JATC STEP 1A WRITTEN EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
List 9 common building materials - Correct Answers -1) Wood
2) Masonry
3) Metals
4) Reinforced concrete
5) Gypsum
6) Lath and plaster
7) Glass/fiberglass
8) Plastic
9) Composite materials
List the 5 building construction types - Correct Answers -1) Fire resistive
2) Noncombustible or limited combustible
3) Ordinary construction
4) Heavy timber/mill construction
5) Wood or stick frame
Describe a live load - Correct Answers -Any movable feature that is not included as a
permanent part of the structure. This can be a force placed upon a structure by the
addition of people, objects, or weather. This can include merchandise, stock,
furnishings, occupants, firefighters, and water used for fire suppression.
Describe an impact load - Correct Answers -Load can be similar to live loads, however,
they are delivered in a short time. A structure might ordinarily be able to handle a static
load, but when delivered as an impact load it could collapse due to the velocity of the
impact. The 9/11 attacks are an example of how a tremendous impact load could
collapse a building.
How does a dead load impact the structural integrity of a building? - Correct Answers -
Dead loads that were attached during the construction of a building are generally built
with a stronger structure to support the weight. However, some renovations add a dead
load without strengthening the structure which can be very dangerous, especially during
overhaul as firefighters are removing burnt material with an unknown dead load
overhead.
Define Type 1 (Fire resistive) construction type - Correct Answers -- Provides the
highest level of protection from fire development and spread as well as collapse.
, - All structural members are composed of noncombustible or limited-combustible
materials.
- Structural components resist fire for a period of 3-4 hours.
Firefighting concerns for Type 1 (Fire resistive) construction type - Correct Answers --
Compartments can retain heat contributing to the potential for rapid fire development.
- Roofs are extremely difficult to penetrate for ventilation
- Windows may be nonoperating, causing them to be difficult to open for ventilation.
Define Type 2 (Noncombustible or limited combustible) construction type - Correct
Answers -- Composed of materials that will not contribute to fire development or spread.
- Fire resistance rating is half of type 1; 1-2 hours.
- Type 2 used when fire risk is expected to be low, or when fire suppression and
detection systems are designed to meet fuel load of contents.
Firefighting concerns with Type 2 (Noncombustible or limited combustible) construction
type - Correct Answers -- More prone to collapse than type 1 due to lighter-weight
materials with lower fire-resistance ratings.
- Metal roof decking may be covered with combustible layers of foam insulation and felt
paper, causing the metal deck to melt from combustible materials underneath.
- Combustible features such as balconies and facades can be included on exterior
Define Type 3 (Ordinary construction) construction type - Correct Answers -- Requires
exterior walls and structural members be constructed of noncombustible materials.
- Interior walls, columns, beams, floors, and roofs are completely or partially constructed
of wood.
Firefighting concerns with Type 3 (Ordinary construction) - Correct Answers -- Voids
exist inside the wooden channels created by roof and truss systems and between wall
studs that will allow for the spread of fire unless fire stops are installed.
- Older structures may have undergone renovations that have contributed to greater fire
risk
Define type 4 (Heavy timber/mill construction) type - Correct Answers -- Characterized
by the use of large-dimensioned lumber.
- Structural members will be greater than 8 inches. Fire-resistance rating of 2 hours.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
List 9 common building materials - Correct Answers -1) Wood
2) Masonry
3) Metals
4) Reinforced concrete
5) Gypsum
6) Lath and plaster
7) Glass/fiberglass
8) Plastic
9) Composite materials
List the 5 building construction types - Correct Answers -1) Fire resistive
2) Noncombustible or limited combustible
3) Ordinary construction
4) Heavy timber/mill construction
5) Wood or stick frame
Describe a live load - Correct Answers -Any movable feature that is not included as a
permanent part of the structure. This can be a force placed upon a structure by the
addition of people, objects, or weather. This can include merchandise, stock,
furnishings, occupants, firefighters, and water used for fire suppression.
Describe an impact load - Correct Answers -Load can be similar to live loads, however,
they are delivered in a short time. A structure might ordinarily be able to handle a static
load, but when delivered as an impact load it could collapse due to the velocity of the
impact. The 9/11 attacks are an example of how a tremendous impact load could
collapse a building.
How does a dead load impact the structural integrity of a building? - Correct Answers -
Dead loads that were attached during the construction of a building are generally built
with a stronger structure to support the weight. However, some renovations add a dead
load without strengthening the structure which can be very dangerous, especially during
overhaul as firefighters are removing burnt material with an unknown dead load
overhead.
Define Type 1 (Fire resistive) construction type - Correct Answers -- Provides the
highest level of protection from fire development and spread as well as collapse.
, - All structural members are composed of noncombustible or limited-combustible
materials.
- Structural components resist fire for a period of 3-4 hours.
Firefighting concerns for Type 1 (Fire resistive) construction type - Correct Answers --
Compartments can retain heat contributing to the potential for rapid fire development.
- Roofs are extremely difficult to penetrate for ventilation
- Windows may be nonoperating, causing them to be difficult to open for ventilation.
Define Type 2 (Noncombustible or limited combustible) construction type - Correct
Answers -- Composed of materials that will not contribute to fire development or spread.
- Fire resistance rating is half of type 1; 1-2 hours.
- Type 2 used when fire risk is expected to be low, or when fire suppression and
detection systems are designed to meet fuel load of contents.
Firefighting concerns with Type 2 (Noncombustible or limited combustible) construction
type - Correct Answers -- More prone to collapse than type 1 due to lighter-weight
materials with lower fire-resistance ratings.
- Metal roof decking may be covered with combustible layers of foam insulation and felt
paper, causing the metal deck to melt from combustible materials underneath.
- Combustible features such as balconies and facades can be included on exterior
Define Type 3 (Ordinary construction) construction type - Correct Answers -- Requires
exterior walls and structural members be constructed of noncombustible materials.
- Interior walls, columns, beams, floors, and roofs are completely or partially constructed
of wood.
Firefighting concerns with Type 3 (Ordinary construction) - Correct Answers -- Voids
exist inside the wooden channels created by roof and truss systems and between wall
studs that will allow for the spread of fire unless fire stops are installed.
- Older structures may have undergone renovations that have contributed to greater fire
risk
Define type 4 (Heavy timber/mill construction) type - Correct Answers -- Characterized
by the use of large-dimensioned lumber.
- Structural members will be greater than 8 inches. Fire-resistance rating of 2 hours.
