FRP 266 Building Construction for Fire Suppression

Lecture Hours: 9
Credits: 3

This course provides the components of building construction related to firefighter and life safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at emergencies. This course meets or exceeds FESHE Building Construction for Fire Protection (C0275).

Student Learning Outcomes:

Describe building construction as it related to firefighter safety, buildings codes, fire prevention, code inspection, firefighting strategy, and tactics.
Classify major types of building construction in accordance with a local/model building code.
Analyze the hazards and tactical consideration associated with the various types of building construction.
Explain the different loads and stresses that are placed on a building and their interrelationships.
Differentiate between fire resistance, flame spread, and describe the testing procedures used to establish ratings for each.
Differentiate between fire resistance, flame spread, and describe the testing procedures used to establish ratings for each.
Classify occupancy designations of the building code.
Identify the indicators of potential structural failure as they relate to firefighter safety.
Identify the role of GIS as it relates to building construction.

Content Outline

Introduction
- History of Building Construction
- Governmental Functions, Building and Fire Codes
- Fire Risks and Fire Protection
- Fire Loss Management and Life Safety
- Pre-fire Planning and Fire Suppression Strategies
Principles of Construction
- Terminology and Definitions
- Building and Occupancy Classifications
- Characteristics of Building Materials
- Types and Characteristics of Fire Loads
- Effects of Energy Conservation
Building Construction
- Structural Members
  - Definitions, Descriptions and Carrying Capacities
  - Effects of Loads
- Structural Design and Construction Methods
- System Failures
Principles of Fire Resistance
- Standards of Construction
- Fire Intensity and Duration
- Theory versus Reality
Fire Behavior versus Building Construction
- Flame Spread
- Smoke and Fire Containment
  - Construction and Suppression Systems
  - HVAC Systems
  - Rack Storage
  - Combustible
Wood Construction