Building Construction Related to the Fire Service 4th Edition

Building Construction Related to the Fire Service 4th Edition
Chapter 1 — Building Construction and the Fire Service

Terminal Objective Explain the history of building construction and its impact on the fire services including design features and the construction process.

Enabling Objectives 1. Recognize how changes in building construction can influence firefighting operations. 2. Describe the building design and construction process from concept to renovation and remodeling. 3. Identify laws and other regulation variables that affect building design. 4. Identify engineering variables that affect building design. 5. Identify economic variables that affect building design.

Enabling Objectives 6. Identify other variables that affect building design. 7. Explain fire behavior principles as they apply to community fire defense. 8. Identify factors of structural failure caused by design. 9. Explain the role of preincident planning in building construction 10. Understand how hurricane windows affect ventilation. (FL Objective) 11. Understand the process for Florida inspectors to review permits for construction, renovation, etc. (FL Objective)

Enabling Objectives 12. Identify Florida rules pertaining to the adoption of the Florida Building Code, Florida Fire Prevention Code, and NFPA 101. (FL Objective) 13. Describe the Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction. (FL Objective) 14. Explain who must conduct building inspections, what certifications must be held, and that the inspection must comply with NFPA 101 as well as witnessing fire system tests. (FL Objective) 15. Identify state requirements for record retention for fire departments. (FL Objective)

Each building type reacts to fire conditions in a different way based on its construction.
A firefighter’s ability to recognize configuration features and component pieces of a structure is critically important

Each building type reacts to fire conditions in a different way based on its construction.
History of Building Construction Provides a Basis for Understanding the Differences Between Buildings in a Jurisdiction Technology and economics affect configuration/materials used in a specific time and place In a community, building life span can range from months to centuries Buildings may appear different or be camouflaged to look similar despite differences in age, configuration, materials Construction technology is continually evolving

A building’s appearance may not accurately reflect its fire hazard.
The building in the foreground, constructed in 2005, was designed to coordinate with the aesthetic of the building in the background, which was constructed in 1911.

A community may have buildings that span a wide range of ages and construction types.
Older Buildings Features now considered obsolete or dangerous Newer Buildings Untested technology or unexpected hazards

REVIEW QUESTION How does the history of building construction help in understanding different types of buildings?

The building design and construction process begins with an idea and ends with a substantial structure. Concept Financing Documentation and Bids Building Permits Construction Inspection and Testing Renovation and Remodeling

The building process begins when a developer or project owner perceives a need.
Concept Owner contacts a contractor, architect or architectural firm Once building concept is on paper, the owner evaluates the design and makes any changes A “design-build” firm may be hired Design principles influence a building’s final appearance, in addition to construction techniques and safeguards against structural failure (Cont.)

Concept Buildings are a composite of diverse elements and systems designed with a purpose First responders must understand building design and construction to predict how the fire will affect the structure, occupants, and contents, and how to mitigate those effects Design and construction process is a serious and expensive undertaking Architects use building codes to determine major aspects of the building (Cont.)

Concept Buildings may be designed using predesigned, prefabricated components and techniques Designs may use old materials used in innovative ways; using established resources reduces the time and cost of the design work Engineering specialties required during construction include civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection Landscaping is the final design consideration (Cont.)

This 2009 renovation of a building constructed in 1919 includes original features used in new ways.

The owner must secure financing for construction once the initial design has been selected.
Lending institution requirements may include a market analysis or technical review of the architects design and engineering documents including: — Land surveys — Budgets — Soil test reports

Documentation and Bids
The building’s engineering design proceeds once financing has been secured. Documentation and Bids Final modifications and design decisions are settled Building’s details become more specific (door handles, lighting fixtures) Bids are received from subcontractors Contracts signed

A government unit typically requires a building permit before construction begins.
Building Permits Design must meet applicable building codes Fire officials may be actively involved in some jurisdictions Permit is obtained from the local building department who reviews building plans Officials may require changes for code compliance; unusual designs or circumstances may require use of compensatory measures or equivalencies (Cont.)

