Classification of Building Construction Types Modified from a presentation by Floyd Luinstra, P.E. Visiting Instructor Oklahoma State University

Classification of Building Construction Types Objectives: Demonstrate the use of the construction tables to determine the construction type List and describe the common systems of classifying building construction Identify the fire rating requirements and exceptions

Recommended Reading NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 18th Edition, Section 7, Chapter 2 NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction

I. Classification of construction types Pertinent standards Classification systems a combination of Roman and Arabic numerals and letters Roman numerals represent the basic type of structural materials. Definitions of basic types Type I Type II Type III Type IV Type V

I. Classification of construction types (Cont.) The Roman numerals are followed by a three digit Arabic numeral code The first digit indicates fire resistivity of exterior bearing walls. Second digit indicates the fire resistivity of columns and girders if supporting more than one floor (structural frame) Third digit indicates fire resistivity of floors

NFPA 220 Classification of Construction Types 3 Hour Exterior Bearing Wall 2 Hour Floor Construction Type I (332) UBC Type I (FR) 3 Hour Structural Frame

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

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 Wall Need To Be Investigated.

NFPA 220 Type I Construction (443) or (332)

NFPA 220 Type II (000) Construction Unprotected Structural Steel

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

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

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

Unprotected Structural Steel Will Fail During A Fire

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

NFPA 220 Type IV (2HH)

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

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

II. Application and Use of Construction Classifications Building’s area and height limitations are based upon construction classifications and occupancy. Requirements for fire protection systems are often based upon construction classifications and occupancy. The Life Safety Code limits the use of buildings (e.g. Assembly Occupancies) based upon construction classifications.