220-1

Copyright © 2020 National Fire Protection A�sociation®. All Rights Reserved.

Standard on

Types of Building Construction

2021 Edition

This edition of NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction, was prepared by the Technical
Committee on Building Construction. It was issued by the Standards Council on june 1, 2020, with
an effective date of june 21, 2020, and supersedes all previous editions.

This edition of NFPA 220 was approved as an American National Standard on june 21, 2020.

Origin and Development ofNFPA 220

In 1952, the Committee on Building Conso·uction secured tentative adoption of NFPA 220,
Standm·d on Types of Building Constmction, at the NFPA Annual Meeting. At the 1954 NFPA Annual
Meeting, revisions of the 1952 tentative text were adopted by the Association, and in 1955 minor
revisions also were acted on favorably. A new definition of noncombustibility and edit01·ial changes in
the description of the fire resistance rating of structural members (under the definition of ji1-e-resistive
construction) were adopted at the 1956 NFPA Annual Meeting on the recommendation of the
Committee on Building Consu·uction.

ln 1958, with the development of the use of plastics in building conso·uction, recommendations
on the types of standard fire tests to be used in evaluating the fire safety of these materials were
adopted and inserted in the appendix.

In 1961, an appendix was adopted to fi.1rnish a guide to NFPA committees, regulatory officials,
and others that addressed the classification of air-supported structures.

In 1975, a more fundamental definition of noncombustible was added, including d1e inu·oduction
of a definition of the term limited-combustible based on potential heat value limitations and more
generalized definitions for types of building conso·uction.

In 1979, the standard was extensively rewritten to introduce the nomenclamre related to
conso·uction Type I duough Type V, which included parenthetically placed hourly fire resistance
designations of me structural components.

The 1985 edition included the addition of a new Chapter 4, which provided t·eferenced
publications whose use is mandated within this standard. The 1992 and 1995 editions provided
changes in technical terminology as well as changes to increase the user-friendliness of the standard.

The 1999 edition implemented a number of relatively minor changes, including the addition of
several new definitions, the addition of a new requirement pertaining to exterior non-load-bearing
wal.ls, and a new provision concerning the use of heavy timber exterior walls.

In the 2006 edition, NFPA 220 became an extract document of NFPA 500cP, Section 7.2. At the
request of the Standards Council, the new edition provided users wid1 a stand-alone set of
requirements for construction types and fit·e resistance ratings of su·uctural elements.

The 2009 edition provided updates to the extracted text that was sourced back to NFPA 5000 and
NFPA 90A. These revisions included updates to the test protocols used to establish flame spread/
smoke developed index values, modified critet·ia for matedals used in air handling plenum spaces,
and provided recognition of the new criteria used to determine building height and grade
geomeo·ies.

NFPA and National Fire Protection Association are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169.
220-2 TYPES OF BULLDING CONSTRUCTION

The 2012 edition was updated to reflect changes in NFPA 5000and NFPA 90A. Revisions included updates to the
t-equirements for plemuns and noncombustible materials.

The 2015 edition was revised to include new requirements for limited and noncombustible materials. Referenced
publications were updated.

The 2018 edition included updates to extracted material from NFPA 5000. Referenced publications were updated.

The 2021 edition includes new sections from NFPA 5000 that address special requirements for two different types of Type IV
construction and updates referenced publications.

2021 Edition
 COMMITIEE PERSONNEL 220-3

Technical Committee on Building Construction

Richard L. Day, Chair

l\llichigan State Fire Marshal's Office, MI [E]

Nasser Ahmed Al Zeyara, Qatar Civil Defense, Qatar [E] Aaron Johnson, Rural/Metro Corporation, FL [E]
Farid Alfawakhiri, American Iron and Steel Institute, IL [M] James TylerJohnson, Justice Instin.1te of British Columbia, Canada
David G. Bueche, Hoover Treated Wood Products, CO [M] [U]
Mark Chrisman, Henderson Engineers, KS [SE] Edward R. LaPine, .JENSEN HUGHES, NY [SE]
DavidS. Collins, The Preview Group, Inc., OH [SE] Kenneth Lowery, Verisk Analytics/lnsurance Services Office, Inc.,

Rep. American Institute of Architects GA [I]

RichardJ. Davis, FM Global, MA [I] Dennis A. Richardson, American Wood Council, CA [M]
AlanJ. Dopart, Willis of New Jersey, NJ [I] BradSchiffer, Brad Schiffer/Taxis, Inc., FL [SE]
David W. Frable, US General Services Administration, IL [U] MichaelSchmeida, Gypsum Association, OH [M]

Michael A. Gardner, M Gardner Services, LLC, MD [L] StephenSchneider, MarxiOkubo Associates, CA [SE]
Rep. Wall and Ceiling Alliance Joseph H. Versteeg, Versteeg Associates, CT [E]

James W. Gaut, Marrior.t Vacations Worldwide, FL [U] Rep. International Fire Marshals Association
Kurtis Grant, US Department of Health & Human Services, GA [E] Peter J. Willse, AXA XL/Global Asset Protection Services, LLC, CT
[I]
Williamj. Hall, Portland Cement A�sociation, VA [M]
Luke C. Woods, UL LLC, MA [RT]
Robert E . Hanson, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, GA [U]
Felix I . Zemel, Town of Dover, MA [SE]
Khaled Heiza, Monofia University, Egypt [SE]
Jeffrey M. Hugo, National Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc., Ml [M]

Alternates

James M. Dalton, Chicago Fire Department, IL [L]

·
William E. Koffel, Kom�I Associates, Inc., MD [U]
(Voting Alt.) (Voting Alt.)
Timothy Earl, GBH International, MI [M] Raymond C. O'Brocki, American Wood Council, MD [M]
(Alt. to Michael Schmeida) (Alt. to Dennis A. Richardson)
Joseph T. Holland, Hoover Treated Wood Products, FL [M] Joseph Radford Sellers, U.S. Deparm1ent of Energy, TN [U]
(Alt. to David G. Bueche) (Alt. to Robert E. Hanson)
Jonathan Humble, Americ.'"ln Iron and Steel Institute, CT [M] Richard N. Walke, UL LLC, LL [RT]
(Alt. to Farid Alfawakhiri) (Alt. to Luke C. Woods)
William Jeffrey Ivans, Verisk/Insurance Services Office, 1'-!J [I]
(Alt. to Kenneth Lowery)

Valerie Z i avras, NFPA Staff Liaison

This list 1"ffpresents the m£m.bership at the time the Committee was balloted on thefinalwxt of this etlition.
Since that time, changes in tit£ ·nt£mbershif1 may have occun-ed. A ky to classifications isfound at the
back of tit£ document.

NOTE: Membership on a committee shall not in and of itself constitULe an endorsement of

the Association or any document developed by the committee on which the member serves.

CommitteeScope: This committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on the
selection and design of types of building construction, exterior walls, building height and
area, firewalls, and fire barrier walls, as they relate to tl1e protection of life and property from
fire. For tl1e processing of NH'A 5000, Chapter 7, and Sections 8.3 and 8.4, tl1is committee
reports directly to the NFPA 5000 Correlating Committee; whereas, for the processing of
NFPA 220 and NFPA 221, tl1is committee does not report to the NNA 5000 Correlating
Committee.

