LIGHTWEIGHT
CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
• PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
— Recognize lightweight construction
— Identify the dangers of lightweight
construction
— Describe techniques of ventilating lightweight construction
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
• CONVENTIONAL CONSTRUCTION:
Conventional construction utilizes structural
members that depend on size for strength.
The greater the span for a structural member
the larger it has to be to support a given
load.
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
• DEFINITION:
Lightweight construction does not derive its strength
from size. Is obtained from multiple members that
are in compression and tension.
Additionally, the strength of the individual structural
member is dependent on the sum total of the other
members; thus, if one member fails, other members
may fail.
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
• SIZE-UP
Preplanning - Your district
Onscene Walk around structure sizing up old/new
construction methods and,
determine strengths and hazards by
undressing the building in your mind
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
PLAN: Strategy and Tactics
• STRATEGY:
Life Safety
Incident Stabilization
Property Conservation
• TACTICS
Search and Rescue
Ventilation
Fire Attack
Forcible Entry
Salvage
etc...
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
• IMPLEMENTATION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
INDICATORS
• DWELLINGS
Structures constructed in
the last 20 years
2x4-inch rafter tails under
the eaves
• COMMERCIALS
Concrete tilt-up walls
Fascias or “new style”
buildings
Flat roofs
Buildings constructed in
the last 20 years
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
• STRUCTURAL MEMBERS USED IN LIGHTWEIGHT
CONSTRUCTION:
— Lightweight Beams
— Wood Trusses
— Metal Trusses
— Flooring
— Other
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
KEY POINTS:
• Preplan your district, pay special attention to lightweight
construction
• Size-up the scene, develop a plan, implement the plan, re-evaluate
• Communicate onscene types of construction and changes as they
occur
• Risk vs. Benefit
– Great personal risk to save a life
– Least personal risk to save property
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
KEY POINTS CONT’D:
• Lightweight construction exposed to fire shortens the time to collapse
• Hotter fires and quicker response times lead to firefighters being at the
scene during times of flashover and collapse
• Accountability with no freelancing is crucial. Know the plan, STAY
TOGETHER
• LIVE TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY