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Classification of Classification of Building Building

Construction TypesConstruction TypesModified from a presentation Modified from a presentation

by by

Floyd Luinstra, P.E. Visiting Floyd Luinstra, P.E. Visiting Instructor Oklahoma State Instructor Oklahoma State

UniversityUniversity

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Classification of Building Classification of Building Construction Types Construction Types

Objectives:Objectives: Demonstrate the use of the construction tables Demonstrate the use of the construction tables

to determine the construction typeto determine the construction type List and describe the common systems of List and describe the common systems of

classifying building constructionclassifying building construction Identify the fire rating requirements and Identify the fire rating requirements and

exceptionsexceptions

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Recommended ReadingRecommended Reading

NFPA NFPA Fire Protection HandbookFire Protection Handbook, 18th , 18th Edition, Section 7, Chapter 2Edition, Section 7, Chapter 2

NFPA 220, NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Standard on Types of Building ConstructionConstruction

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I.I. Classification of Classification of construction typesconstruction types

Pertinent standardsPertinent standards Classification systems a combination of Classification systems a combination of

Roman and Arabic numerals and lettersRoman and Arabic numerals and letters Roman numerals represent the basic Roman numerals represent the basic

type of structural materials.type of structural materials. Definitions of basic typesDefinitions of basic types

Type IType I Type IIType II Type IIIType III Type IVType IV Type VType V

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I.I. Classification of construction types Classification of construction types (Cont.)(Cont.)

The Roman numerals are followed by a The Roman numerals are followed by a three digit Arabic numeral codethree digit Arabic numeral code The first digit indicates fire resistivity of The first digit indicates fire resistivity of

exterior bearing walls.exterior bearing walls. Second digit indicates the fire resistivity of Second digit indicates the fire resistivity of

columns and girders if supporting more columns and girders if supporting more than one floor (structural frame)than one floor (structural frame)

Third digit indicates fire resistivity of floorsThird digit indicates fire resistivity of floors

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NFPA 220 Classification NFPA 220 Classification of Construction Typesof Construction Types

Type I (332)

3 Hour Exterior Bearing Wall

3 Hour Structural Frame

2 Hour Floor Construction

UBC Type I (FR)

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NFPA 220 Type I (443) or Type I (332) ConstructionDetails of Concrete Density, Amount and Size of SteelWill Need to be Known, In Order To Further Clarify

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Type I (443) or (332) Building. Exterior Wall is Not A Bearing Wall. Exterior Wall is a NonBearing Curtain Wall. Penetrations Between Floor Slab and Curtain WallNeed To Be Investigated.

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NFPA 220 Type I Construction

(443) or (332)

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NFPA 220 Type II (000) ConstructionUnprotected Structural Steel

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NFPA 220 Type II (222) or (111) Construction

Thickness Of Insulative Material On Structural Steel, and the Extent of Insulation on Steel Columns, Beams and Floor Slab Reinforcement Will Need To Be Evaluated

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NFPA 220 Type II (222) or (111) Construction

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One Square Inch Of Missing Insulation For Each 100 Square Feet Of Structural Steel

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Unprotected Structural Steel Will Fail During A Fire

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NFPA 220 Type III (211) or (200) Construction

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23NFPA 220 Type IV (2HH)

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NFPA 220 Type V (111) or (000) Construction

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NFPA 220 Type V (111) or (000) Construction

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II.II. Application and Use of Application and Use of Construction ClassificationsConstruction Classifications Building’s area and height limitations are Building’s area and height limitations are

based upon construction classifications based upon construction classifications and occupancy.and occupancy.

Requirements for fire protection systems Requirements for fire protection systems are often based upon construction are often based upon construction classifications and occupancy.classifications and occupancy.

The The Life Safety CodeLife Safety Code limits the use of limits the use of buildings (e.g. Assembly Occupancies) buildings (e.g. Assembly Occupancies) based upon construction classifications.based upon construction classifications.