2021 Edition
220-4 TYPES OF BULLDING CONSTRUCTION

Contents

Chapter I Administration ........................................... . 220-5 Chapter 4 'fYpes of Construction ............................... 220-6

1.1 Scope. .................................................................. . 220-5 4.1 General. ...............................................................
. 220-6
1.2 Purpose. .............................................................. . 220-5 4.2 Reserved. .............................................................. 220-8
1.3 Application. (Reserved) ..................................... . 220-5 4.3 Type I (442 or 332) and Type II (222, I l l , or
1.4 Retroactivity. ........................................................ . 220-5 000) Construction. ............................................. . 220-8
1.5 Equivalency. ........................................................ . 220-5 4.4 Type III (211 or 200) Construction. .................. . 220-9
1.6 Units . .. ..... .... . .. ... ..... ..... .... . .. ... ..... ..... .... . .. ... ..... ..... . 220-5 4.5 Type £V (2HH) Construction. ............................ . 220-9
4.6 Type V ( 111 or 000) Construction. .................... . 220-11
Chapter 2 Referenced Publications ............................ 220-5
2.1 General. ............................................................... . 220-5 Chapter 5 Fire Resistance Rating Requirements for
2.2 NFPA Publications.............................................. . 220-5 Structural Elements ................................... . 220-12
2.3 Other Publications. ............................................ . 220-6 5.1 Fire Resistance Rating Requirements. ............... . 220-12
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections. 220-6
Annex A Explanatory Material .................................. 220-12
Chapter 3 Definitions .................................................. . 220-6
3.1 General. ................................................................ 220-6
Annex B Informational References .......................... 220-14

3.2 NFPA Official Definitions. ................................. . 220-6

Index 220-15
3.3 General Definitions. ........................................... . 220-6

2021 Edition
 REFERENCED .PUBLICATIONS 220-5

NFPA 220 1.4.2 Unless othetwise specified, the provisions of this stand­
at·d shall not apply to facilities, equipment, su·uctut·es, or instal­
Standard on lations that existed or were approved for construction or
installation prior to the effective date of the standard. Where
Types of Building Construction specified, the provisions of this standard shall be rett·oactive.

1.4.3 In those cases where the authority having jurisdiction

2021 Edition determines that the existing situation presents an unacceptable
degree of risk, the authority having jurisdiction shall be permit­
IMPORTANT NOTE: This NFPA c/Qcument is made available for ted to apply retroactively any portions of this standard deemed
use subject to important notices and legal disclnimers. These notices appropriate.
and disclaimers appear in all publications containing this document
1.4.4 The retroactive requirements of this standard shall be
and may be found under the heading "Important Notices and
permitted to be modified if their application clearly would be
Disclaimers Concerning NFPA Standards. " They can also be viewed
impractical in the judgment of the authority having jurisdic­
at www. nJPa.org!disclaimers or obtained on request from NFPA.
tion, and only where it is clearly evident that a reasonable
UPDATES, ALERTS, AND FUTURE EDITIONS: New editions of
degree of safety is provided.
NFPA codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides (i.e.,
NFPA Standards) are released on scheduled revision cycles. This 1.5 Equivalency.
edition may be superseded by a later one, or it may be amended
1.5.1 Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent the use
outside of its scheduled revision cycle through the issuance of Tenta­
of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior qual­
tive Interim Amendments (TIAs). An o.!Jicial NFPA Standard at any
ity, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety
point in time consists of the current edition of the document, together
over those prescribed by this standard.
with all TIAs and Errata in effect. To verify that this c/Qcument is the
current edition or to determine if it has been amended by TIAs or 1.5.2 Technical documentation shall be submitted to the
Errata, please consult the National Fire Codes® Subscription Service authority having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency. The
or the "List of NFPA Codes & Standards" at www. nfpa.org!docinfo. system, method, ot· device shall be appmved fot· the intended
In addition to TIAs and Errata, the chJcument information. pages also purpose by the authority having jurisdiction.
include the option to sign up for alerts for individual c/Qcuments and
to be involved in the development of the next edition. 1.6 Units.
NOTICE: An asterisk (*) following the number or letter
1.6.1 SI Units. Metric units in this standard are in accordance
designating a paragraph indicates that explanatory material on
with the modernized metric system known as the International
the paragraph can be found in Annex A.
System of Units (SI).
A reference in brackets r l following a section or paragraph
indicates material that has been extracted from another NFPA 1.6.2 Primary and Equivalent Values. If a value for a measure­
document. Extracted text may be edited for consistency and ment as given in this standard is followed by an equivalent
style and may include the revision of internal paragraph refer­ value in other units, the first stated value shall be regarded as
ences and othet- references as appmpriate. Requests for inter­ the requirement. A given equivalent value might be approxi­
pretations or revisions of extracted text shall be sent to the mate.
technical committee responsible for the source document.
Information on refet·enced and extracted publications can
Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
be found in Chapter 2 and Annex B.

2.1 General. The documents or portions thereof listed in this

Chapter 1 Administration chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be
considered part of the requirements of this document.
1.1* Scope. This standard defines types of building construc­
2.2 NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Association,
tion based on the combustibility and the fire resistance rating
1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.
of a building's structural elements. Fire walls, nonbearing exte·
rior walls, nonbearing interior partitions, fire barrier walls,
shaft enclosures, and openings in walls, partitions, floors, and NFPA 13, Standard fo'r the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019
roofs are not related to the types of building construction and edition.
are regulated by other standards and codes, where appropriate. NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and
Ventilating Systems, 2021 edition.
1.2 Purpose. This standard provides definitions for standard NFPA JOJ®, Life Safety Code®, 2021 edition.
types of building consu·uction.
NFPA 259, Standard Test Method fo?· Potential Heat of Building
1.3 Application. (Reserved) Mate1ials, 2018 edition.
NFPA 285, Standard Fi re 1est Method for Evaluation of Fz're Pmpa­
1.4 Retroactivity. gation Chamclersi tics of Exte1ior Wall Assemblies Containing Combus­
1.4.1 The provisions of this standard reflect a consensus of tible Components, 2019 edition.
what is necessary to provide an acceptable degree of protection NFPA 500o®, Building Constntction and Safety Code®, 2021
fi·om the hazards addressed in this standard at the time the edition.
standard was issued.

2021 Edition
220-6 TYPES OF BULLDING CONSTRUCTION

2.3 Other Publications. tion of services, and whose listing states that either the equip­
ment, material, ot· service meets appropriate designated
2.3.1 ASTM Publications. ASTM International, 100 Barr
standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified
Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA
purpose.
19428-2959.
3.2.4 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.
ASTM E84, Standm·d 'Test Method for Swface Burning Chamcter­
istics of Building Mate1"ials, 2019a. 3.2.5 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which s
i
advised but not required.
ASTM E l l9, Standard Test Methods jm· Fire Test> of Building
Construction and Mate1"ials, 2018c e l . 3.2.6 Standard. An NFPA Standard, the main text of which
contains only mandatory provisions using the word "shall" to
ASTM E l 36, Standm·d Test Methodjm· Assessing Combustibility of
indicate requirements and that is in a form generally suitable
Matenals Using a Ve1·tical Tube Fumace at 750°C,2019.
for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for
ASTM E2652, Standm·d Test Method jm· Assessing Combustibility adoption into law. Nonmandatory provisions are not to be
of Matetials Using a Tube Furnace with a Cone-shaped Aitjlow Stabil­ considered a part of the requirements of a standard and shall
izet; at 750°C,2018. be located in an appendix, annex, fooUlote, informational
note, or other means as permitted in the NFPA Manuals of
ASTM E2965, Standard Test for Determination of Low LeveLs of Style. When used in a genet·ic sense, such as in the phrase
Heat Release Rate jm· Matet"ials and Products Using an Oxygen "standards development process" or "standards development
Combustion Calanmeter, 2017. activities," the term "standards" includes all NFPA Standards,
including Codes, Standards, Recommended Practices, and
2.3.2 AWC Publications. American '"'ood Council, 222 Catoc­
Guides.
tin Circle SE, Suite 201, Leesburg, VA 20175.
3.3 General Definitions.
AWC Technical Report No. 10, Calc�dating the Fire Resistance of
Wood Members and Assemblies, 2018. 3.3.1 Fire Resistance Rating. The time, in minutes or hours,
that materials or assemblies have withstood a fire exposure as
2.3.3 UL Publications. Undenvriters Laboratories Inc., 333
determined by the tests, or method� based on tests, prescribed
Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
by this standard. [5000, 20211
UL 263, Fi:re 1ests of Building Construction and Materials, 2011.
3.3.2* Flame Spread Index. A number obtained accmding to
UL 723, Test for Sutface Buming Characte1istics of Building Mate­ ASTM E84, Standm·d Test Method jot· Surface Bw-ning Charactl!1is­
rials, 2018. tics of Building Mate1ial>, or UL 723, Test jm· Swface Buming Char­
actmistics of Building Matet"ials.
2.3.4 Other Publications.
3.3.3 Limited-Combustible Material. See 4.1.6.
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition,
Merriam-Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2003. 3.3.4 Noncombustible Material. See 4.1.5.

