Building Construction Follow Up

Looking back on my building construction course I'm struck that there are certain topics that have come up repeatedly throughout my fire service education so far and new topics in each course.  My takeaway is that certain areas of knowledge are keys understanding topics and deserve reiteration, some such topics are:
  • Building classifications and in particular the dangers associated with modern lightweight wood construction. Our IFSTA text points out that " Structures with light and engineered materials are the most common types of buildings in most jurisdictions, and they have a high potential for sudden, catastrophic structural failure."(Building Construction Related to the Fire Service, 210)
  • Roof types and dangers associated with certain types over others with regards to catastrophic collapse.
  • The importance of having a general understanding of how buildings are constructed in order to better understand their dangers and better prepare strategies and tactics on the fire ground.
  • The benefits of preincident planning and understanding the typical types of construction in your immediate response area.
  • Understanding different types of passive fire protection built into structures.
  • Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different types of steel construction and the expansion of steel.
  • Knowing the differences in construction for high-rise buildings and they potential pitfalls of fighting these fires.
Topics less common and newer to me from this course:
  • Dangers of buildings under construction or during demolition.
  • Special types of concrete construction, in particular prestressed reinforcing.
  • Differences in interior finishes and the effect they have on fire behavior or rating.  For example our IFSTA text covers building techniques that I hadn't previously thought much about such as, "Early building codes focused primarily on the structure of the building, namely the construction materials and the structural system. Over time, more attention has been given to the fire behavior characteristics and layout of materials used for the interior finish."(Building Construction Related to the Fire Service, 137)
  • Types of forces and loads and the effects on building construction.
Overall great class that dove a bit deeper into common important issues and opened my mind to new areas of building construction as they relate to the fire service.

Comments

  1. Barnhaus Steel BuildersSeptember 27, 2021 at 9:59 PM

    Really, this is impressive article which you have shared here. It is provides me an interesting knowledge about Barnhaus Steel Builders. I request you to keep sharing such blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Torque and Hammer Pile Driving LTD.February 1, 2022 at 12:05 PM

    Nice info, I am very thankful to you for sharing this important knowledge. This information is helpful for everyone. Read more info about Timber Piling Contractors Vancouver Canada So please always share this kind of information. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Safety First Training LtdMarch 1, 2022 at 9:18 AM

    I found decent information in your article. I am impressed with how nicely you described this subject, It is a gainful article for us,Propane in Construction Training Ontario Thanks for share it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. auzzie buildersSeptember 12, 2022 at 3:32 AM

    The representation of this article is actually superb. I think this is a genuinely beneficial and instructive article for everyone, I appreciate this kind of writing Construction Firm in Melbourne Thankful you for sharing an article like this.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Alia parkerOctober 10, 2022 at 9:37 AM

    LVP flooring stands for luxury vinyl plank flooring. LVP flooring is a type of vinyl flooring that looks like wood but is made from vinyl. LVP flooring is durable, easy to clean, and easy to install.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Alia parkerDecember 25, 2022 at 9:04 PM

    Looking for a trusted and reliable house cleaning service? Look no further than our app! We offer a wide range of services that are tailored to meet your needs. Our team of experienced cleaners are knowledgeable and passionate about their work, and will take care to clean every detail of your home. We offer competitive rates, and our app makes it easy to book and confirm your appointment. app for house cleaning service

    ReplyDelete
  7. Alia parkerJune 17, 2024 at 10:26 PM

    Find janitor services near me offering reliable cleaning solutions for homes and businesses. They ensure cleanliness with professional expertise and convenience. janitor service near me






    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Building Construction for Fire Protection - key takeaways so far

Here are some of the key areas covered by the course so far: Basic building construction concepts as they relate to fire protection. Major variables in building construction that will influence firefighting operations. Earthquakes and how building construction and other ways of preparing for the "big one" will effect the outcome. Standard building classifications of fire resistance. Building design and construction elements that influence building loads and stresses. Overview of building codes and those relating to the wildland urban interface. One topic we've covered that I find particularly important to me as related to me career path is the wildland urban interface.  Because I have a history in wildland firefighting and a desire to be part of a department with a large focus on wildland and WUI operations I find it particularly applicable to me.  Within my career path I'm at the point where I'm looking at the possibility of transitioning to a seasona...
Read more

Oakland fire in substandard building kills 4

Article on initial report of the fire Article on the substandard conditions of the building Back in 2017 not long after the catastrophic Ghost Ship fire in Oakland this fire broke out, it spoke to me because it appears the loss of life could have been prevented or likely reduced if the building owners had followed fire department recommendations.  A few things stand out about the building fire protection systems and modifications to exits in particular that contributed to loss of life: Fire alarm had been pulled and not reset No fire extinguishers present Locked exit door to fire escape Trash piled on the floor This building was known to be substandard by the fire department and had been visited several times.  Recommendations including shutting down the building were made however none were carried out.  It appears to me that greed of the building owner outweighed any concern for fire life safety.
Read more