Which of these structural materials is combustible?
Correct Answer
C) Untreated wood
Untreated wood is combustible. Steel and concrete are generally noncombustible materials, but actual fire resistance belongs to the tested/designed assembly and applicable conditions; steel can lose strength with heat. Neither material name alone determines insurance premiums or guarantees the building’s fire performance.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because untreated wood is combustible. Concrete masonry, structural steel and reinforced concrete are generally noncombustible materials. Actual fire resistance still depends on the designed assembly and conditions.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Concrete masonry
Option A, concrete masonry, is wrong because concrete block is generally a noncombustible material.
Option B: Structural steel
Option B, structural steel, is wrong because steel is generally noncombustible, although it can lose strength when heated.
Option D: Reinforced concrete
Option D, reinforced concrete, is wrong because concrete with steel reinforcing is generally a noncombustible material.
Wood burns, rock and steel don't
Of common structural materials, wood is the one that burns; concrete, masonry and steel generally do not.
How to use: Use this when a question asks which structural material is combustible.
Exam Tip
Separate combustibility from fire resistance; steel does not burn but can weaken in heat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Assuming steel cannot be affected by fire
- -Thinking material name alone sets insurance cost
- -Treating fire resistance and combustibility as the same thing
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests basic knowledge of construction materials and combustibility. Wood burns, while concrete, masonry and steel are generally noncombustible. Identify the one material in the list that can burn.
Background Knowledge
Construction materials are commonly grouped by whether they burn, and building classes reflect the combustibility of the structure. Fire performance depends on the tested and designed assembly, not just the material name.
Real-World Application
An appraiser describes a house with a wood-frame upper floor over a concrete-block lower level. The appraiser notes the construction types because they affect the house's quality rating and cost estimates.
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