Chapter 16: Building Materials, Structural Collapse, and Effects of Fire Suppression

Traditionally, how large is the collapse zone?

1 1/2 times the height of the structure

What is a concern about lath and plaster during fire?

Conceals hidden fires and adds fuel to the fire

How do a building's contents affect fire growth and structural collapse?

Contents can retain water and increase the stress on structural members

In which stage of fire development does structural collapse become likely due to the weakened state of structural members and buildup of water?

Decay

Which type of building material is used to protect other materials because its moisture content gives it excellent heat resistance?

Gypsum wallboard

Which statement describes how glass will react under fire conditions?

Heated glass may crack when water is applied

How does the size of a wood structural member affect how it reacts to fire?

Heavy timbers remain strong even after exposure to direct flame

How does reinforced concrete react to exposure to fire?

It performs well, but can lose strength through spalling

How can HVAC systems affect tactical ventilation?

Move products of combustion to unaffected areas

Which type of building material can produce toxic gases and rapidly deteriorate under fire conditions?

Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

Which building material can potentially be harmful to firefighters because it contains a glue called urea formaldehyde that gives off a hazardous gas when it is heated?

Particle board

Which factor is likely to affect the speed with which a steel structural member falls under fire conditions?

Size

How does heat affect masonry?

Stones and concrete may experience spalling when they are heated

Which statement accurately describes how building materials and configuration affect fire behavior in a structure?

The longer the fire has burned, the most likely it is that structural integrity has been compromised

Which type of collapse is common for a Type V construction building?

Walls collapsing inward

How can water from fire suppression affect a building's structural stability?

Water weight added from suppression can cause floors to collapse

Which type of building material is affected by size and moisture content during fire conditions?

Wood

When establishing collapse zones

apparatus must not be positioned in the collapse zone

What is an indicator of structural collapse?

distorted structural members

When should firefighters begin considering the potential that a building will collapse?

during preincident surveys and size-up

When heated, steel structural members tend to

elongate and push walls outward

Overhaul operations may affect a structure's stability when

firefighters accidently cut through load bearing components

When should a collapse zone be established at a structure fire?

once defensive strategy is adopted

What should take place immediately after the collapse zone is cleared?

personnel accountability report

Cast iron may crack or shatter when it is

rapidly cooled with water

Why are buildings under construction more susceptible to fire spread?

sprinklers and FDCs are not yet operational

Once it is determined that collapse is imminent

the collapse zone should be cleared as soon as possible

Why can abandoned buildings pose great danger of fire and collapse?

the interior may be gutted and altered

Little or no water runoff from the interior of the structure can be an indicator that

the structure is retaining water and is at risk of collapse