Question

The state fire marshall visits Brad at his newly built home. The fire marshall admires the "mill" construction of Brad's house, commenting on the large dimensional lumber Brad used for structural members and interior elements. "This is more fire resistive than Type 5 wood-framed buildings," the fire marshall says. "This home is __________."

Answer 1

The use of large dimensional lumber in 'mill' construction is more fire resistive compared to the lighter Type 5 wood framing, reflecting historical shifts in building practices towards safer and more durable materials like brick and steel.

Step-by-step explanation:

The state fire marshal's comment on the 'mill' construction of Brad's house refers to a type of construction that uses large dimensional lumber which is known for being more fire resistive than lighter framing methods.

This construction technique harkens back to older styles of building, where thick walls, heavy timbers, and brick infill provided structural integrity and superior fire resistance compared to the lighter wood-framed structures commonly referred to as Type 5 construction.

After notable urban fires, building requirements evolved to favor materials like brick and steel over wood, substantially improving the survival of buildings in fires.

In history, it was observed that traditional wooden structures acted like fuel in city fires, prompting changes in building practices. The move towards more fire-resistive materials highlights an enduring trend of adapting architectural practices for improved safety and efficiency.