GCC Building Codes & Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization publishes the National Electrical Code (NEC)?
- OSHA
- NFPA (Correct answer)
- ICC
- ANSI
Correct answer: NFPA
The National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) is published by the National Fire Protection Association.
Question 2: Under the IBC, what is the minimum corridor width required for occupancies other than residential dwelling units?
- 36 inches
- 44 inches (Correct answer)
- 48 inches
- 60 inches
Correct answer: 44 inches
The IBC requires a minimum corridor width of 44 inches for most non-residential occupancies.
Question 3: What does the term 'occupancy classification' determine in the IBC?
- Maximum building height only
- Fire resistance ratings, egress, and construction type requirements (Correct answer)
- Only the number of permitted exits
- Plumbing fixture counts exclusively
Correct answer: Fire resistance ratings, egress, and construction type requirements
Occupancy classification drives multiple code requirements including fire resistance, egress design, and allowable construction types.
Question 4: A contractor discovers that a building permit was issued based on plans that do not comply with current energy codes. What is the correct action?
- Proceed with construction as the permit was validly issued
- Notify the building official and request a correction (Correct answer)
- Complete construction and fix issues at final inspection
- Ignore since permits override energy codes
Correct answer: Notify the building official and request a correction
The contractor must notify the building official; a permit issued on non-compliant plans does not legalize code violations.
Question 5: Which fire-resistance rating is typically required for walls separating dwelling units in a Type V-B wood-frame apartment building under the IBC?
- No rating required
- 1-hour (Correct answer)
- 2-hour
- 3-hour
Correct answer: 1-hour
Dwelling unit separation walls in multi-family residential buildings typically require a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating under IBC.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of ASTM E119 in building construction?
- Testing structural steel yield strength
- Establishing standard fire-resistance test methods for building materials (Correct answer)
- Measuring wind load resistance
- Evaluating seismic performance of structures
Correct answer: Establishing standard fire-resistance test methods for building materials
ASTM E119 is the standard method for fire tests of building construction and materials used to rate assemblies.
Question 7: Under the IBC, which construction type permits the greatest allowable building area for a given occupancy?
- Type V-B
- Type III-A
- Type I-A (Correct answer)
- Type II-B
Correct answer: Type I-A
Type I-A construction, which is fully noncombustible with the highest fire-resistance ratings, permits the greatest allowable areas and heights.
GCC Building Codes & Standards 2
Which organization publishes the National Electrical Code (NEC)?