Building Construction

Buildings go up, and fires can bring them down. To understand the effect of fire on the structural integrity of a building, it is necessary to understand and consider the construction of that building. Knowing how a building is built allows fire fighters to look for warning signs of imminent collapse. It also makes them better able to predict fire spread and, therefore, where it may be necessary to search for and extinguish extension of the fire.

After students complete this chapter and the related course work, they will be able to describe the characteristics of various building components and how each reacts to fire. Students will also be able to describe the five types of building construction and the types of materials used in each. Finally, students will be able to describe various building components, including foundations, ceilings, roofs, trusses, doors, and walls.