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1402 Hybrid Firefighter II6th Edition
Chapter 4 — Building Construction
South Carolina Fire Academy
Understanding construction types can help firefighters in several ways.
4–2
• Predict aspects of fire
development
• Make aware of structur
al instabilit
y
• Select correct tools
(Cont.)
Understanding construction types can help firefighters in several ways.
4–3
• Judge safety
• Select right
type of vertical ventila
tion
• Apply emerge
ncy escape techniq
ues
• Adds to situatio
nal awaren
ess
Construction size up is based on the consideration of several factors.
4–4
• Age of building
• Construction materials
• Roof type• Renovations,
modifications• Dead loads• Number of
stories• Windows• Other
You must be aware of conditions created both by the fire and by trying to extinguish the fire.
4–5
• Conditions that
contribute to spread
and intensity of fire
• Conditions that make
building
susceptible to collaps
e
Dangerous building conditions are created by a variety of factors.
4–6
• Fuel loading
• Furnishings/ finishes
• Roof coverings
• Large, open spaces
Co
urte
sy of E
dd
ie A
vila
Engineered and truss construction presents unique hazards.
4–7
•When
unprotect
ed can fail
•After 5 to 10 minutes of fire exposure•From exposure to heat without flame
•Critical
temperatu
re for
steel
•1,000°F (538°C)
•Construction
•Metal gusset plates can warp, fail unless corner nailed•May be protected with fire-retardant treatments
Bowstring truss roofs, common in large open floor spaces, present unique problems.
4–8
Construction, renovation, and demolition can create hazards.
4–9
Courtesy of Ron Moore and McKinney (TX) FD
Structural collapse is the failure of a building or any portion of a building.
4–10
• Results from
•Natural cause•Explosion•Damage from other forces
•May occur
•With or without warning
• Should be considered
•During preincident surveys•Throughout size-up
Many factors are considered when determining collapse potential.
4–11
• Renovations,
additions,
alterations
• Age of
structure
•Weather
•Loads
• Construction
Type
(Cont.)
Many factors are considered when determining collapse potential.
4–12
• Length of time fire
burns
• Stage of fire
•Contents
• Amount of
water used to extinguish fire
• Other
indicators
WARNING
Structural collapse can occur with little warning. If indicators start to appear, collapse is imminent and personnel must withdraw from the structure and the collapse zone.
4–13
When collapse is imminent you should follow the following steps.
4–14
• Inform Command, all others in building
•Establish clear collapse zone
•Roll call or personnel accountability report
FIRST SECOND THIRD
Determining a collapse zone is done with several factors in mind.
4–15
Guidelines to consider when determining the collapse zone vary by construction type.
4–16
•Type I
•Not as likely to collapse (Cont.)
Guidelines to consider when determining the collapse zone vary by construction type.
4–17
•Type IV
•Least likely to collapse
Collapse zones are established in three situations.
4–18
•There is indication the structure has been
weakened by prolonged exposure to
fire or heat
The size of a collapse zone must account for several issues, including safety.
4–19
•Construction type
•Other exposures
•Safest location
• Apparatus• Personnel
• Knowing and understanding building construction is as vital as your knowledge and understanding of fire behavior.
• You must be familiar with the types of construction in your community or response area, be aware of changes to existing structures, and follow trends in building construction.
Summary
4–20