2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.

Ol.apter 4 Types of Construction
NFPA 500rJ', Building Construction and Safety Code®, 2021
edition.
4.1 General.

4.1.1* Buildings and su·uctures shall be classified according to

Ol.apter 3 Definitions
their type of construction, which shall be ba�ed upon one of
five basic types of construction designated as Type I, Type II,
3.1 * General. The definitions contained in this chapter shall
Type III, Type IV, and Type V, with fire resistance ratings not
apply to the terms used in this standard. Vl'here terms are not
less than those specified in Table 4.1.1 and Sections 4.3
defined in this chapter or within another chaptet� they shall be
through 4.6, and with fire resistance ratings meeting d1e
defined using their ordinat·ily accepted meanings within the
requirements of Chapter 5. [5000:7.2.1.11
context in which they are used. Merriam-Webste�·'s Collegiate
Dictionmy, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily 4.1.2 'l\lhere two or more types of consu·uction are used in the
accepted meaning. same building, the entire building shall be classified as the least
type of consu·uction in the building and shall be subject to the
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
requirements for that type, except as permitted by other provi­
3.2.1 * Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdic­ sions of NFPA 5000. [5000:7.2.1.21
tion.
4.1.3 Requirements for specific materials, types of construc­
3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). An organization, tion, and fire protection shall be minimum requirements, and
office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements any material, type of consu·uction, or fire protection affording
of a code or standard, or for appt·oving equipment, materials, safety or a fire resistance rating equal to or greater than that
an installation, or a procedure. provided in NFPA 5000, shall be permitted. [5000:7.2.1.3]

3.2.3* Listed. Equipment, materials, or services included in a

list published by an organization that is acceptable to the
authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of
products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of
production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evalua-

2021 Edition
 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION 220-7

Table 4.1.1 Fire Resistance Ratings for Type I through Type V Construction (hr)

Type I Type II Type III 'I)'pei V TypeV

Construction Element 442 332 222 111 000 211 200 2Illl Ill 000

Exterior Bearing Walls•

Supporting more than 4 3 2 1 oo 2 2 2 1 ob
one floor, columns, or
other bearing walls
Supponing one floor only 4 3 2 1 oo 2 2 2 1 oo
Supponing a roof only 4 3 1 1 ob 2 2 2 1 ob

Interior Bearing Walls

Supporting more than 4 3 2 1 0 1 0 2 1 0
one floor, columns, or
other bearing walls
Supponing one floor only 3 2 2 1 0 1 0 1 1 0
Supporting roofs only 3 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0

Columns
Supporting more than 4 3 2 1 0 1 0 H 1 0
one floor, columns, or
other bearing walls
Supporting one floor only 3 2 2 1 0 1 0 H 1 0
Supporting roofs only 3 2 1 1 0 1 0 H 1 0

Beams, Girders, Trusses,

and Arches
Supporting more than 4 3 2 1 0 1 0 H 1 0
one floor, columns, or
other beat·ing walls
Supporting one floor only 2 2 2 1 0 1 0 H 1 0
Supporting roofs only 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 H 1 0

Floor-Ceiling Assemblies 2 2 2 1 0 1 0 H 1 0

Roof-Ceiling Assemblies 2 11A! 1 1 0 1 0 H 1 0

Interior Nonbearing Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Exterior Nonbearing Wallsc O" o�> O" O" O" O" o�> O" O" O"
H. heavy umber members (see textjo1 n:qummumts).
"See NFPA 5000, 7.3.2.1.
bSee NFJ>A 5000, Section 7.3.
<See 4.3.2.12, 4.4.2.3, and 4.5.6.8.
[5000:Table 7.2.1.1]

4.1.4 Materials shall be in accordance with all of the following, (1)* The material that, in the form in which it is used, and
except as modified by any special requirements in Section 4.3: under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn,
support combustion, or release flammable vapors when
(1) NFPA 5000, Chapter 41, Concrete
subjected to fire or heat.
(2) NF PA 5000, Chapter 42, Aluminum
(2) The material is reported as passing ASTM £136, Standard
(3) NFPA 5000, Chapter 43, Masonry
'Test Method fo1· Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a
(4) NFPA 5000, Chapter 44, Steel
Ve1·tical 11tbe Furnace at 750°C.
(5) NFPA 5000, Chapter 45, \<\'ood
(3) l11e material is reported a5 complying with the pass/fail
(6) NFPA 5000, Chapter 46, Glass and Glazing
criteria of ASTM E l 36 when tested in accordance with
(7) NFPA 5000, Chapter 47, Gypsum Boat·d, Lath, and Plaster
the test method and procedure in ASTM £2652, Standard
(8) NFPA 5000, Chapter 48, Plastics
Test Method fo1· Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a
r5ooo:7.2.1.4l
11tbe Fumace with a Cone-shaped Ai1jlow Stabilize1; at 750°C.
4.1.5 Noncombustible Material.
[5000:7.1. 4.1.1]
4.1.5.1* A material that complies with any of the following
4.1.5.2 Where the term limited-combustible is used in this Code, it
shall be considered a noncombustible material:
shall also include the term noncombustible. [5000:7.1.4.1.2]

2021 Edition
220.8 TYPES OF BULLDING CONSTRUCTION

4.1.6* Limited-Combustible Material. A material shall be combustible material or shall be fireblocked so that there will
considered a limited-combustible material where one of the be no open space exceeding 100 ft2 (9 m2) in area under the
following is met: flooring. [5000:7.2.3.2.11
(1) The conditions of 4.1.6.1 and 4.1.6.2, and the conditions 4.3.2.2 Sleeper Space. The furring spaces created by sleepers
of either 4.1.6.3 or 4.1.6.4,shall be met. in 4.3.2.1 shall be filled solidly under all permanent partitions
(2) The conditions of 4.1.6.5 shall be met. to prevent spread of fire under the floodng. [5000:7.2.3.2.2)
[5000:7.1.4.2] 4.3.2.3 Mezzanine Floors in TYPe I and TYPe II (222 or 111)
4.1.6.1 The material does not comply with the requirements Construction. Mezzanine floors in Type I and Type II (222 or
for a noncombustible material in accordance with 4.1.5. 111) consu·uction shall have a fire resistance rating of not less
[5000:7.1.4.2.1] than 1 hour. [5000:7.2.3.2.3]

4.1.6.2 The material, in the form in which it is used, exhibits a 4.3.2.4 Mezzanine Floors in TYPe II (000) Construction.
potential heat value not exceeding 3500 Bnt/lb (8141 kJ/kg) Mezzanine floors in Type II (000) construction shall not be
when tested in accm-dance with NFPA 259. [5000:7.1.4.2.21 required to have a fire resistance rating. [5000:7.2.3.2.4]

