FFP 2120 - Building Construction for the Fire Service

College of Public Safety Administration

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Fall 2021 (595)

Course Description

This course examines the various types and methods of building construction and their influence on fire travel and life safety. Fire resistance of building materials and problems inherent in new construction as well as existing buildings are examined closely.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will describe and differentiate between the different types of building construction by:
    1. discussing building variables as they relate to the work of fire fighters.
    2. explaining the principles of design and why buildings are built.
    3. defining fire resistance.
    4. describing the design and construction process.
  2. The student will analyze the hazards and tactical considerations associated with the various types of building construction by:
    1. explaining compartmentation as it relates to fire and smoke containment.
    2. describing the types of walls used to prevent fire spread and their effectiveness.
    3. discussing the concept of fuel load and its impact on building construction types.
    4. explaining the different loads and stresses that are placed on a building and their interrelationships.
    5. identifying the function of the principle structural components in building design.
  3. The student will differentiate between the occupancy classifications in the building code by:
    1. explaining the fire risks as they relate to the occupancy classifications.
    2. identifying the various systems required by the different occupancy classifications.
    3. discussing the fire resistance ratings and structural differences related to requirements for each classification.
  4. The student will demonstrate an understanding of building structural design features by:
    1. comparing and contrasting between the different types of construction.
    2. discussing the various loads and internal forces exerted on a building.
    3. describing the different types of stairs and elevators, their safety features and requirements.
    4. identifying the indicators of potential structural failure as they relate to fire fighter safety.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

Revised 8/84 Revised 9/24/84 SCMF DBT 11/20/86 Effective Session 19871 SCN Change 11/3/87 Effective Session 19881 DBT 4/27/89 Effective Session 19891 3 YR C&I Review 1993-94 3 Year Review 9899 C&I 9/25/01, BOT 10/17/01 Eff Sess I, 2001 (20011). # changed by Field Review effective 20021. 3 Year Review 2005, reformatted to standard. C&I 4/13/2010, BOT 5/18/2010, Effective 20101(0430). C&I Approval: 04/13/2010, BOT Approval: 05/18/2010, Effective Term: Fall 2010 (430). C&I Approval: 08/12/2016, BOT Approval: 09/20/2016, Effective Term: Spring 2017 (525).
C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Fall 2021 (595)

Related Programs

  1. Fire Officer Leadership (FOL-TR) (670) (Active)
  2. Fire Officer Supervisor (FOSU-CT) (625) (Active)
  3. Fire Officer Supervisor (FOSU-CT) (585) (Draft)
  4. Fire Science Technology (FIRE-AS) (640) (Draft)
  5. Fire Science Technology (FIRE-AS) (620) (Active)
  6. Homeland Security and Emergency Management (EAM-AS) (640) (Active)
  7. Public Safety Administration (PSA-TR) (670) (Active)