Building Permits If design is rejected, the architect may appeal the decision to the Board of Appeals Permits may be issued for initial phases of large projects that will take months to construct while design details are finalized In some jurisdictions, fire officials have legal authority to review building plans (Cont.)

If a fire department does not have formal authority, a cooperative relationship with building officials may be established Building department gains aid in determining fire safety compliance Fire department gains information on construction types within jurisdiction Fire safety/other issues can be addressed before construction begins

Construction begins once building permits are issued.
Requires coordination and scheduling Fast-track construction technique may be used to shorten construction time by overlapping design and construction phases Timing of some construction phases may affect the fire department

Inspection and Testing
Knowledgeable inspectors work closely with architects and contractors during construction. Inspection and Testing Ensure proper materials and construction techniques are used During inspections, building features including materials, systems, and components may be tested for function and code compliance Entities that perform inspections and testing: — Building department — Owner’s representative — Architect — Fire inspector (Cont.)

NOTE The fire inspector witnesses system tests. The actual system tests are performed by the installing contractor’s representatives. This practice helps minimize fire service liability should a system component fail.

Inspection and Testing
Knowledgeable inspectors work closely with architects and contractors during construction. Inspection and Testing Fire department involvement in inspection and testing provides information for preincident planning Fire protection system test results should be documented to: — Establish correct installation/operation — Facilitate re-inspection/testing — Maintain information during personnel changes

Renovation and Remodeling
Building renovation and remodeling are included in the building permit process. Renovation and Remodeling Building departments require permits and structural modifications are to be designed by structural engineers and performed by licensed contractors Minor renovations are performed by licensed contractors and may not require plan submission; inspector will approve all completed work Buildings may be exempt from current code requirements (Cont.)

Renovation and Remodeling
Building renovation and remodeling are included in the building permit process. Renovation and Remodeling International Existing Building Code (IEBC) determines: — Extent of work in relation to the building as a whole — How much of the existing structure can be considered existing or nonconforming Occupancy changes may or may not be required Owners may have to bring building up to code Planned renovations may violate building code (Cont.)

Building renovation and remodeling are included in the building permit process.
Building departments should watch for potentially unsafe renovation or remodeling changes Removal/penetration of bearing walls Beam/truss modification Structural overloading of roofs Mezzanine floors in attics Rooftop additions Remodeling that creates new voids Illegal remodeling/overloading Subdivision of existing spaces creating maze-like floor plans

REVIEW QUESTION What are the phases of the design and construction process?

Building codes are laws that determine the minimum standards a building must meet.
Jurisdictions can write or adopt their own codes, but typically adopt all or a portion of a model building or fire code for uniformity Model code may be amended to address unique features of a jurisdiction Most widely used model building code in the U.S. is the International Building Code ® (IBC ®) which has a companion fire code, the International Fire Code Building and fire codes complement each other Some jurisdictions may adopt or use codes developed by the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) Canada widely uses the National Building Code of Canada

Many building codes quantify common sense requirements
Building codes are laws that determine the minimum standards a building must meet. Building codes impose restrictions on designers that may conflict with their creative intentions All designers have an ethical and legal responsibility to provide a safe end product Many building codes quantify common sense requirements

Significant portions of building codes are devoted to fire safety.
Buildings include many features that affect fire behavior Structural Fire Resistance and Exposure Protection Electrical Systems Adequacy of Means of Egress Natural Gas Fire Protection Systems Flammability of Interior Finishes Occupancy Separation and Enclosure of Vertical Openings

Life safety codes are developed to address the dangers firefighters and civilians may face during an incident. Many developed in reaction to a catastrophic incident Occupational safety standards and regulations address the inherent danger of fire fighting NFPA® OSHA National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s “Everyone Goes Home” International Association of Fire chiefs’ annual safety stand-down Require specific types of structures include fire- and smoke-resistant features equating to longer time span between ignition and development of environment dangerous to life or health

Life safety codes are also developed to address the safety of building occupants.
Occupant Safety Must be Considered Design of Stairs/Walking Surfaces Balcony Railings Overhead Obstacles Electrical Systems Elevator Operation

