Final answer:
Institutional buildings generally require the highest fire resistance rating for structural elements due to the presence of vulnerable populations and the necessity for prolonged evacuation times or onsite protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fire resistance rating required for structural elements of a building typically varies depending on the building's occupancy type, as this will influence the potential risk to occupants, property, and firefighters in the event of a fire. In general, institutional buildings often have the strictest requirements for fire resistance because they usually house vulnerable populations such as hospitals, schools, and care facilities. These structures may require a higher fire resistance rating to ensure that individuals who may have difficulty evacuating can do so safely or can be protected in place.
Residential, commercial, and industrial buildings also have specific fire resistance requirements, but these are often less stringent than those for institutional buildings because the occupancy risks are perceived to be different, with residents or employees potentially being more able to evacuate quickly in the event of a fire. Furthermore, structural elements in industrial buildings may require significant fire resistance if they contain or are exposed to high-risk materials or processes.
Therefore, without specific codes or regulations to reference, which can vary by jurisdiction, the institutional occupancy is generally assumed to require the greatest fire resistance rating for structural elements in a 1-story, 10,000 sq ft building.