4.1.6.3 The material shall have a su·uctural base of noncom­ 4.3.2.5 Platforms. Permanent platforms shall be consu·ucted
bustible material with a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials.
1/8 in. (3.2 mm) whet·e the surfacing exhibits a flame spread (5000:7.2.3.2.5]
index not greater than 50 when tested in accordance with 4.3.2.6 Space Beneath Platforms. \<\Then the space beneath
ASTM E84, Standanl. Test Method for Surface Burning Chamcteris­ any permanent platform is used for storage or any purpose
tics of Building Materials, or UL 723, Test for Smface Burning Char­ other than equipment, wiring, or plumbing, the floor construc­
acteristics of Building Materials. [5000:7.1.4.2.31 tion shall have a fire resistance rating not less than 1 hour.
4.1.6.4 The material shall be composed of materials that in [5000:7.2.3.2.61
the form and thickness used neither exhibit a flame spt·ead 4.3.2.7 Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood Platforms. Fire­
index greater than 25 nor exhibit evidence of continued retardant-treated wood shall be permitted for permanent plat­
progressive combustion when tested in accordance with ASTM
forms that do not exceed 3000 ft2 (278 m2), that are not more
E84 or UL 723 and are of such composition that all surfaces
than 30 in. (760 mm) above the floor, and that do not occupy
that would be exposed by cutting through the material on any
more than 50 percent of the floor area of the room or space in
plane would neither exhibit a flame spread index greater than
which they are located. [5000:7.2.3.2.7]
25 nor exhibit evidence of continued progressive combustion
when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. 4.3.2.8 Roofs 20 ft (6100 mm) or More Above Any Floor. In
[5000:7.1.4.2.41 occupancies other than mercantile, industrial, or storage occu­
pancies wid1 ordinary or high hazard contents, or other occu­
4.1.6.5 Materials shall be considered limited-combustible
pancies with high hazard contents exceeding the maximum
materials where tested in accordance with ASTM E2965, Stand­
allowable quantities (MAQ) per conu·ol area as set forth in
ani Test Jar Determinatian of Low Level5 of Heat Release Rate jm· 34.1.3 of NFPA 5000, the fire-resistive protection of the t·oof/
Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Combustian Calorimeter, at ceiling assembly required by Table 4.1.1 shall not be required
an incident heat flux of 75 kW/m2 for a 20-minute exposure, where every part of the roof/ceiling assembly is 20 ft
and both the following conditions are met: (6100 mm) ot· mot·e above any floot· immediately below.
(1) The peak heat release rate does not exceed 150 kW/m2 [5000:7.2.3.2.8)
for longer than 10 seconds.
4.3.2.9 Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood Roof.
(2) The total heat released does not exceed 8 MJ/m2.
4.3.2.9.1 Fire-retardant-treated wood membet·s shall be
[5000:7.1.4.2.5)
permitted to be used for unprotected members specified in
4.1.6.6 Where the term limited-combustible is used in this Code, it 4.3.2.8. [5000:7.2.3.2.9.1]
shall also include the term noncombustible. [5000:7.1.4.2.61
4.3.2.9.2 Fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted for
4.2 Reserved. roof construction, including girders and trusses, under the
following conditions:
4.3 TYPe I (442 or 332) and TYPe II (222, Ill, or 000)
Construction. (1) In Type II buildings
(2) In Type I buildings where the number of stories is two or
4.3.1 Type I and TYPe II Construction. Type I (442 or 332) fewer
and Type II (222, 111, or 000) construction shall be those types (3) In Type I buildings where the number of stories is three
in which the fire walls, strucntral elements, walls, arches, floot·s, or more when the vertical distance from the floor to the
and roofs are of approved noncombustible or limited­ roof is 20 ft (6100 mm) or more
combustible materials. [5000:7.2.3.1]
[5000:7.2.3.2.9.2)
4.3.2 Special Requirements - Type I and TYPe II Construc­
tion. The special requirements in 4.3.2.1 through 4.3.2.16 4.3.2.10 Heavy Tin1ber Structural Elements. In all occupan­
shall apply to Type I and Type II consu·uction. [5000:7.2.3.2] cies, heavy timber su·uctural elements shall be permitted to be
used for the roof consu·uction where a 1-hour fire resistance
4.3.2.1 Wood Sleepers. Where wood sleepers are used for rating or less is required. [5000:7.2.3.2.101
installing wood flooring on noncombustible floors, the furring
space shall be filled with noncombustible or limited-

2021 Edition
 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION 220-9

4.3.2.11 Interior Nonbearing Walls. elements that are portions of exterior walls are of approved
noncombustible or limited-combustible matet·ials, and in which
4.3.2.11.1 Interior nonbearing walls shall be consu·ucted of
fire \valls, interior structural elements, \valls, arches, floors, and
noncombustible or limited-combustible materials.
roofs are entirely or partially of wood of smaller dimensions
[5000:7.2.3.2.11.11
than required for Type IV construction or are of approved
4.3.2.11.2 Intet·ior nonbearing walls required to have a f'it·e noncombustible, limited-combustible, or other approved
resistance rating of 2 hours or less shall be permitted to be fire­ combustible materials. [5000:7.2.4.1)
retardant-treated wood enclosed within noncombustible or
4.4.2 Special Requirements - Type III Construction. The
limited-combustible materials, provided that such walls are not
special requirements in 4.4.2.1 through 4.4.2.3 shall apply to
used as shaft enclosures. [5000:7.2.3.2.11.2]
Type III consu-uction. [5000:7.2.4.21
4.3.2.12 Exterior Nonbearing Walls. Nonbearing exterior
4.4.2.1 Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood. Approved fire­
walls shall be consu·ucted of noncombustible materials, linuted­
retardam-u·eated wood framing shall be permitted within the
combustible materials, or materials specified in 4.3.2.12.1 or
assembly of exterior \valls having a required fire resistance
4.3.2.12.2. (5000:7.2.3.2.121
rating of 2 hours or less and a horizontal separation of not less
4.3.2.12.1 Fire-retat·dant-treated wood shall be permitted in than 60 in. (1525 mm), provided that the fire resistance rating
exterior nonbearing walls when such walls are not required to is maintained and the exposed outer and inner faces of such
have fire resistance ratings. [5000:7.2.3.2.12.1] walls are constructed of limited-combustible or noncombusti­
ble materials. (5000:7.2.4.2.1)
4.3.2.12.2 Exterior nonbearing walls tested in accot·dance with
and meeting the conditions of acceptance of NFPA 285 shall be 4.4.2.2 Heavy Timber. Wood columns and arches conforming
permitted. [5000:7.2.3.2.12.2] to heavy timber sizes shall be permitted where extet·ior walls
are required to have a 1-hour fire resistance rating or less.
4.3.2.13 Combustible Materials. Combustible matet·ials shall [5000:7.2.4.2.21
be permitted in accordance with the following:
4.4.2.3 Exterior Nonbearing Walls. Exterior nonbearing \valls
(1) Foamed plastic insulation complying with Section 48.4 of
tested in accordance with, and meeting the conditions of
NFPA5000 acceptance of, NFPA 285 shall be permitted. [5000:7.2.4.2.31
(2) Metal composite material complying with Section 37.4 of
NFPA 5000 4.5 Type IV (2HH) Construction.
(3) Thermal and acoustical insulation, other than foamed
4.5.1 Type IV Construction. Type IV (2HH) construction
plastic, complying with Section 8.16 of NFPA 5000
shall be that type in which fire walls, exterior walls, and interior
(4) Interior floor finish and interiot· finish, trim, and mill­
beat·ing \valls and stntctuml elements that are portions of such
work, such as doors, door frames, window sashes, and
walls are of approved noncombustible or limited-combustible
window fi·ames
materials, except as allowed for exterior walls in 4.5.6.7. Other
(5) Light-u·ansmitting plastic complying with Sections 38.11
interior su·uctural elements, arches, floot·s, and roofs shall be of
and 48.7 of NFPA 5000
solid or laminated wood or cross-laminated timber without
(6) Class A, Class B, or Class C roof coverings
concealed spaces or with concealed spaces conforming to
(7) Blocking
4.5.6.7 and shall comply with the allo,vable dimensions of 4.5.5.
(5000:7.2.3.2.13]
[5000:7.2.5.1 J
4.3.2.14 Ceiling Cavity Plenums and Raised Floor Plenums.
4.5.2 Exterior Wall Separation.
[5000:7.2.3.2.14] For the purpose of this Code, the application
of these provisions for ceiling cavity plenums and raised floor 4.5.2.1 Extet·iot· \valls greater than 30 ft (9.1 m) from the
plenums shall apply to all buildings and shall not be subject to property line shall be permitted to be of heavy timber construc­
the limitations as set fonh in Section 1.3 of NFPA 90A. tion, provided that the 2-hour rating as required by Table 4.1.1
[5000:7.2.3.2.14.2) is maintained and such walls contain no combustible concealed
spaces. (5000:7.2.5.2.1]
4.3.2.15 Plenum Materials Combustibility. Materials exposed
to the airflow within ceiling cavity plenums and raised floor 4.5.2.2 Exterior walls of buildings in accordance with
plenums shall comply with NFPA 90A. 7.2.5.6.1.1 or 7.2.5.6.1.2 shall be permitted to be located any
distance from the property line and shall be constructed as
4.3.2.16 Ceiling Plenum Tested Assembly. Where the plenum
required therein, including permitted concealed spaces.
is a pan of a floor/ceiling or mof/ceiling assembly that has
[5000:7.2.5.2.2]
been tested or investigated and assigned a fire resistance rating
of 1 hour or more, and the assembly contains air ducts and 4.5.3 Interior Columns, Arches, Beams, Girders, and Trusses.
openings for air ducts, all the materials and the construction of Interior columns, arches, beams, girders, and trusses of
the assembly, including the air duct materials and the size and approved materials other than wood shall be permitted, provi­
protection of the openings, shall conform with the design of ded that they are protected to provide a fire resistance rating of
the fit·e-resistance-rated assembly, as tested in accordance with not less than 1 hour. [5000:7.2.5.3]
ASTM E l l9, Standani Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building
Construction and Mate?ials, or UL 263, Fin: Tests of Building 4.5.4 Concealed Spaces. Certain concealed spaces shall be
Constmction and Materials. (5000:8.2.1.4] permitted in accordance wi.th the following:
(1) Concealed spaces in accordance with 4.5.5.3.4.
4.4 Type III (2ll or 200) Construction.
(2) Concealed spaces within 1-hour fire-resistance-rated inte­
4.4.1 Type ill Construction. Type III (211 or 200) construc­ rior walls and partitions in accordance with 4.5.6.3 do not
tion shall be that type in which exterior walls and structural t·equire additional protection.

