Construction projects can fall into two broad categories: commercial and institutional. Commercial construction includes projects for shopping centers, schools, hospitals, and stadiums. Institutional construction involves the construction of a building for a specific purpose, and includes repairs to existing structures. Residential projects, on the other hand, typically involve single-family dwellings or multi-unit residential facilities. These projects are often commissioned by private owners. In some cases, the government pays for the construction.
There are many types of construction, and the various classifications can vary. These types are generally categorized by sector, owner, occupancy, fire resistance, and laws. Commercial and industrial construction, as well as heavy construction, are the four major types. Each of these has its advantages and disadvantages, and knowing the differences between them can help you decide which construction method is right for your business. Listed below are a few examples of different types of construction.
Type I: Noncombustible: This type of construction has a lower fire resistance than Type II. It is typically made from steel or concrete. Type III: Ordinary construction. Mixed masonry and wood construction. Type V: Wood construction. In general, Type II construction is noncombustible. Type I buildings are non-combustible and provide three to four hours of fire resistance. High-rise buildings, commercial projects, and hospitals are commonly constructed using Type I construction.
Non-combustible: Non-combustible construction has exterior walls made of brick or cement block and non-combustible interior structure elements. Firefighters must ventilate these buildings to prevent dangerous temperature rise during a fire. Type III buildings are generally made of non-combustible materials but contain a large amount of wood or other combustible interior structural elements. Some buildings use wood-framed or lightweight roof systems.
Type V: Fire-resistant. High-rise buildings that are 75 feet or higher are Type 1 buildings. These buildings are the strongest in case of fire, and require large amounts of water to put out the flames. Firefighters can use water to extinguish fire in these buildings, and the buildings are not susceptible to collapse. Wood-framed Type V buildings are also commonly used in modern residential homes. And because they are inexpensive, they are often the best option for new construction.
Type IV: Noncombustible buildings. These buildings have non-combustible exterior walls and interior elements made of solid or laminated wood. All wood members must meet specific dimensional requirements, which include 8-inch thick planks for floors and six-inch-thick timber columns and beams. Fire-retardant wood must also meet a two-hour fire resistance rating in order to be used.