There are life safety considerations for first responders and the public during a structural incident. Annunciator panels easily viewed near entrances Standpipe connections compatible with fire department equipment Generator system switch to take circuits off line Air handling units that recirculate interior air must address air quality during incidents

Model building codes classify buildings by construction type.
Insurance industry and model building code publishers recognized that fire behavior differed based on a building’s features Began to classify buildings by their construction type

The International Building Code ® (IBC®) establishes numerical designations for construction types.
Type I Fire-Resistive Type II Protected Noncombustible or Noncombustible Type III Exterior Protected (Masonry or Ordinary) Type IV Heavy Timber Type V Wood Frame

Building construction type may not be obvious or multiple construction types may be used in combination. Combination of classifications likely when an older structure is renovated A building with multiple construction classifications should be considered to meet the lesser construction classification

Many buildings undergo changes in occupancy type
Building occupancy and use are often addressed in model building codes. Influences fire behavior in the structure Greater quantities of fuel or volatile fuels will generate higher heat release rate Affects fuel load More than a change in decoration and contents Change in overall use Many buildings undergo changes in occupancy type

Building occupancy and use are often addressed in model building codes.
Changes are monitored through plan review process during renovation Communication between code and fire officials is essential Fire ratings and life safety features of one occupancy type may not address needs of another

Over time, many buildings undergo one or more changes in occupancy type.
This building was converted from a cold storage building to apartments.

The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes requirements for building accessibility.
Building Elements that may be Altered to Improve Access Building Entrances Parking/ Passenger Loading Zones Elevators Alarms (visible and/or audible) Means of Egress Requires removal of architectural barriers and addition of other features to provide accessibility for persons with recognized impairments

The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes requirements for building accessibility.
Where building codes allow ADA-inaccessible structural features, alternate protection must be made available Area of refuge, which may not be required in buildings with automatic sprinkler system Where required, area of refuge must have two-way communication Firefighters must be prepared to respond to anyone calling for assistance

REVIEW QUESTION What are two major types of legal requirements that affect building design?

Engineering-based construction variables influence a building’s design.
Regardless of a building’s purpose, it must be designed so it can actually be built Strength of building materials and mathematics of structural mechanics must match proposed design and expected loads and forces Common designs must meet a wide range of engineering variables Exotic or innovative designs may challenge the engineer and architect Buildings that defy conventional planning may require special resources

Climate Building Site Properties Configuration of Internal Spaces Automatic Fire Suppression Systems Age of Construction Energy Conservation (Green Design)

Climate Heating/cooling requirements are determined by region’s historical temperature variations Insulating materials increase the structures energy conservation Affects other aspects of building design

Building Site Properties
Engineering-based construction variables influence a building’s design. Building Site Properties Soil conditions/properties must be evaluated before the foundation is designed Natural and developed terrain features — May affect fire fighting tactics — Must be identified before an incident — May complicate access Other factors that can influence overall height and below-grade spaces — Water table — Frost line — Presence/absence of solid bedrock

The river adjoining this condominium renders one entire side of the structure inaccessible to land-based emergency vehicles.

Engineering factors influence a building’s design and construction.
Configuration of Internal Spaces Refers to general shape or layout of a building Building designers rarely consider fire fighting strategies as a principle design element; focus on functionality and visual appeal

Design choices can significantly affect fire behavior and building elements response to fire High-ceiling atriums have few features to contain smoke from a fire

Video begins automatically on next slide
Dupont Plaza Fire – San Juan, PR (1986) Video begins automatically on next slide

Dupont Plaza Fire – San Juan, PR (1986)
Source: YouTube

An example of how building configuration affects fire behavior and life safety is the 1986 fire in the Dupont Plaza Hotel in Puerto Rico Source: NIST Engineering Analysis of the Early Stages of fire Development – The Fire at the Dupont Plaza Hotel and Casino – December 31, 1986.

