Types of buildings in civil construction

March 31, 2024 Luciano Bertene

Classification of Buildings in Brazilian Civil Construction

Fire-Resistant and Non-Combustible Buildings

Type IA: Common in tall buildings with large occupancy, these buildings are constructed with materials such as concrete and steel coated with fire-resistant materials.

Type IA refers to fire-resistant and non-combustible buildings, commonly found in tall, high-occupancy buildings such as skyscrapers and office towers. Here are some characteristics and details about this type of building:

Construction Materials: They are mainly built with robust and resistant materials, such as concrete and steel. These materials are coated with special substances that increase their fire resistance.
Fire Protection: Fire-resistant coating applied to concrete and steel structures provides a barrier against fire, keeping it contained and slowing its spread.
Fire Resistance Time: The exterior walls and structural structure of these buildings can resist fire for up to three hours. This means that these structures have a significant ability to withstand intense heat and fire without compromising their integrity.
Use and Occupancy: Due to their fire resistance and ability to house a large number of people, Type IA buildings are often used for commercial offices, hotels, hospitals, and other places with high population density.
Safety Requirements: These buildings are generally subject to strict fire safety regulations, including fire alarm systems, sprinklers, clearly marked escape routes, and high fire-resistant building materials.

In summary, Type IA buildings are designed and constructed to resist fires and protect human life and property in the event of an emergency. They are a vital part of urban infrastructure, especially in densely populated urban areas where fire safety is a primary concern.

Type IB: Found in mid-rise office buildings and group R buildings, they are also constructed with fire-resistant materials.

Type IB refers to buildings that are also fire-resistant and non-combustible, but are most common in mid-rise office buildings and group R-rated buildings, which include multi-family residences and small hotels. Below are some characteristics and details about this type of building:

Construction Materials: Like Type IA buildings, Type IB buildings are also constructed with fire-resistant materials. Concrete and steel are the most common materials, coated with substances that increase their resistance to fire.
Fire Protection: Fire-resistant materials applied to structures provide a layer of fire protection, helping to contain the fire and slow its spread. This is crucial to ensuring the safety of occupants and the structural integrity of the building in the event of a fire.
Fire Resistance Time: As with Type IA, the exterior walls and structural structure of Type IB buildings can resist fire for up to two hours. This fire resistance capability provides a crucial window of time for safe evacuation and fire intervention.
Use and Occupancy: Type IB buildings are often used in medium-density commercial and residential environments, such as mid-rise offices, apartments and small hotels. They offer a balance between occupancy capacity and fire safety.
Safety Requirements: As with Type IA buildings, Type IB buildings are also subject to strict fire safety regulations. This includes installing fire alarm systems, sprinklers, well-marked escape routes and building materials certified for fire resistance.

Type IB buildings are designed and constructed with a focus on fire safety, providing effective protection for occupants and properties. They are a common choice in urban environments where population density is moderate and fire safety is a priority.

Non-combustible Buildings

Type II-A: Used in more recent school buildings, they are characterized by masonry walls or tilting slabs and a metal roof.

Type II-A buildings belong to the non-combustible building category and are often found in newer school buildings. Below are some characteristics and details about this type of building:

Construction Material: Type II-A buildings are constructed with a combination of materials that provide fire resistance. External walls are generally made of masonry, brick or tilt-up slab, which are non-combustible materials and offer good fire protection. The roof is made up of metallic materials, such as steel sheets or prefabricated metal, which are also fire resistant.
Non-combustible Properties: The main characteristic of Type II-A buildings is their fire resistance. These buildings are designed to minimize the risk of fire and slow the spread of flames, providing a safer environment for occupants.
Primary Use: These buildings are most commonly used in newer school buildings where fire safety is a primary concern due to the presence of children and teenagers.
Fire Protection: In addition to fire-resistant building materials, Type II-A buildings often include fire suppression systems such as automatic sprinklers and fire alarms to further increase fire safety.
Durability and Longevity: Due to fire-resistant materials and solid construction, Type II-A buildings tend to be durable and have a longer lifespan compared to less fire-resistant structures.
Standards and Regulations: These buildings must meet all fire safety standards and regulations set by local authorities and regulatory bodies, ensuring they comply with the latest safety standards.

Type II-A buildings are a popular choice for recent school buildings due to their fire resistance and ability to provide a safe environment for occupants. These structures are designed and constructed using materials and techniques that prioritize fire safety and long-term durability.

Type II-B: Popular in commercial buildings, they are built with non-combustible materials, but without fire protection, generally requiring the installation of fire suppression systems.

Type II-B buildings are a specific category in civil construction, with distinct characteristics that make them suitable for certain types of occupancy. Below are details and characteristics about this type of building:

Construction Material: Type II-B buildings are constructed with non-combustible materials, which means that their main components, such as structure, walls and roof, are made of materials that do not contribute to the spread of fire. Common examples of materials include reinforced concrete, structural steel, and masonry.
Lack of Fire Protection: Unlike other types of noncombustible buildings that offer fire protection built into the construction materials, Type II-B buildings generally do not have this protection built in. This means that in the event of a fire, the building structure can be compromised more quickly, making it essential to install fire suppression systems such as sprinklers and alarms.
Main Use: These buildings are popular in commercial buildings such as offices, shops and retail establishments. They are chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the typical occupation load of these environments.
Need for Fire Suppression Systems: Due to the lack of integrated fire protection, it is critical that Type II-B buildings be equipped with effective fire suppression systems. This includes installing automatic sprinklers, fire alarm systems and other devices to help detect and control fires as quickly as possible.
Safety Requirements: Like any other structure, Type II-B buildings must meet all safety requirements established by building codes and local regulations. This includes ensuring that fire suppression systems are installed correctly and maintained in proper working order.
Maintenance Considerations: Due to their vulnerability to fire, Type II-B buildings may require more rigorous maintenance to ensure that fire suppression systems and other safety features are in optimal working condition.

Type II-B buildings are widely used in commercial buildings due to their fire resistance, but require the installation of fire suppression systems to ensure occupant safety and protect the structural integrity of the building.

Buildings with Combustible Material

Type III-A: Common in the construction industry, they feature brick or block walls and wood for roofs or floors.

Type III-A buildings are a specific category in civil construction, with distinct characteristics that make them suitable for certain types of occupancy. Below are details and characteristics about this type of building:

Construction Material: Type III-A buildings are constructed with a combination of combustible and non-combustible materials. Exterior walls are typically made of bricks, concrete blocks or masonry, providing good fire resistance. However, the internal structure, including floors and roofs, is often constructed from wood.
Fire Resistance: The external walls of Type III-A buildings provide reasonable protection against fire and can resist fire for up to two hours, depending on the specific materials used in construction. However, the internal structure, made of wood, only offers one hour of protection against fire.
Primary Use: These buildings are commonly found in the construction industry for a variety of purposes, including residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Its mixed material construction offers a combination of structural strength and cost effectiveness.
Design Flexibility: Type III-A buildings offer a certain design flexibility due to the combination of materials used. This allows architects and builders to create a variety of styles and layouts to meet specific project needs.
Need for Fire Protection: Due to the presence of combustible materials such as wood, it is important that Type III-A buildings are equipped with fire protection systems such as automatic sprinklers, smoke detectors and fire alarms. This helps detect and control fires early, reducing damage and protecting lives.
Regular Maintenance: Due to the presence of wood in the internal structure, Type III-A buildings may require regular maintenance to ensure that materials remain in good condition and that fire protection systems are functioning properly.

Type III-A buildings are common in the construction industry due to their mixed material construction, which offers a combination of structural strength and design flexibility. However, it is important to ensure that these structures are adequately protected against fire, given the presence of combustible materials in the construction.

Type III-B: Found in warehouse areas in old cities, they offer limited protection against fire, with the external walls providing up to two hours of fire resistance, but the rest of the building does not have this protection.

