Fire-Resistance Classifications of Building Constructions. Report of Subcommittee on Fire-Resistance Classifications of the Central Housing Committee on Research, Design, and Construction.
Fire-Resistance Classifications of Building
Constructions. Report of Subcommittee on Fire-Resistance
Classifications of the Central Housing Committee on
Research, Design, and Construction.
(7783 K)
National Bureau of Standards
BMS 92; 72 p. October 7, 1942.
Keywords:
building construction; fire resistance rating; building
design; fire hazard; building codes; combustible
materials
Abstract:
A classification of building construction from the
standpoint of fire safety is presented by a committee of
representatives of Federal agencies concerned with the
design, construction, and operation of buildings. By
considering only the basic properties having a bearing
on fire hazard and fire resistance, four types were
found sufficient to cover the whole range of building
construction. Within each type are two or more classes
which are defined by the fire resistance required for
their structural members. In Chapter 1 this
classification is outlined and information given on how
it can be applied with reference to the fire severity
obtaining for given structural and occupancy conditions.
Chapter 2 contains a discussion of the types of
restrictions and limitations generally incorporated in
building codes, with particular reference to their
application to the classification of building types
herein presented. Chapter 3 gives results of surveys of
combustible contents of buildings housing typical
occupancies as a basis for estimation of fire severity.
In Chapter 4 are given available fire-resistance ratings
of building constructions and fire-resistance
classifications of roofing materials.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899