Construction Supervisor License Practice Exam

What type of construction classification does a four-story building with a sprinkler system and two-hour rated exterior walls fall under?

1. IIA

2. IV

3. IIIA

4. IIIB

The correct answer is: IIIB

The correct classification for a four-story building with a sprinkler system and two-hour rated exterior walls is IIIB. This classification pertains to buildings made of non-combustible materials while allowing for certain combustible materials in interior construction. In this case, a four-story building indicates that it must adhere to specific code requirements, and having two-hour rated exterior walls further defines its fire-resistance features. The presence of a sprinkler system is significant, as it enhances fire safety, allowing the building to fall under the IIIB classification. This system can mitigate risks associated with combustibility, leading to more flexible interior material choices, which aligns perfectly with the properties of IIIB. On the other hand, classifications like IIA and IIIA typically necessitate more stringent fire-resistance ratings or restrictions on combustible materials, which do not match the conditions described. Classification IV is generally reserved for heavy timber construction, which doesn’t apply to the scenario presented.