
In which construction type may roofs be difficult to penetrate to ventilate? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Type I due to material they are made of
Why is there potential for rapid fire development in a Type I structure? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Compartments retain heat
What is Type II building construction? - CORRECT ANSWER - Noncombustible: materials
that will not contribute to fire development or spread. These materials don't quite meet the
requirements for Type I buildings but they do not all to the fuel load. (steel components have a
lower fire-resistance rating and fail sooner)
If you see metal framing members, metal cladding, concrete-block wall construction, unprotected
open web joists supporting metal roof decks, which construction type are you thinking? -
CORRECT ANSWER - Type II
Why are Type II buildings more prone to collapse than Type I buildings? - CORRECT
ANSWER - They are constructed of lighter-weight materials with lower fire-resistance ratings