FST Building Codes 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to NFPA 101, what is the minimum width of a means of egress door in a new occupancy?
- 28 inches
- 32 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
- 44 inches
Correct answer: 32 inches
NFPA 101 requires egress doors in new occupancies to have a minimum clear width of 32 inches.
Question 2: Under the IBC, which construction type allows the greatest height and area for non-sprinklered buildings?
- Type III-A
- Type II-B
- Type I-A (Correct answer)
- Type IV-HT
Correct answer: Type I-A
Type I-A construction uses non-combustible materials with the highest fire-resistance ratings, allowing the greatest allowable height and area.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'fire wall' as defined in the IBC, distinguishing it from a 'fire barrier'?
- A fire wall is only required in high-rise buildings
- A fire wall creates separate buildings for code purposes and must be structurally independent (Correct answer)
- A fire wall has a lower required fire-resistance rating than a fire barrier
- A fire wall must be located at property lines only
Correct answer: A fire wall creates separate buildings for code purposes and must be structurally independent
A fire wall under IBC Section 706 creates separate buildings for code compliance purposes and must be structurally stable even if construction on either side collapses.
Question 4: In the IBC, which High-Hazard occupancy sub-group applies to buildings storing explosive materials?
- Group H-1 (Correct answer)
- Group H-2
- Group H-3
- Group H-5
Correct answer: Group H-1
Group H-1 covers occupancies where explosive materials are manufactured, stored, or used in quantities exceeding exempt amounts.
Question 5: According to NFPA 101, a stairway serving as an exit must be enclosed in a fire-rated enclosure. What is the minimum rating for this enclosure in a building three to eight stories in height?
- 30 minutes
- 1 hour (Correct answer)
- 2 hours
- 3 hours
Correct answer: 1 hour
NFPA 101 requires a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating for exit stair enclosures in buildings three to eight stories high.
Question 6: What IBC provision addresses the protection of openings in fire-rated walls, requiring fire door assemblies with appropriate ratings?
- Section 714 – Penetrations
- Section 716 – Openings in Fire-Resistance-Rated Assemblies (Correct answer)
- Section 705 – Exterior Walls
- Section 708 – Shaft Enclosures
Correct answer: Section 716 – Openings in Fire-Resistance-Rated Assemblies
IBC Section 716 governs openings in fire-resistance-rated wall and floor assemblies, specifying required fire door and window ratings.
Question 7: Under the IBC, what is the maximum travel distance to an exit in a non-sprinklered Group B occupancy?
- 100 feet
- 200 feet (Correct answer)
- 250 feet
- 300 feet
Correct answer: 200 feet
IBC Table 1017.2 sets the maximum exit access travel distance for non-sprinklered Group B occupancies at 200 feet.
FST Building Codes 3
According to NFPA 101, what is the minimum width of a means of egress door in a new occupancy?