[jonathan shadoin]

jonathan shadoin

Firefighters must be familiar with all aspects of roof construction to ensure their safety and effectiveness during firefighting operations. Roofs can be one of the most hazardous areas of a structure, as fire can weaken supports, leading to sudden collapse. Understanding different roof types such as flat, pitched, or truss systems, helps firefighters assess stability and determine safe ventilation points. Lightweight construction materials, such as engineered trusses, can fail quickly under fire conditions, increasing risk. Additionally knowledge of roofing materials like metal, tile, or membrane systems aids in predicting fire behavior and smoke ventilation. This awareness enhances decision making, reducing the risk of injury or fatalities.

[jonathan shadoin]

jonathan shadoin

Pre-stressed concrete systems can be more vulnerable to failure than ordinary reinforced concrete due to their reliance on high tension forces and the integrity of pre-stressed tendons. Unlike conventional reinforced concrete, which distributes loads more gradually, pre-stressed concrete relies on carefully applied compressive forces to counteract tensile stresses. If these forces are disrupted due to tendon corrosion, improper tensioning, or sudden overloading the entire system can fail abruptly. Additionally, pre stressed concrete is more sensitive to cracking, as minor defects can lead to a loss of pre-stress and a rapid reduction in structural integrity. Proper design, maintenance, and quality control are essential to mitigate these risks.

[jonathan shadoin]

jonathan shadoin

Steel is a widely used construction material due to its strength, durability, and versatility. one major advantage is its high strength to weight ratio, allowing for lighter yet stronger structures. It is also resistant to pests, fire, and rot, making it more durable than wood. Additionally, steel is recyclable, promoting sustainability. However, there are disadvantages, such as susceptibility to corrosion, requiring protective coatings or treatments. Steel also has poor thermal insulation, leading to energy efficiency concerns. Its high cost and the need for specialized labor in fabrication and welding can increase overall construction expenses. Despite these drawbacks, steel remains a preferred choice for many structural applications.

[jonathan shadoin]

jonathan shadoin

Firefighters must understand the mechanism of building collapse, particularly in masonry construction, to ensure their safety and effectiveness during firefighting and rescue operations. Masonry structures, such as brick or concrete block buildings can be severely weakened by fire, water application, and structural loads. These materials are strong in compression but weak in tension, making them vulnerable to sudden collapse when exposed to high heat or when supporting elements fail. Recognizing warning signs like cracked walls, bulging sections, or spalling bricks allows firefighters to predict potential failures and adjust their tactics accordingly. Proper knowledge of collapse mechanisms helps firefighters make informed decisions on entry, ventilation, fire attack and rescue operations ultimately reducing risks and saving lives

[jonathan shadoin]

jonathan shadoin

There are many disadvantages of using wood in building construction. Some disadvantages to wood are related to the natural growth of a tree and include, wood is never dimensionally true. Weather conditions can affect the size and shape of wood. Wood does not shrink or swell uniformly. Intrinsic defects include knots, knotholes, decay, insect damage, splits and warping. Wood strength varies significantly with species, grade, age, and growth rate of the tree. Wood strength changes over time after components are placed in use. During a recent call I had on shift we had a collapse of a ceiling that was over top of a walkway. Upon investigating we found that the joists, rafters and truss assembly had sustained significant termite damage. This termite damage in the wood made the joists weak and specifically weakened the wood where the nails holding the wire lathing for the plaster connected, which was the cause of the ceiling collapse.

[jonathan shadoin]

jonathan shadoin

The different types of building settlement and their symptoms are as follows. After a building is constructed, they will often shift to some degree. settlement of foundations is the most frequent type of building movement, and all buildings are subject to some degree of settlement. Types of movement include: Settlement, the downward movement of a building. Heaving, the upward movement of a building and Lateral displacement, outward movement of a building, a sideways deformation of a buildings structural elements. The symptoms caused by these various types of building settlement include distorted building frame, sloped floors, cracked walls and glass, improperly working doors and windows, and damaged building utilities and systems.