2021 Edition
220-10 'TYPES OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

(3) Concealed spaces in floors, roof�, or walls of cross­ 4.5.5.4 Splice Plates. Splice plates shall be not less d1an 3 in.
laminated timber consu·uction in accordance with one or (75 mm) in thickness. [5000:7.2.5.5.61
more of the following and which do not contain combus­
4.5.5.5 Floors. Floors shall be consu·ucted without concealed
tibles other than building elements and elecu·ical,
spaces and shall be permitted to be any of the following materi­
mechanical, fire protection, or plumbing materials and
als:
equipment:
(1) Materials shall be spline or tongue-and-groove plank not
The building is spt·inklered throughout and auto­
(a)
less than 3 in. (75 mm) in thickness that is covered with
matic sprinklers are also provided in the concealed
1 in. (25 mm) tongue-and-groove flooring, laid crosswise
space.
or diagonally to the plank, or with !12 in. (12.7 mm) wood
(b) The concealed space is filled completely with
strucntral panel; m they shall be consu·ucted of laminated
noncombustible insulation.
planks not less than 4 in. (100 mm) in width, set close
(c) Surfaces within the concealed space are fully
together on edge, spiked at intervals of 18 in. (455 mm),
sheathed with not less than !12 in. (12.7 mm) gypsum
and covered with 1 in. (25 mm) tongue-and-groove floor­
board or noncombustible materials.
ing, laid crosswise or diagonally to the plank, or wid1 � in.
[5000:7.2.5.4]
(12.7 mm) wood structural panel.
4.5.5 'JYpe IV (2HH) Allowable Dimensions. All dimensions (2) Cross-laminated timber complying wid1 45.5.7 of
in 4.5.5 for solid sawn members shall be considered nominal. NFPA 5000 shall be not less than 4 in. (100 mm) thick
[5000:7.2.5.51 and shall be continuous between supports. Individual
timbers shall be fastened to one another. Cross-la minated
4.5.5.1 Columns.
timbers shall be permitted to be connected to walls with­
4.5.5.1.1 Wood columns supporting floor loads shall be not out shrinkage gaps provided dimensional changes are
less than 8 in. (205 mm) in any dimension. [5000:7.2.5.5.3.11 considered in design. Concealed spaces shall be permit­
ted in accordance with 4.5.4.
4.5.5.1.2 Wood columns supponing only mof loads shall be
not less than 6 in. (150 mm) in width and not less than 8 in. [5000:7.2.5.5.7]
(205 mm) in depth. [5000:7.2.5.5.3.21
4.5.5.6 Roof Decks. Roof decks shall be permitted to be
4.5.5.2 Beams. consu·ucted of any of the following materials:
(1) Spline or tongue-and-groove plank not less than 2 in.
4.5.5.2.1 Wood beams and girders supporting floor loads shall
(51 mm) in thickness
be not less than 6 in. (150 mm) in width and not less than
(2) Laminated planks not less than 3 in. (75 mm) in width,
10 in. (255 mm) in depth. [5000:7.2.5.5.4.11
set close together on edge, and laid as requir·ed for floors
4.5.5.2.2 Wood beams and girders and other roof framing (3) lYsin. (29 mm) thick interior wood strucntral panel, exte­
supporting roof loads only shall be not less than 4 in. rior glue
(100 mm) in width and not less than 6 in. (150 mm) in depth. (4) Cross-laminated timber
(5000:7.2.5.5.4.2] (5) Approved noncombustible or limited-combustible materi­
als of equivalent fire durability
4.5.5.3 Arches.
[5000:7.2.5.5.81
4.5.5.3.1 Framed or glued laminated arches that spt·ing from
the finished ground level or the floor line, and timber trusses 4.5.6 Special Requirements - 'JYpe IV Construction. The
that support floor loads, shall be not less than 8 in. (205 mm) special requirement� in 4.5.6.1 through 4.5.6.8 shall apply to
in width ot·depth. [5000:7.2.5.5.5.1] Type IV construction. [5000:7.2.5.6]

4.5.5.3.2 Framed or glued laminated arches for roof construc­ 4.5.6.1 Structural Elements. Su·uctural elements shall be of
tion that spring fi·om the finished ground level or the floor line heavy timber members (sawn or glued-laminated), cross­
and do not support floor loads shall have members not less laminated timber, or fire-resistance-rated construction as set
than 6 in. (150 mm) in widd1 and not less than 8 in. (205 mm) forth in Table 4.1.1 when materials other than heavy timber or
in depth for the lower half of the member height, and not less cross-laminated timber are used. (5000:7.2.5.6.11
than 6 in. (150 mm) in depth fot· the upper half of the member
4.5.6.1.1 Type IV construction with mass timbet· construction
height. [5000:7.2.5.5.5.2]
elements having fire resistance ratings required for Type I
4.5.5.3.3 Framed or glued laminated arches for roof construc­ (332) shall be permitted where they comply with all of the
tion that spring from the top of walls or wall abutments, and following:
timber trusses that do not support floor loads, shall have
(1) The building shall be protected throughout with an
members not less than 4 in. (100 mm) in width and not less
approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
than 6 in. (150 mm) in depth. [5000:7.2.5.5.5.3]
NFPA 13.
4.5.5.3.4 Spaced members shall be permitted to be composed (2) The fire resistance rating of consu·uction element� and
of two or more pieces not less than 3 in. (75 mm) in thickness connections shall meet one of the following:
where blocked solidly throughout their intervening spaces or (a) Two-thirds of the required fire resistance rating of
where such spaces are tighdy closed by a continuous wood construction elements shall be provided by gypsum
cover plate not less than 2 in. (51 mm) in thickness that is wallboard in accordance with Section 4.4.2 of AWC
secured to the underside of the members. [5000:7.2.5.5.5.4] Technical Report No. 10, Calculating the FiTe Resist­
ance of Wood Membm·s and Assemblies.

