Essentials of Fire Fighting: Building Construction Vocabulary

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to building construction for fire fighting as discussed in the Essentials of Fire Fighting lecture materials.

Local Building Codes

Regulations that dictate how a building can be constructed to ensure safety and accessibility.

AHJ

Authority Having Jurisdiction; the organization or individual responsible for enforcing the code.

Type I Construction

Fire-resistive construction, usually made of concrete and steel, designed to withstand high temperatures.

Type II Construction

Non-combustible construction that may include a mixture of less fire-resistant materials.

Type III Construction

Also known as ordinary construction; involves exterior walls of noncombustible materials and interior elements of wood.

Type IV Construction

Heavy timber construction that is fire-resistant due to the large mass of wood.

Type V Construction

Wood frame construction where exterior walls are made entirely of wood.

Gusset Plate

A flat piece of material used to connect structural components, often wood trusses.

Void Spaces

Spaces between structural components that can allow the spread of fire.

Precast Concrete

Concrete elements that are cast off-site and then transported to the construction site.

Green Roof

A roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil.

Photovoltaic Roof

A roof that uses solar panels to generate electricity.

Cold Roof

A roofing system designed to manage heat and moisture to prevent ice damage.

Fire-rated Construction

Construction materials and systems designed to withstand fire for a specific period.

Fire Wall

A strong wall built to prevent the spread of fire between building sections.

Egress

The act of exiting or leaving a building, especially during an emergency.

Compartmentation

The division of a building into separate areas to contain fire and smoke.

Swinging Door

A door that swings open and closed on hinges.

Sliding Door

A door that opens by sliding along a track.

Fire Door

A door fitted with fire-resistant materials to confine fire.

Panel Door

A door made of a frame with panels, often used in interior applications.

Overhead Rolling Door

A door that rolls up overhead, often used in industrial settings.

Hollow-core Door

A door made with a hollow center, reducing weight but often less fire-resistant.

Solid-core Door

A door made with a solid interior, providing better security and fire resistance.

Glazing

The glass component in windows or doors.

Window Frame

The perimeter structure of a window that holds the glass and provides support.

Casement Window

A window that is hinged at the side and opens outward.

Double-hung Window

A window with two sashes that slide up and down.

Awning Window

A window hinged at the top, opening outward from the bottom.

Jalousie Window

A window made up of horizontal slats that can be tilted to open.

Single-hung Window

A window with one movable sash that slides up.

Fire Suppression System

A system designed to extinguish or prevent the spread of fire.

Mass Timber

Large solid wood elements used in building construction for sustainability.

Structural Collapse

The failure of a structure due to excessive stress, often during a fire.

Interior Finishes

The materials used on the surfaces of buildings inside, which can affect fire spread.

Smoke Barrier

A fire-rated wall designed to restrict the movement of smoke.

Building Component

Any part of a building, such as walls, roofs, or flooring, that contributes to its structural integrity.

Rescue Tools

Tools specifically designed for emergency rescue situations.

Live Load

The weight of occupants and furniture in a building.

Retrofitting

Updating older buildings to meet modern safety codes.

Structural Members

The essential components that provide support and shape to a building.

Flame Spread Rating

A measure of how quickly flames spread across a surface.

Fire Barrier

A fire-resistance-rated wall or floor assembly that restricts the spread of fire.

Thermal Expansion

The tendency of materials to expand when heated.

Load Bearing Wall

A wall that supports weight from the roof, floors, or other structures.

Sill

The bottom part of a window frame.

Ridge Line

The horizontal line at the peak of a roof.

Eaves

The part of the roof that overhangs the walls of a building.

Mansard Roof

A roof with two slopes on each side, the lower slope being steeper.

Flat Roof

A roof that is level or nearly so, often with very little slope.

Firefighter Safety Equipment

Gear and tools used to protect firefighters during operations.

Building Code Compliance

Adhering to the regulations that govern building construction and safety.

Architectural Features

Design elements of a building that contribute to its appearance and function.

Secondary Fire Wall

An additional wall intended to provide extra fire resistance.

Ventilation Operations

Processes of removing smoke and heat from a structure during a fire.

Construction Classifications

The categorization of building types based on their material and design.