[jonathan shadoin]

jonathan shadoin

The differences between fire partitions, enclosure walls, and curtain walls are as follows. Fire partitions are interior walls that do not qualify as fire walls but are used to subdivide a floor or area of a building. They are not required to extend continuously through a building. A fire partition is usually erected from a floor to the underside of the floor above. Fire partitions are typically not required to have as much fire resistance as a fire wall. Fire partitions are constructed from a wide variety of materials such as Lath and plaster, Gypsum wallboard, concrete block, combinations of materials. Enclosure walls are similar to partition walls in their construction but the main difference between the two designations is in their function. The purpose of enclosure walls is to block the vertical spread of fire through a buildings openings, this includes stairwells, stairwell exits passageways, elevator shafts and pipe chases. Enclosure walls are required to have a fire resistance rating of one or two hours depending on the height of the building. Enclosure walls are usually non load bearing. The most common construction materials used for enclosure walls is Gypsum board with steel or wood studs, Lath and plaster, concrete block, Hollow clay tile enclosure walls in older fire resistive buildings. Curtain walls are a style of wall designed to separate the interior environment from the exterior environment. They are used in steel framed high rise buildings and modern curtain walls are frequently used in building with concrete frames. curtain walls serve the following functions. resist environmental loads, control heat loss, limit noise transmission, limit solar radiation. Common materials used in construction of curtain walls include common materials and combinations of steel and glass, stainless steel, aluminum, light weight concrete plastic and fiberglass. Non fire resistive curtain walls frequently extend from the floor to the ceiling of one level.

[jonathan shadoin]

jonathan shadoin

Structures must be designed with components that can withstand both their own weight and expected additional loads, for example live loads and environmental forces. Key components include the Foundation. A strong foundation distributes the weight of the structure evenly to the ground, preventing settlement or failure. Load Bearing walls and columns. These vertical elements transfer loads from above to the foundation. Reinforced concrete, steel, and masonry are common materials used for strength and durability. Beams and Girders. These horizontal supports distribute weight and provide stability. Steel I beams, reinforced concrete, and engineered wood are common choices. Flooring and roofing systems. These must support both static and dynamic loads. Reinforced concrete slabs, steel decking and engineered trusses enhance stability. Bracing and reinforcements. Cross bracing, shear walls, and moment frames help structures resist lateral forces such as wind and earthquakes. Materials and design considerations. The use of high strength materials, proper load distribution, and adherence to building codes ensure structures remain safe and functional.

[jonathan shadoin]

jonathan shadoin

The five basic building classifications, as defined by the national fire protection association and the international building code are based on the materials used in construction and their fire resistance. These classifications include, Type 1 Fire Resistive. Constructed of non-combustible materials such as concrete and steel, with high fire resistance ratings. These buildings are designed to withstand fire for extended periods. Type 2 Non-combustible. Similar to type 1 but with lower fire resistance ratings, often found in commercial buildings with metal framing and lightweight concrete. Type 3 Ordinary Construction. Common in older buildings, this type uses non-combustible exterior walls but allows combustible interior components like wood framing. Type 4 Heavy Timber. Features large wooden beams and columns that resist fire better than lightweight wood construction. This type is often found in historic mills and warehouses. Type 5 Wood Frame. The most combustible classification, used in residential homes and small buildings where structural components are primarily wood. Each classification affects fire behavior and firefighting tactics, making it essential for fire officers to recognize accordingly.

[jonathan shadoin]

jonathan shadoin

Two types of major legal requirements that affect building design are. One is building codes. These are safety and construction standards that regulate the design, materials, and structural integrity of buildings. They cover aspects like fire safety, electrical systems, plumbing, accessibility, and energy efficiency. Building codes ensure that structures are safe for occupants and meet minimum performance standards.
Two is Zoning regulations. These laws govern how land and buildings can be used in specific areas. They dictate factors such as building height, density, setbacks, and land use. Examples of land use are residential, commercial, and industrial. Zoning regulations ensure that buildings are compatible with their surroundings and help manage urban development.

[jonathan shadoin]

jonathan shadoin

Hello everyone. My name is Ed Shadoin. I am a Driver Engineer with the city of lighthouse point fire department. I started in 2014 as a firefighter/paramedic and in October of 2024 was promoted to Driver Engineer. In my days off I enjoy anything outdoors and water related fishing, hunting, diving and airboating to name a few. I started out after high school being a welder/fabricator and soon after that learning machining. At my fire department I’m also one of the station mechanics who’s duty involves fixing and maintaining the fire apparatus and equipment. I enjoy helping others learn the ins and outs of our equipment. After completion of my first year as a Driver Engineer I will also be a step up Captain for my department. I look forward to the knowledge I will gain in this fire officer class and I hope everyone else does too.