2021 Edition
 1YPES OF CONSTRUC!ION 220..1 1

(b) Wood connections, including connectors, fasteners, 4.5.6.5.2 Roofs of buildings in accordance with 4.5.6.1.1 or
and members, shall be protected from fire exposure 4.5.6.1.2 shall be of mass timber 01· of noncombustible 01·
for the required fire resistance time in accordance limited-combustible materials. r5o00:7.2.5.6.5.2]
with Section 4.5 of AWC Technical Report No. 10.
4.5.6.6 Stairways.
(3) All elements of the exterior wall shall comply with
4.5.6.7(1). 4.5.6.6.1 Stairways of buildings in accordance with 4.5.6.1.1 01·
(4) In buildings equal to or less than 180 ft: (54.9 m) in 4.5.6.1.2 shall be permitted to be consu·ucted with treads and
height, exit enclosures, elevator hoistways, and other risers of solid mass timber. r5000:7.2.5.6.6.1]
shafts shall be permitted to be constructed of mass timber
elements. 4.5.6.6.2 \!\There built-on, laminated, or plank inclines are
(5) In buildings greater than 180 ft (54.9 m) but less than or required for floors, stairways shall be permitted to be 1 in.
equal to 270 ft (82.3 m) in height, exit enclosures, eleva­ (25 mm) nominal d1ickness or shall be permitted to be
tor hoistways, and other shafts shall be constructed of consu·ucted as required for buildings of Type I or Type II
noncombustible or limited-combustible materials. construction. r5o00:7.2.5.6.6.2]

(5000:7.2.5.6.1.1] 4.5.6.7 Exterior Walls. Exterior walls shall meet at least one of
the following requirements:
4.5.6.1.2 Type IV construction with mass timber consu·uction
(1) In buildings complying with 4.5.6.1.1 or 4.5.6.1.2, bearing
elements having fire resistance ratings requi1·ed fo1· Type II
and nonbearing exterio1· walls shall be constructed with
(222) shall be permitted where they comply with all of the
any of the following materials:
following:
(a) Noncombustible material
(1) The building shall be protected throughout with an
(b) Limited-combustible material
approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
(c) Mass timber complying with Chapter 45 of NFPA
NFPA 13.
5000, provided the exterior surface of the mass
(2) The fire resistance rating of construction elements shall
timber is protected by at least one layer of o/g in.
be provided as specified in Chapter 4 of AWC Technical
(16 mm) Type X gypsum board
Report No. 10, Calculating the Fin! Resistance of 1-.xposed
(d) Weather-resistive barrier m accordance with
Wood Members.
Section 37.4 of NFPA 5000
(3) In buildings less than 85 ft (25.9 m) in height, exit enclo­
(2) Other exterior walls having a required fire resistance
smes, elevator hoistways, and other shafts shall be permit­
rating of 2 hours 01· less shall be pennitted to be construc­
ted to be consu·ucted of mass timber elements.
ted with any of the following materials:
(4) In buildings greater than 85 ft (25.9 m) but equal to or
less than 180 ft (54.9 m) in height, two-thirds of the (1) Noncombustible material shall be permitted.
required fire resistance rating of consu·uction elements (2) Limited-combustible material shall be permitted.
for exit enclosures, elevator hoisnvays, and other shafts (3) Fire-retardant-u·eated wood shall be permitted. Approved
shall be pmvided by gypsum wallboard in accm·dance fire-retardant-treated wood fi·aming shall be permitted
with Section 4.4.2 of AWC Technical Report No. 10. within the assembly of exterior walls having a ho1·izontal
(5) The fire resistance rating of wood connections, including separation of not less than 60 in. (1525 mm), provided
connectors, fasteners, and members, shall be protected that the fire resistance rating is maintained and the
from fire exposw·e for the required fire resistance time in exposed oute1· and inner faces of such walls are construc­
accordance with Section 4.5 of AWC Technical Report ted of l imited-combustible or noncombustible materials.
No.10. (4) Cross-laminated timber complying with 45.5.7 of
(6) All elements of the exterior wall shall comply with NFPA 5000 shall be pe1·mitted provided the exterior
4.5.6.7(1). surface of the cross-laminated timber is protected by one
of the following:
[5000:7.2.5.6.1.2]
(a) Fire-retardam-u·eated wood not less than 1%2 in.
4.5.6.2 Colwnns, Arches, Beams, and Roof Decking. vVhere
(12 mm) thick
horizontal separation of 20 ft (6100 mm) or more is provided,
(b) Type X gypsum board not less than o/g in. (16 mm)
wood columns, arches, beams, and roof decking conforming to
thick
the requirements for heavy timber in 4.5.5 shall be permitted
(c) Noncombustible material
to be used on the exterior of the building. [5000:7.2.5.6.2.1]
[5000:7.2.5.6.7]
4.5.6.3 Partitions. Permanent partitions shall be permitted to
be of solid wood consu·uction formed by not less d1an avo 4.5.6.8 Exterior Nonbearing Walls. Exterior non bearing walls
layers of matched boards of 1 in. (25 mm) nominal thickness shall be permitted when tested in accordance with and meeting
or of 1-hour fire-resistance-1·ated construction as set forth in the conditions of acceptance of NFPA 285. r5000:7.2.5.6.8l
Table 4.1.1. [5000:7.2.5.6.3.1]
4.6 Type V ( 1 1 1 or 000) Construction. Type V (111 or 000)
4.5.6.4 Floors. Floors shall be permitted to be of heavy construction shall be that type in which strucntral elements,
timber, masonry, concrete, wood, o1· steel and shall be constntc­ walls, arches, floors, and roofs are entirely or partially of wood
ted as required in Chapter 8 of NFPA 5000. [5000:7.2.5.6.4.1] or other approved material. r5o00:7.2.6]