Automatic Fire Suppression Systems Inclusion will affect planned building design First line of defense in many buildings When properly designed and maintained, incipient stage fires will be promptly detected and controlled Even when systems cannot be effective in controlling a fire, can constrain fire growth and notify responders

Age of Construction New construction is a product of its place and time Factors that influence a building’s conditions at any given time: — Older codes — Materials — Construction methods — Maintenance over time — Effects of age Real estate can outlive its useful economic life, frequently become a target for arson, and may be left to degrade with weather and time

Age of Construction Older buildings can offer advantages for fire fighters Structures built before computer aided design (CAD) were often designed with greater structural mass often resulting in greater structural stability under fire conditions Modern design methods allow for more efficient techniques, resulting in less material being used — but slender, lighter members may fail more quickly under fire conditions

Older neighborhoods sometimes undergo gentrification in which older properties are extensively rehabilitated During renovation the effects of aging can be negated; other problems may be discovered Courtesy of Ed Pendergast

Energy Conservation (Green Design) Increase energy efficiency of structures and materials Energy efficient features, limit firefighters’ ability to ventilate a building Primary hazard is the tendency of components to increase building combustibility — More energy- and material-efficient, so they may have smaller dimensions — More likely to fail under fire and fire suppression conditions

Green buildings are designed to conserve energy and may include water collectors, solar panels, and rooftop gardens Courtesy of Colorado Springs (CO) Fire Department

REVIEW QUESTION What types of engineering variables affect building design?

Economic-based construction variables influence a building’s design and construction.
Funds often determine a building’s overall appearance and size Cutting costs may lead to difficulties during an emergency

Building Use May be designed to meet minimum requirements of intended function and not include significant adornment End use dictates more subtle requirements Courtesy of Ed Pendergast

Existing Infrastructure
Economic-based construction variables influence a building’s design and construction. Existing Infrastructure Public utility availability determined early in design process Water availability is essential for fire protection systems — Existing water mains may be tested for required flow rate and pressure — May be necessary to increase main size or provide on-site storage or fire pumps — Well and storage tanks may be necessary if public water mains are not accessible Any additional infrastructure requirements will add to the cost of the project

Fire Loss Management Is systematic and includes many factors: — Life safety — Engineering — Administrative controls to protect community resources

Benefits of Fire Loss Management Before a Fire Minimize risk in specific occupancy classifications Identify violations or vulnerabilities in business practices/behaviors During and After a Fire Minimize damage Eliminate chance of fire reigniting Reduce time repair/reopen business Goodwill for fire department Minimize financial loss

REVIEW QUESTION How can economic variables influence building design?

Other variables can influence a building’s design.
Owner’s Needs and Desires Investment of Wealth Aesthetics and Culture

An owner’s needs and desires influence a building’s design.
Building and design belong to the owner; owner has the final word in many design matters Architect cannot address all design considerations presented by owner Final design is a balance of what is wanted, needed, and practical

The investment of wealth influences a building’s design.
Provide security Energy and resources are expended in their construction Spec buildings constructed without a known occupant Buildings are frequently constructed as investment tools

Aesthetics and culture influence a building’s design.
The use of art in the building design is of little interest to the fire service, although it is a major force in architecture. Courtesy of Ed Pendergast

Styles change over time and are influenced by the communal environment Buildings take on cultural and functional characteristics Design can serve as expression of taste or to convey a certain image Designers strive for appealing, comfortable designs that enhance human endeavors Aesthetics frequently clash with fire safety concerns

Buildings are often designed to convey a message, including social status of the occupant.

REVIEW QUESTION What are some other variables that affect building design?

Community fire defense strategies are based on the principles of fire behavior.
Entire communities have been destroyed by fire Conflagration encouraged by construction practices that assist fire travel Community fire defense is based on construction methods and practices that resist fire/smoke spread Early building codes were developed to prevent future conflagrations from destroying neighborhoods/city sections

Fire spread is often expressed in terms of heat transfer.
Two primary methods of heat transfer that are a factor in spreading fire between buildings are convection and radiation. A third method of heat transfer, conduction, is not usually considered a factor in spreading fire between buildings.

Convection Transfer of heat energy through the movement of hot smoke and gases Convective plumes, depending on the wind direction, are significant when an exposed building is higher than the exposing building

Thermal Radiation Transfer of heat energy through space by electromagnetic waves All bodies emit thermal radiation A net transfer of energy will move from the body of higher temperature to the body of lower temperature, allowing fire to travel horizontally Small increase in temperature produces a large increase in thermal radiation

Thermal radiation intensity can be calculated via the Stefan-Boltzmann law of physics.
The Stefan-Boltzmann law (physics) states that the intensity of thermal radiation (T) is a function of the fourth power of the absolute temperature of the thermal radiation source (T4), or: (Fire Temperature in R) 4_ (Ambient Temperature in R) 4 Fahrenheit can be converted to Rankine (R) using the formula: R = (ºF – 32)

Heat transfer becomes a problem in communities because of exposures and fire progression factors.
An exposure can be any number of surfaces that may be ignited or damaged by the heat of an external fire Exposures in this illustration include the facing surfaces of the taller building.

There are many ways that fires spread to exposed buildings and objects.
Ventilation pulls in flames, hot brands, or superheated convective currents Openings allow convection currents to enter the structure Roof materials ignite readily from convection Siding materials ignite readily from convection or radiant heat Windows and window dressings allow radiant heat to start fire directly inside Structures or other fire loads placed in close proximity to each other Lack of organized fire protection and/or fire protection systems

Many factors determine whether a fire will progress to exposure.
NFPA 80A®, Recommended Practice for Protection from Exterior Fire Exposure Levels of exposure : — Light — Moderate — Severe Based on fire load and flame spreading rating of wall/ceiling finishes of burning building Fire Temperature Flame Height and Width

Despite awareness of the risk and principles of fire transfer, exposure fires remain a significant problem. Especially in older urban environments with closely spaced combustible construction In modern suburban communities, building-to-building fire spread has been reduced as a result of code requirements, including greater separation between buildings. Courtesy of Ed Pendergast

Common Methods Used to Protect Buildings from Exposing Fires
As cities evolve and grow, building codes are developed with the goal of preventing fire spread. Clearing space between buildings, including roadways Imposing limits on height and area of combustible construction Eliminating or reducing openings in exterior walls Common Methods Used to Protect Buildings from Exposing Fires

As cities evolve and grow, building codes are developed with the goal of preventing fire spread.
Fire protection features in building codes provide minimum system requirements Fire Detection and Suppression Systems Passive Barriers Active Barriers Wildland and Urban Interface

REVIEW QUESTION How do heat transfer, exposures, and fire spread threaten community fire defense?

Structural failure can be caused by a number of design factors.
Unplanned Loads Design Flaws Unwillingness to Spend Additional Money Building Owner Continues Work with Necessary Permits

I-35W Bridge Collapse – Aug. 1, 2007 and NTSB Investigation Results
Videos begin on next two slides

I-35W Bridge Collapse – Aug. 1, 2007
Source: YouTube

I-35W Bridge Collapse – NTSB Investigation Results
Source: YouTube

Building Failure Firefighters usually equate to structural collapse Building or part of it is no longer performing its required function Fire spread through a fire-rated barrier or the unsatisfactory performance of a fire protection system is considered a failure

Loss of Structural Integrity A building that maintains its structural integrity allows firefighters to effectively attack an interior fire Under fire conditions, structural integrity is related to the fire resistance and combustibility of its construction materials Any building that collapses has lost structural integrity

Loss of Structural Integrity Combustible construction materials may possess initial fire resistance, but ultimately they will be consumed Noncombustible materials may also retain structural integrity at first, but will fail from effects of heat Fire-resistive materials possess the ability to maintain structural integrity under fire conditions

Buildings constructed of combustible materials will collapse under severe fire conditions Courtesy of District Chief Chris E. Mickal, NOFD Photo Unit

Building System Failure Modern buildings function as total systems — HVAC — Electrical Power — Communications — Plumbing — Transportation Well-designed systems utilize provisions to prevent the spread of combustion products Improper or inadequate designs can contribute to building failures under fire conditions

Building System Failure Electrical System Essential to all modern buildings Design and installation should include: — Firestopping — Emergency power

Design Deficiencies Codes and standards are followed closely in the design process Competing priorities may discourage measures that exceed the safety provisions in the code Codes cannot address every situation Codes are subject to political processes, competing interests and economic priorities

Design Deficiencies Codes provide a baseline level of protection for commonly encountered situations Codes may not provide an adequate level of safety Compliance with provisions of the code may not be possible

An alteration from the original plans weakened supports in a hotel walkway, and ultimately resulted in the failure of the system.

