Building ConstructionBuilding Construction

PurposePurpose

Why should we, as firefighters, be Why should we, as firefighters, be concerned with building construction?concerned with building construction?

IntroductionIntroduction

In order to maintain a high expectation of In order to maintain a high expectation of safety with personnel, GCFES decided safety with personnel, GCFES decided that a new program which is concerned that a new program which is concerned with specific situations and construction in with specific situations and construction in Gwinnett County be developed. Gwinnett County be developed.

IntroductionIntroduction

The content of this class is comprised from The content of this class is comprised from Brannigan’s Building Construction for the Brannigan’s Building Construction for the Fire Service 4Fire Service 4thth Edition. Edition.

Photographs are from Gwinnett County Photographs are from Gwinnett County structures.structures.

OverviewOverview

Unit 1: Introduction to ConceptsUnit 1: Introduction to Concepts Unit 2: Fire ProtectionUnit 2: Fire Protection Unit 3: Structural CollapseUnit 3: Structural Collapse Unit 4: Fire ResistiveUnit 4: Fire Resistive Unit 5: Non-CombustibleUnit 5: Non-Combustible Unit 6: OrdinaryUnit 6: Ordinary Unit 7: Heavy TimberUnit 7: Heavy Timber Unit 8: Wood FrameUnit 8: Wood Frame Unit 9A/B: Structures of InterestUnit 9A/B: Structures of Interest

Terminal Performance ObjectivesTerminal Performance Objectives

Understand the importance of building Understand the importance of building construction knowledge.construction knowledge.

Describe construction concepts/features Describe construction concepts/features that can help firefighters predict and that can help firefighters predict and mitigate hazards.mitigate hazards.

Enabling ObjectivesEnabling Objectives

Explain different types of loads placed on Explain different types of loads placed on a structure.a structure.

Examine the structural elements that are Examine the structural elements that are included in a structure.included in a structure.

Analyze the transmission of loads.Analyze the transmission of loads.

ForcesForces

GravityGravity CompressionCompression ShearShear TensionTension

LoadsLoads

DeadDead LiveLive Impact Impact Lateral ImpactLateral Impact

LoadsLoads

Static/RepeatedStatic/Repeated WindWind ConcentratedConcentrated Suspended Suspended

Orientation of LoadsOrientation of Loads

AxialAxial Perpendicular to the plane, passes through Perpendicular to the plane, passes through

the center.the center.

EccentricEccentric Perpendicular to the plane but does not pass Perpendicular to the plane but does not pass

through the center.through the center.

Orientation of LoadsOrientation of Loads

TorsionTorsion Twist an objectTwist an object

Fire LoadsFire Loads

Potential energyPotential energy Heat Release Rate – All wood can generate Heat Release Rate – All wood can generate

approximately the same total amount of heat approximately the same total amount of heat per pound.per pound.

Not the same as flame spread rate.Not the same as flame spread rate. Can vary with contents.Can vary with contents.

Structural ElementsStructural Elements

BeamsBeams ColumnsColumns WallsWalls

Bracing Bracing

RoofsRoofs ArchesArches

BeamsBeams

TypesTypes SimpleSimple ContinuousContinuous FixedFixed Overhanging Overhanging

BeamsBeams

TypesTypes BracketBracket JoistJoist

Steel and BarSteel and Bar

GirderGirder Built-Up and SpandrelBuilt-Up and Spandrel

BeamsBeams

LintelLintel Spans an openingSpans an opening

GrillageGrillage Heavy LoadsHeavy Loads

CantileverCantilever Supported at one end.Supported at one end.

BeamsBeams

NeedleNeedle SupportSupport

SuspendedSuspended Similar to cantilever, but uses cables.Similar to cantilever, but uses cables. Can become undesigned cantilever.Can become undesigned cantilever.

TransferTransfer Transfers loads laterally.Transfers loads laterally.

WallsWalls

Load BearingLoad Bearing Non-Load BearingNon-Load Bearing

WallsWalls

VeneerVeneer CompositeComposite Panel or CurtainPanel or Curtain FireFire

Partition/PartyPartition/Party

WallsWalls

CantileverCantilever BracingBracing

ButtressesButtresses RakersRakers PilastersPilasters Wall ColumnsWall Columns Cavity or Hollow WallsCavity or Hollow Walls

VeneerVeneer

DecorativeDecorative Single thicknessSingle thickness

CompositeComposite

Brick and ConcreteBrick and Concrete

CurtainCurtain

Non-Load BearingNon-Load Bearing Can fall out and the structure will remainCan fall out and the structure will remain

FireFire

Should contain the fire with little or no Should contain the fire with little or no help.help.

Partition/PartyPartition/Party

PartitionPartition Non-Load Bearing, subdivide areas of a floor.Non-Load Bearing, subdivide areas of a floor.

PartyParty Load Bearing, common to two structures.Load Bearing, common to two structures.

CantileverCantilever

Free standingFree standing Under constructionUnder construction

BracingBracing

ButtressesButtresses RakersRakers

BracingBracing

PilasterPilaster Masonry columns built Masonry columns built

on the inside of on the inside of structure.structure.

Wall ColumnsWall Columns

BracingBracing

Cavity or HollowCavity or Hollow Masonry wall built two wythes thickMasonry wall built two wythes thick Allowed water to drain, now fill with foam Allowed water to drain, now fill with foam

insulation.insulation.

RoofsRoofs

Not as strong as floors.Not as strong as floors. Do not have the fire rating of floors.Do not have the fire rating of floors. Can be composed of multiple layers.Can be composed of multiple layers.

RoofsRoofsVary according to type of constructionVary according to type of construction

Basic Types:Basic Types: Arched Arched GabledGabled SawtoothSawtooth HipHip ButterflyButterfly

ShedShed Mansard Mansard LanternLantern FlatFlat GambrelGambrel

ArchedArched

GabledGabled

SawtoothSawtooth

HipHip

ButterflyButterfly

ShedShed

MansardMansard

LanternLantern

FlatFlat

GambrelGambrel

ArchesArches

Combines the function of the beam and Combines the function of the beam and column.column.

Under compressionUnder compression Keystone is critical.Keystone is critical.

Transmission of LoadsTransmission of Loads

Top - to - BottomTop - to - Bottom ConnectionsConnections

Weakest point of a structure.Weakest point of a structure. TypesTypes

PinnedPinned Rigid-FramedRigid-Framed

ConnectionsConnections

Demolition, Renovation, Demolition, Renovation, Construction PhaseConstruction Phase

Increased level of dangerIncreased level of danger If designed with fire protection probably If designed with fire protection probably

not in place or operating.not in place or operating. Fall hazardFall hazard Temporary shoringTemporary shoring Formwork in placeFormwork in place Susceptible to arsonSusceptible to arson

Any Questions???Any Questions???

SummarySummary

We looked at how gravity affects We looked at how gravity affects structures.structures.

We examined how different loads are We examined how different loads are applied to a structure.applied to a structure. LiveLive DeadDead StaticStatic Torsion, Tension, and CompressionTorsion, Tension, and Compression

SummarySummary

We examined structural elements within a We examined structural elements within a structure.structure. BeamsBeams ColumnsColumns WallsWalls RoofsRoofs

SummarySummary

We analyzed transfer of loads through We analyzed transfer of loads through connections.connections. Weakest link.Weakest link.

Any Questions?Any Questions?

The End.The End.