4.5.6.5 Roofs.

4.5.6.5.1 Roofs of 1-hour fire-resistance-rated constru ction

shall be permitted. (5000:7.2.5.6.5.11

2021 Edition
220-12 'TYPES OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Chapter 5 Fire Resistance Rating Requirements for Structural 5.1.8 The required thickness and construction of fire-resistive
Elements materials ot· assemblies enclosing o-usses shall be based on one
of the following:
5.1 Fire Resistance Rating Requirements.
(1) Results of full-scale tests or combinations of tests on truss
5.1.1 The fire resistance t·atings of structural elements and component�
building assemblies shall be determined in accordance with (2) Approved calculations based on such tests to verifY that
Section 8.2 in NFPA 5000 or 8.2.3 in NFPA 101. the assembly is provided with the required fire resistance
rating in accordance with 8.2.3 of NFPA 5000
5.1.2 Fire resistance protection shall be provided for struc­ [5000:7.2.7.7]
tural elements as set forth in Chapter 5.
5.1.9 The fire resistance rating required for external struc­
5.1.3 Structural elements shall meet the requirement� of tural elements located beyond the perimeter of the building
5.1.3.1 through 5.1.3.3. floor area shall be permitted to be calculated by using analyti­
cal methods in accordance with the provisions set forth in 8.2.3
5.1.3.1 So·uctural elements, floors, and bearing walls shall
of NFPA 5000. [5000:7.2.7.8]
have a fire resistance rating not less than the fire resistance
t·ating required for the structural element, beat·ing or nonbear­ 5.1.10 Structural element� within exterior walls or located
ing wall, floot� or roof they support. [5000:7.2.7.2.1] along the exterior perimeter of a building or so·ucture shall
have a fire resistance rating as required by Table 4.1.1 for exte­
5.1.3.2 Structural elements, floors, and bearing walls shall be
rior bearing walls based on the type of construction.
t·equired to have only the fire resistance rating requit·ed for the
[5000:7.2.7.9]
conso·uction classification of the building, provided that both
of the following criteria are met: 5.1.11* So·uctural element� within an exterior wall located
(1) The sn·uctural elements support nonbearing wall or parti­ where openings are not permitted, or where protection of
tion assemblies having a required fire resistance rating of openings is required in accordance with 7.3.5 of NFPA 5000,
1 hour or less. shall have a fire resistance rating based on protection against
(2) The sn·uctural elements do not serve as exit enclosures, exterior fire exposure a� required for exterior bearing walls or
protection for vertical openings, or occupancy separa­ the so·uctural element, whichever requires the greater fire
tions. [5000:7.2.7.2.2] resistance rating. (5000:7.2.7.10]

5.1.3.3 So·uctural elements, such as girders, beams, trusses, 5.1.12 The edges of lugs, brackets, rivets, and bolt heads
and spandrels, that have direct connections to columns carry­ attached to structural elements shall be permitted to extend to
ing gravity loads, and that are essential to the stability of the within 1 in. (25 mm) of the surface of the fire-resistive protec­
building as a whole, shall have a fire resistance rating not less tion. [5000:7.2.7.11]
than that of the columns to which they are connected.
5.1.13 Conduits, pipes, or ducts shall not be embedded within
[5000:7.2.7.2.3]
the required fire-resistive protection of any structural elements
5.1.4* Structural elements shall be individually protected on requiring individual encasement to achieve the required fire
all sides for their full length with materials providing the resistance rating. [5000:7.2.7.12)
required fire resistance rating where they are required to have
5.1.14 Fire-resistive materials covering columns required to
a fire resistance rating and where they support any of the
have a fire resistance rating, where exposed to impact damage
following:
by moving vehicles, by handling of merchandise, or by other
(1) More than two floors means, shall be protected from damage. [5000:7.2.7.13)
(2) More than one floor and roof
5.1.15 In load bearing, light frame walls requiring a fire resist­
(3) A bearing wall more than two stories high
ance rating, membrane protection shall not be required to
(4) A nonbearing wall more than two stories high
extend beyond the edge or flange of the constmction in open­
[5000:7.2.7.31
ings that are framed or where doors or windows are installed.
5.1.5* Structural elements, other than those specified in 5.1.3, [5000:7.2.7.14]
required to have a fire resistance rating shall be protected by
individual encasement, or by membrane or ceiling protection
Annex A Explanatory Material
in accordance with Section 8.6 of NFPA 5000 or a combination
of both. [5000:7.2.7.4] Annex A is not a pm·t of the 1·equi1·ements of this NFPA document but is
included far informational pwposes only. 17!is annex contains explan­
5.1.6 In addition to the requirements of 5.1.3 and 5.1.4,
atmy mate1-ial, numbered to C01Tespond with the applicable text pam­
columns shall meet the following requirement�:
graphs.
(l) vVh ere columns require a fire resistance rating, the entire
A.l.1 It is necessary for the user to consider the influence of
column, including its connections to beams or girders,
location, occupancy, exterior exposm·e, possibility of mechani­
shall be individually protected.
cal and physical damage to fire-resistant material, and other
(2) vVh ere the column extends through a ceiling, the fire­
feaU.tres that could impose additional requirements for safe­
resistive pmtection provided fot· the column shall be
guarding life and propeny, as commonly covered in building
continuous from the top of the floor through the ceiling
codes.
space to the top of the column. (5000:7.2.7.51
For information on the construction of fire walls and fire
5.1.7 Strucnu·al elements complying with Section 4.5 shall not
barriet· walls, see NFPA 221. For the installation of opening
be required to comply with 5.1.4. [5000:7.2.7.6]
protection, see NFPA 80 and NFPA 90A.

2021 Edition
 ANNEX A 220..1 3

A.3.1 These definitions apply to the materials used in the cally on a scale for which the zero point is fixed b y the perform­
consu·uction of buildings but do not apply to fumishings, the ance of fiber cement board and the 100 point (approximately)
contents of buildings, or the fire hazard evaluation of materi­ is fixed by the performance of unu·eated red oak flooring.
als.
A.4.l.l The system of designating types of construction also
A.3.2.1 Approved. The National Fire Pmtection Association includes a specific breakdown of the types of construction
does not approve, inspect, or certify any installations, proce­ through the use of Arabic numbers. These Arabic numbers
dures, equipment, or materials; nor does it approve or evaluate follow the roman numeral notation where identifying a type of
testing laboratories. In determining the acceptability of installa­ constn.J.Ction [e.g., Type 1(442), Type II( l l l), Type lll(200)]
tions, procedures, equipment, or materials, the authority and indicate the fire resistance rating requirements for certain
having jurisdiction may base acceptance on compliance with structural elements as follows:
NFPA or other appmpriate standards. In the absence of such
(1) First Arabic numbe r - exterior bearing walls
standards, said authority may require evidence of proper instal­
(2) Second Arabic number - columns, beams, girders,
lation, procedure, or use. The authority having jurisdiction
u·usses and arches, supporting bearing walls, columns, or
may also refer to the listings or labeling practices of an organi­
loads from more than one floor
zation that is concerned with product evaluations and is thus in
(3) Third Arabic numbe r - floor consu·uction
a position to determine compliance with appropriate standards
for the cutTent pmduction of listed items. Table A.4.1.1 provides a comparison of similar types of
construction for various model building codes.
A.3.2.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction (Alij). The phrase
"authority having jurisdiction," or its acronym AHJ, is used in [5000: A.7.2. l . l ]
NFPA documents in a broad manner, since jurisdictions and
A.4.1.5.1 The provisions of 4.1.5.1 do not t·equire inherently
approval agencies vary, as do their responsibilities. v\Th ere
noncombustible materials to be tested in order to be classified
public safety is primary, the authority having jurisdiction may
as noncombustible materials. f5000:A.7.1.4.1]
be a federal, state, local, or other regional department or indi­
vidual such as a fire chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire preven­ A.4.1.5.1 (1) Examples of such matet·ials include steel,
tion bureau, labor department, or health department; building concrete, masonry, and glass. [5000:A.7.1.4. l . l ( l )l
official; electrical inspector; ot· others having statutory author­
ity. For insurance purposes, an insurance inspection depart­ A.4.1.6 Material subject to increase in combustibility or fla me
ment, rating bureau, or other insurance company spread index beyond the limits het·ein established through the
t·epresentative may be the authority having jmisdiction. In effects of age, moisture, or other atmospheric condition is
many circumstances, the property owner or his or her designa­ considered combustible. (See NFPA 259.)
ted agent assumes the role of the authority having jmisdiction;
A.5.1.4 It is not intended that the top of beams, trusses, or
at govemment installations, the commanding officer or depart­
columns be individually protected when part of a tested fire­
mental official may be the authority having jurisdiction.
resistance-rated assembly. [5000:A.7.2.7.3l
A.3.2.3 Listed. The means for identifying listed equipment
A.5.1.5 Fire-resistance-rated bearing wall assemblies, floor/
may vary for each organization concen1ed with product evalua­
ceiling assemblies, and roof/ceiling assemblies that are not
tion; some organizations do not recognize eqttipment as listed
addressed by 5.1.4 can intersect and provide protection to each
unless it is also labeled. The authority having jurisdiction
other to the extent that the same level of protection is provided
should utilize the system employed by the listing organization
by the individual protective elements that intersect.
to identify a listed product.
A.5. l . l l It is not the intent to require protection of strucntral
A.3.3.2 Flame Spread Index. Under the criteria of ASTM E84,
elements against exterior fire exposure due merely to the pres­
StandaTd Test Method jOT SuTface Burning Chamcteristics of Building ence of fire sprinklers or an occupiable exterior space, such as
Mate1·ials, and UL 723, Test joT SuTjace Burning Chamcte1istics of a porch or balcony, unless specifically required by other codes,
Building Materials, the flame spread index is expressed numeri- such as NFPA 5000.

