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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

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

13. NFPA 220 Type II (000) Construction
Unprotected Structural Steel

15. 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

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

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

18. Unprotected Structural Steel Will Fail During A Fire

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

23. NFPA 220 Type IV (2HH)

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

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

27. 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.