A commercial warehouse built in 1972 features tilt-up concrete wall panels, a precast concrete double-tee roof deck, and steel bar joists supporting a built-up roof. All structural connections are welded, and columns are encased in 2-hour fire-rated concrete. According to NFPA 220 and USPAP-compliant classification, what is the correct construction type?
Correct Answer
A) Type I-A: Fire-resistive
NFPA 220 defines Type I-A (Fire-resistive) as construction where *all* major structural elements — columns, beams, floors, roofs, and exterior walls — have a minimum 2-hour fire-resistance rating. Tilt-up concrete walls, precast concrete roof deck, and concrete-encased steel columns collectively satisfy this requirement. Steel bar joists alone would be insufficient, but their encasement provides the required rating. Type I-B requires only 1-hour rating for some elements. Type IV-HT requires solid timber members ≥8" thick — not present. Type V-A applies to protected combustible framing (e.g., fire-treated wood), which is inconsistent with concrete/steel. USPAP Standard 2 mandates accurate identification of construction type based on observed fire-resistance features.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
NFPA 220 defines Type I-A (Fire-resistive) as construction where *all* major structural elements — columns, beams, floors, roofs, and exterior walls — have a minimum 2-hour fire-resistance rating. Tilt-up concrete walls, precast concrete roof deck, and concrete-encased steel columns collectively satisfy this requirement. Steel bar joists alone would be insufficient, but their encasement provides the required rating. Type I-B requires only 1-hour rating for some elements. Type IV-HT requires solid timber members ≥8" thick — not present. Type V-A applies to protected combustible framing (e.g., fire-treated wood), which is inconsistent with concrete/steel. USPAP Standard 2 mandates accurate identification of construction type based on observed fire-resistance features.
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