Fire Department Incident Safety Officer Practice Test

Which of the following is a characteristic of a Type V building?

1. Combination of metal and wood

2. Fully fireproof structure

3. Use of combustible materials for the frame

4. Significant weight-bearing masonry

The correct answer is: Use of combustible materials for the frame

A Type V building is characterized by the use of combustible materials for its structural framework. This type of construction is often referred to as "wood frame" construction, where the primary structural components are made of wood, which is inherently combustible. This characteristic makes Type V buildings particularly important for fire safety considerations, as these structures can be more susceptible to fire spread compared to non-combustible construction types. The other aspects of Type V construction further distinguish it from other building types. A Type V building is not a fully fireproof structure, as it relies on combustible materials. While combinations of metal and wood may be used in some applications, they do not define the primary characteristic of Type V. Moreover, significant weight-bearing masonry is typical of other building types, such as Type III or Type IV, which are designed to withstand more substantial structural loads with non-combustible materials. Overall, the use of combustible materials for framing is the defining trait of Type V buildings and is crucial for understanding their fire behavior and safety implications.