Design deficiencies can include any failure to provide a level of fire safety appropriate to the use of the building Oversight Incorrect Assumption Oversimplification Underestimation

Buildings must have a minimum number of exits based on the expected occupancy capacity and classification Can be difficult to plan for based on fluctuations in the uses of the structure

REVIEW QUESTION How can design factors lead to structural failure of a building?

Firefighters can use the building permit process to develop knowledge of building construction in their jurisdiction. Tracking permits is useful in large structure construction, but impractical for a large number of smaller buildings Buildings are permitted for construction Fire service representative involved in the process or information received from building department Information shared between fire companies and fire prevention bureau

The availability of useful information and the effectiveness of an emergency response are closely related. Preincident plans should include: Occupancy Type Industrial Processes on Site Hazardous Materials Location and Function of Fire Protection System Controls and Outlets Building Access Routes Utilities

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a means of obtaining information for preincident planning.
Data based on a specific location Becoming more widely used in building construction Allows a large construction project to be divided into smaller areas making the project more manageable and efficient Geographic Information Systems

By pairing global positioning systems (GPS) with survey information the exact locations necessary for placement of critical building elements can be determined Used as a design aid in construction since modern beams are stamped with rated weight, intended application, and location Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems can Provide a Graphic Representation of Resource Response Within a Jurisdiction Data from inspections/preplans including building construction type can be entered/retrieved on districting or dispatching maps Through Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), maps can be interactive between dispatcher and laptop for the company officer heading to incident Building construction types must be labeled appropriately

Geographic Information Systems can Provide Tools for Functions in a Jurisdiction Evaluating Department Performance Dispatching Emergency Responses Code Enforcement Zoning and Taxing

Transitional Strategies
Building construction types influence the strategies that will be effective at a structural fire. Life hazards Structural stability Risk Offensive Strategies Volume of fire Structural deterioration Structural conditions Defensive Strategies All strategies that include a change in direction between offensive or defensive focus Transitional Strategies

REVIEW QUESTION What is the role of preincident planning in building construction?

Florida Objectives – Hurricane Windows and Ventilation
Source - YouTube

Florida Objectives - Process for Florida inspectors to review permits for construction, renovation, etc.

Florida Objectives - Identify Florida rules pertaining to the adoption of the Florida Building Code, Florida Fire Prevention Code, and NFPA 101 Florida Statute : Adoption of the Florida Fire Prevention Code, including NFPA 1, 101, and Florida specific amendments Click HERE for Statute

Florida Administrative Code 61G20-1.001
Florida Objectives - Identify Florida rules pertaining to the adoption of the Florida Building Code, Florida Fire Prevention Code, and NFPA 101 Florida Administrative Code 61G Adoption of the Florida Building Code Click HERE for Rule

Florida Objectives - Describe the Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction.
Florida Statute Based on 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design Click HERE for full document

Florida Statutes – Conducting Building Inspections, Certifications, Compliance, System tests
Florida Statute and Conducted by certified personnel Minimum 200 hours training Click HERE for F.S (2016) Click HERE for F.S (2016)

Florida Objectives - Identify state requirements for record retention for fire departments
Florida Administrative Code 69A Click HERE to review document, then click “View Rule” on the web page

Summary Physical and chemical laws that govern fire behavior never change, but buildings in which fires occur vary greatly. Tactical firefighters must understand building design, construction, and function so that emergency operations can be effectively carried out.

Building Construction Related to the Fire Service 4th Edition
Chapter 1 — Building Construction and the Fire Service

Building Construction Related to the Fire Service 4th Edition

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Building Construction Related to the Fire Service 4th Edition"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback

Log in

Auth with social network:

Building Construction Related to the Fire Service 4th Edition

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Building Construction Related to the Fire Service 4th Edition"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback