Building Construction and Means of Egress Flashcards

In a curtain wall high-rise, what construction gap is a major path for vertical fire spread between floors?

Answer: The space between the floor slab edge and the exterior curtain wall

Unsealed slab-edge gaps at the curtain wall let fire and smoke travel directly to the floor above.

What is the material used to seal the slab-edge gap at a curtain wall, preventing fire from moving floor to floor?

Answer: Perimeter fire barrier (safing) insulation

Safing is rated fire-resistant material that fills the perimeter gap between the slab edge and the curtain wall.

Structural steel loses a significant portion of its strength when it reaches roughly what temperature?

Answer: About 1,000–1,100°F

Unprotected steel loses roughly half its strength at about 1,000–1,100°F, which is why it needs fireproofing.

Spray-applied fire-resistive material (SFRM) on structural steel serves what purpose?

Answer: It insulates the steel to delay temperature rise and loss of strength

SFRM insulates steel members so they reach critical temperatures more slowly during a fire.

During a building inspection, the FLSD notices fireproofing material has been scraped off beams above a ceiling. What should be done?

Answer: Report it so the fireproofing is restored, as structural fire resistance is compromised

Damaged fireproofing reduces the fire-resistance rating of the structure and must be repaired.

Which type of building core layout places elevators, stairs, and shafts in the middle of the floor plate?

Answer: Center core

In a center core building, the stairs, elevators, and utility shafts are grouped at the center of each floor.

What is a key fire safety concern with a central HVAC system serving multiple floors of a high-rise?

Answer: It can distribute smoke to floors far from the fire

Shared ductwork can carry smoke throughout the building unless dampers and shutdown controls operate.