Last Lec. output

Pg. xiv, xv

Definitions. Pg. 2

A brief history pg. 12

Codes definition. Pg. 13

The principal purpose of code. Pg. 16

IBC.

PG. 27

PG. 55, 98

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Construction Types and Building Sizes

Chapter Three

Main outcomes

Why you should know about. Pg. 103 construction type

Key Terms

Construction Types

Height and Area Limitations

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Construction Types and Building Sizes

Determining construction types and building sizes may not be a part of every interior project.

These variables are usually determined at the initial construction of the building. However, if you are adding or modifying structural or building elements or if the occupancy classification of a building changes, you may need to know how it affects the building and your project. 5

Key Terms

Combustible – Refers to materials, such as building

materials and finishes, that are capable of being ignited or affected by excessive heat or gas in a relatively short amount of time.

Fire Resistant – Refers to construction materials,

assemblies, and textiles that prevent or retard the passage of excessive heat, hot gases, or flame.

Floor Area – The amount of floor surface included within

the exterior walls. Limited Combustible – Refers to material that is not

considered noncombustible, yet still has some fire-resistive qualities.

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Key Terms

Noncombustible – Refers to material, such as building materials and finishes, that will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors when subject to fire or heat.

Protected – Refers to a building or structural element that

has been covered (or protected) by a noncombustible material so that it obtains a fire-resistance rating.

Story Height – The clear vertical distance from finished

floor to the finished floor above or finished floor to the top of the joists supporting the roof structure above.

Unprotected – Refers to materials in their natural state

that have not been specially treated.

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Building vs. Structural Elements

Building Elements – floor/ceiling systems, interior walls, columns, vertical shafts.

Structural Elements – building elements that actually support the weight of the building and its contents.

Example: A support column is both a structural and building element since it supports the weight of a building but a vertical shaft is only considered a building element since it doesn’t support the building’s weight. 8

Interior Designers

Construction types become a factor on interior projects when working on a project that requires the reconfiguring of building elements, such as relocating walls, making changes to floor or ceiling conditions, or adding a stairway. You must be familiar with the different types of construction to determine if and when specific regulations must be followed.

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Construction Types

Some construction types are stricter than others. Each code will list minimum construction type requirements for specific types of occupancy classifications

Also, construction types are used in conjunction with occupancy classifications to determine the building’s maximum height and floor area.

So, we will discuss construction types, building heights, and floor areas as required by the codes.

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Construction Types

The materials that are allowed in each construction type are most often described as noncombustible, limited combustible, and combustible.

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Construction Type I and II

Types I and II – Strictest

construction types. Typically constructed with steel and concrete and are considered noncombustible. The main difference between these types is the required hourly ratings of the structural elements. High-rise and many large buildings fall under this category. 12

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Construction Type III

Type III – Mixture of combustible and noncombustible materials. The exterior is usually composed of noncombustible materials such as masonry, but the interior structural elements and roof may be wholly or partially constructed with wood. Small office buildings and urban buildings where spread of fire from building to building is a concern fall under this category.

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Construction Type IV

Type IV – Sometimes considered mill construction or heavy timber because the building is typically constructed of heavy-timber structural members and wood floors. Because of the large timber members, these buildings are relatively easy to identify.

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Construction Type V

Type V – This is the most combustible construction type and is basically an all-wood structure. These buildings are typically small. Examples include a residential house, a small dentist’s office, or a convenience store.

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Fire Rating based on Construction Type

Each construction type assigns a minimum fire rating to building elements. (# of hours the building element must be fire resistant) NOT FIRE PROOF!

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Height and Area Limitations

A building’s maximum size is limited by many factors, such as construction type, occupancy classification, and location.

1. Construction Type – The stricter the construction type and the more noncombustible a building, the larger the allowed building.

2. Occupancy Classification – The classification will restrict the size of a building.

3. Location – The location of or distance to adjacent buildings, as well as the amount of street frontage, can affect the allowed area.

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Height and Area Limitations

Limiting height and area based on construction type and occupancy recognizes that it becomes more difficult to fight fires, provide time for egress, and rescue people as buildings get larger and higher. Table 3.4 pg. 119

Review pg. 122,123

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