Lesson Overview

Lesson 1.1.3 will introduce you to how the International Building Code (IBC) categorizes building construction materials and structural systems as a series of Construction Types.

As with Occupancy Groups, the code is primarily concerned with how a building (and the materials it is constructed of) support the life safety of its occupants, particularly in terms of fire.  Each structural component of a building is designated in terms of an Hour Fire Rating classification which assigns to that component a relative resistance to failure in the case of fire. 

Lesson Goals

We will learn how these concepts of fire resistance, Construction Types and life safety play a direct role in how the code guides the size and height of a building, the structural and construction materials used as well as restrictions as to where a building may be located on a site to prevent the spread of fire to adjacent buildings.