Building Construction Study Notes

It is vital for a fire inspector to know the varieties or kinds of building construction and the types of materials used to construct a building because:

• it helps in assessing fire risks and safety measures.

• it is required by law.

• it is part of the building design process.

• it is necessary for insurance purposes.

Construction affects which of the following?

• How fires grow and spread

• Special safety features required to control fire growth and protect lives

• Applicable codes

• All of the above.

The chief concerns for fire inspectors when evaluating construction methods and materials are:

• A) Aesthetics and design

• B) Cost and availability

• C) Safety and compliance

• D) Speed of construction

Which of the following are the most common types of construction materials?

• Wood

• Masonry

• Concrete

• All of the above

What is the term used to describe whether or not a material will burn?

• Thermal conductivity

• Combustibility

• Thermal expansion

• Decreased strength

Fill in the blank: Masonry includes stone, concrete blocks, and _______.

• bricks

• wood

• glass

• plastic

Concrete is considered naturally fire resistive because:

• it contains water that evaporates and cools the structure.

• it is made of non-combustible materials.

• it has a high melting point.

• it forms a protective layer when exposed to fire.

Which of the following materials is often used to construct fire walls?

• Steel

• Aluminum

• Masonry

• Plastics

Fill in the blank: A poor conductor of heat, masonry limits passage of heat from one side to the _______.

• other side

• same side

• top side

• bottom side

What happens to concrete when exposed to high temperatures?

• It expands and loses strength

• It becomes stronger

• It remains unchanged

• It melts completely