Table A.4.1.1 Cross-Reference of Building Construction Types

NFPA 5000 1(442) 1(332) Il(222) 11(111) II(OOO) III(211) III(200) IV(2HH) V(lll) V(OOO)

UBC I FR I I FR Il l hr li N IIl l hr III N IV HT V 1 hr VN

B/NBC IA lB 2A 2B 2C 3A 3B 4 5A 5B

SBC II IV I hr IV UNP V 1 hr V UNP III VI 1 hr VI UNP

IBC lA IB IIA liB IliA IIIB IV VA VB

UBC: Uniform Building Code.

FR: Fire rated.
N: Nonsp.-inklered.
HT: Heavy timber.
B/NBC: Natio11at Bttildi11g Code.
SBC: Stand(trd Building Code.
IBC: lntemalional Building Code.
UNP: Unprotected. [5000: Table A.7.2 . l . l ]

2021 Edition
220-14 'TYPES OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Annex B Informational References B.l.2 Other Publications.

B.l.2.1 ASTM Publications. ASTM International, 100 Barr

B.l Referenced Publications. The documents or portions
Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA
thereof listed in this annex are referenced within the informa­
19428-2959.
tional sections of this standard and are not part of the require­
ments of this document unless also listed in Chapter 2 for ASTM E84, Standm·d Test Method for SU!face Burning ChamcteT­
other reasons. istics of Bui lding Material5, 2019a.
B.I.l NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Associa­ B.l.2.2 UL Publications. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333
tion, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471. Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
NFPA 80, StandaTd for Fi:re Doors and Othcr Opening Protectives, UL 723, Test fm· Su1jace Burning Characteristics of Building Mate­
2019 edition. ·rials, 2008, revised 2013.
NFPA 90A, Standard fl}r the Installation of Ai1·-ConditiMing and B.2 Informational References. (Reserved)
Ventilating Systems, 2021 edition.
B.3 References for Extracts in Informational Sections.
NFPA 221, StandaTd for H igh Challenge Fi re Walls, Fi Te Walls,
and Fin; Barrier Walls, 2021 edition. NFPA 500�. Building Construction and Safety Codtf'! , 2021
edition.
NFPA 259, Standanl 1est Method for Potential Heat of Building
Materials, 2018 edition.
NFPA 500�. Building ConstmctiM and Safety Codt? , 2021
edition.

2021 Edition
 LNDEX 220..1 5

Index

Copyright © 2020 National Fire Protection Association. All Rights Reserved.

The copyright in this index is separate and distinct from the copyright in the document that it indexes. The Licensing provi­
sions set forth for the document are not applicable to this index. This index may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any
means without the express wTitten permission of NFPA.

-A- Standard

Administration, Chap. I Definition, 3.2.6

Equivalency, 1.5
-T-
Purpose, 1.2
Retroactivity, l .4 Types of Construction, Chap. 4
Scope, 1.1, A . l . l General, 4.1
Units, 1.6 umited-Combustible Material, 4.1.6, A.4.l.6
Primary and Equivalent Values, 1.6.2 Noncombustible Material, 4.1.5
Sl Unit�. 1.6.1 Type [ (442 or 332) and Type II (222, 1 1 1 , or 000)
Construction, 4.3
Approved
Special Requirements- Type l and Type II
Definition, 3.2.1, A.3.2.1
Construction, 4.3.2
Authority HavingJurisdiction (AHJ)
Ceiling Cavity Plenums and Raised Floor
Definition, 3.2.2, A.3.2.2 Plenums, 4.3.2.14
CeiHng Plenum Tested Assembly, 4.3.2.16
-D-
Combustible Materials, 4.3.2.13
Definitions, Chap. 3 Exterior Nonbearing Walls, 4.3.2.12
Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood Platforms, 4.3.2.7
-E-
Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood Roof, 4.3.2.9
Explanatory Material, Annex A
Heavy Timber Strucmral Element�, 4.3.2.10
-F-
Lnterior Nonbearing Walls, 4.3.2.11
Mezzanine Floors in Type I and Type II (222 or I l l )
Fire Resistance Rating
Construction, 4.3.2.3
Definition, 3.3.1 Mezzanine Floors in Type U (000) Construction, 4.3.2.4
Fire Resistance Rating Requirements forStructural
Platforms, 4.3.2.5
Elements, Chap. 5
Plenum Materials Combustibility, 4.3.2.15
Fire Resistance Rating Requirements, 5.1
Roofs 20 ft (6100 mm) or More Above Any Floor, 4.3.2.8
FlameSpread Index
Sleeper Space, 4.3.2.2
Definition, 3.3.2, A.3.3.2
Space Beneath Platforms, 4.3.2.6
-1- Wood Sleepers, 4.3.2.1
Type [ and Type II Construction, 4.3.1
Informational References, Annex B
Type Ill (211 or 200) Construction, 4.4
-L- Special Requirements- Type Ill Construction, 4.4.2
Exterior Nonbearing Walls, 4.4.2.3
Limited-Combustible Material
Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood, 4.4.2.1
Definition, 3.3.3
Heavy Timber, 4.4.2.2
Listed
Type Ill Consu·uction, 4.4.1
Definition, 3.2.3, A.3.2.3
Type rv (2HH) Construction, 4.5
-N- Concealed Spaces, 4.5.4
Noncombustible Material
Exterior Wall Separation, 4.5.2
Definition, 3.3.4 Interior Columns, Arches, Beams, Girders, and Trusses, 4.5.3
Special Requirements- Type IV Construction, 4.5.6
-R- Columns, Arches, Beams, and Roof Decking, 4.5.6.2
Referenced PubHcations, Chap. 2 Exterior Nonbearing Walls, 4.5.6.8
Lxterior Walls, 4.5.6.7
-S- Floors, 4.5.6.4
Shall Partitions, 4.5.6.3
Definition, 3.2.4 Roots, 4.5.6.5
Should Stairways, 4.5.6.6
Definition, 3.2.5 Structural Elements, 4.5.6.1
Type rv (2HH) Allowable Dimensions, 4.5.5

2021 Edition
220-16 'TYPES OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Arches, 4.5.5.3 Roof Decks, 4.5.5.6

Beams, 4.5.5.2 Splice Plates, 4.5.5.4
Columns, 4.5.5.1 T)'pe IV Construction, 4.5.1
Floors, 4.5.5.5 T)'Pe V ( l l l or 000) Construction, 4.6

2021 Edition