Most fire-resistant buildings have their specific characteristics. However, according to construction regulations, all types of fire-resistant buildings are classified into 5 main groups. This is even though at first glance, most buildings are considered similar to each other. They may even be made of the same construction materials and raw materials, but some buildings are stronger and more fire-resistant than others.
This is even though most wooden and artificial plastic buildings are flammable and easily ignite due to heat. They even increase the speed of fire propagation and transmission within homes.
| Type | Description |
| Fire-resistant high-rise buildings | Fire-resistant high-rise buildings made of reinforced concrete and stee |
| Non-flammable newer buildings | Non-flammable newer buildings with sloping walls or reinforced masonry and metal roof |
| Typical of normal buildings | Typical of new or old buildings with non-combustible walls but a wooden roof |
| Heavy timber | Old buildings made of thick timber |
| Wood frame | Modern buildings with combustible frames and roofs. |
Buildings made of concrete and steel are among the most fire-resistant types of buildings. These buildings exhibit high resistance to elevated temperatures.
On the contrary, type 5 buildings have the lowest fire resistance. They are lightweight and constructed with combustible materials that quickly collapse once ignited.
Type 1: Fire-resistant buildings
Type 1 buildings are primarily high-rise buildings over 75 feet tall and fire-resistant. Examples of these types of buildings can be found in commercial structures. Safe, heat-resistant, and sturdy construction materials are used in the construction of these buildings. As a result, the likelihood of them collapsing during a fire is very low.
| The main characteristics of the first type of fire-resistant buildings | |
| The components of these buildings are made of reinforced concrete and steel, protected by a fireproof coating. | Ingredients |
| All structural materials used are non-combustible, can withstand fire for up to four hours, and are not vulnerable to collapse | Advantages |
| Steel components can deteriorate over time | Disadvantages |
| The most important features of Type 1 fire-resistant buildings are emergency staircases and special systems to reduce potential fire damage.” | The most important |
Type 2: Non-flammable buildings
Many new or recently renovated commercial structures, including department stores and large shopping centers, are Type 2 buildings. These buildings are equipped with fire suppression systems, but when flames reach their metal roofs, there is a possibility of the building crumbling.
| main characteristics of non-flammable buildings | |
| Walls and Roof Predominantly made of non-combustible materials such as metal and lightweight concrete | Ingredients |
| Can withstand fire for one to two hours, depending on the type of construction materials | Advantages |
| Type 2 buildings, if not properly ventilated, may collapse due to high temperatures in the event of a fire | Disadvantages |
| Composed of numerous non-combustible materials, but there is a risk of collapse | The most important |
Type 3: Non-combustible buildings
Many office buildings such as universities belong to this type of construction, which may have the following characteristics:
| Principal features of type 3 buildings: Non-combustible buildings | |
| The walls of this type of building are made of non-combustible sloping surfaces or stronger materials, while the roofs of these buildings are flammable | Ingredients |
| Due to the type of walls, the likelihood of the building collapsing during a fire is low | Advantages |
| Many buildings of this type have attics or horizontal voids, which increase the potential for fire spread | Disadvantages |
| The most significant characteristic is that because their roofs can be made of wood, there is a possibility of a loss of life in the event of a fire | The most important |
Type 4: Heavy Timber Building
Among the different types of these buildings, we can mention warehouses and factories. These structures are made of large and heavy wooden components.
| main characteristic of the building is heavy timber | |
| The roof and walls of these buildings are made of large and heavy timber | Ingredients |
| Many of the walls in these buildings are fire-resistant. The risk of them collapsing is very low | Advantages |
| In certain parts of them, metal joints are used, and these joints break at high temperatures. They even increase the possibility of fire | Disadvantages |
Type 5: Timber Frame Building
Nowadays, most modern houses are constructed using this type of building. This is because the walls and ceilings are primarily made of wood. The difference between the heavy timber used in Type 4 buildings and these buildings is that Type 5 structures are made of lightweight wood. These woods are inexpensive, but they lack significant fire resistance. They can even collapse easily in the event of a fire.
| main characteristics of timber frame buildings | |
| The walls and roofs of these houses are primarily made of wood and other combustible materials | Ingredients |
| Large wooden walls can prevent the building from collapsing during a fire | Advantages |
| Wood burns easily and is highly exposed to fire | Disadvantages |
| Generally, Type 5 buildings have very low fire resistance | The most important |
Conclusion
As discussed, different buildings do not have the same fire resistance. All types of structures are classified for fire resistance. For example, a structure with a two-hour rating can withstand fire and even falls and potential damage for at least two hours.
It is worth noting that in addition to the five types of construction, there are several other types of buildings. These include residential buildings, commercial buildings, industrial complexes, and office buildings. However, some buildings, such as Types 1 and 2, are much more fire-resistant due to the use of reliable and strong building materials such as magnesium oxide boards. These boards are part of new building materials, and buildings that use them have many advantages in construction, with fire resistance being one of the most important. However, since these boards are new, there is very little information about them. Even most people are confused and hesitant when buying and choosing these boards. At the same time, you can easily obtain more information about magnesium oxide boards by consulting experienced experts who produce these boards, such as Atlas Adrien Mandage (https://hbboard.ir/).