Type III-B buildings are a specific category in civil construction, with distinct characteristics that make them suitable for certain types of occupancy. Below are details and characteristics about this type of building:

Location and Use: Type III-B buildings are commonly found in warehouse zones in older urban areas. They are often used for commercial and industrial purposes such as storing goods due to their ability to house large storage spaces.
Building Material: These buildings are constructed primarily with combustible materials such as wood, both for the internal structure and external walls. However, unlike Type III-A buildings, there is no additional fire protection beyond the external walls.
Fire Resistance: The external walls of Type III-B buildings provide reasonable protection against fire and can resist fire for up to two hours, depending on the specific materials used in construction. However, the rest of the structure, including floors, roofs and internal structure, do not have this protection and can be quickly affected by fire.
Fire Hazards: Due to the presence of combustible materials throughout the structure, Type III-B buildings present a greater risk of fire compared to other types of buildings. This can present a significant fire safety challenge and requires additional fire prevention and control measures.
Need for Additional Protection: Given the lack of fire protection beyond external walls, it is crucial that Type III-B buildings are equipped with adequate fire detection and suppression systems such as automatic sprinklers, fire alarms and fire extinguishers . This helps mitigate fire risks and protect the structure and its contents.
Regular Maintenance: Due to the increased fire risk associated with these buildings, it is important to perform regular maintenance to ensure that materials remain in good condition and that fire protection systems are functioning properly.

In summary, Type III-B buildings are common in older urban areas and are often used for commercial and industrial purposes. However, due to the presence of combustible materials throughout the structure, it is crucial to implement appropriate fire safety measures to protect the structure and its contents.

Wooden Buildings

Type IV: The only type of building that does not have subcategories, it is characterized by the use of heavy wood, also known as mill construction.

Type IV buildings are a distinct category in civil construction, characterized by the exclusive use of heavy wood in their structure. Below are details and characteristics about this type of building:

Building Material: Type IV buildings are constructed primarily of heavy lumber, also known as mill construction. This wood has specific dimensions, usually at least 8 inches wide in all directions, making it sturdy and strong.
Unique Designation: Unlike other building types, Type IV has no subcategories due to its specific designation of heavy wood construction. This means that all buildings in this category share the same fundamental characteristics of heavy timber construction.
Common Applications: Type IV buildings are often used in a variety of applications, including single-family homes, commercial facilities, and even agricultural structures. Their versatility and strength make them a popular choice for a wide range of construction projects.
Fire Resistance: Although heavy wood is naturally fire resistant compared to other types of wood, Type IV buildings still present challenges in terms of fire protection. The exterior walls of these buildings may offer some fire resistance, usually for up to two hours, depending on specific building conditions.
Structure and Stability: Heavy timber construction gives Type IV buildings a solid, stable structure capable of withstanding significant loads. This makes them suitable for a variety of climatic and geographic conditions, from urban areas to rural environments.
Maintenance and Durability: Although heavy timber is naturally durable, Type IV buildings still require regular maintenance to ensure their structural integrity over time. This may include wood preservation treatments and periodic inspections to detect signs of damage or deterioration.

Type IV buildings are distinguished by the exclusive use of heavy timber in their construction, offering a solid and resistant structure. Their versatility makes them suitable for a variety of applications, although they still require regular care to ensure their long-term durability and safety.

Timber Frame Buildings

Type VA: Considered protected wooden structures, common in newer apartment buildings, providing fire protection for up to one hour.

Type VA buildings represent a specific category of wooden structures in civil construction. Below are details and characteristics about this type of building:

Fire Protection: Type VA buildings are designed as protected wood structures, meaning they have specific measures to resist fire. These buildings typically provide fire protection for up to an hour, providing crucial time for evacuation and firefighter intervention in the event of an emergency.
Common Applications: These buildings are commonly found in newer apartment buildings where wood is used as the main structural material. Its construction is suitable for a variety of residential settings, offering a viable alternative to traditional construction methods.
Wooden Structure: The main structure of these buildings is mainly composed of wooden elements, including beams, columns and supporting structures. Wood is chosen for its versatility, strength and sustainability, providing a solid foundation for the construction of multi-story buildings.
Building Standards: Type VA buildings must meet strict safety and construction standards to ensure their fire resistance and structural stability. This may include the use of fire retardant treatments, protective coating materials and fire suppression systems as required by local and national regulations.
Durability and Maintenance: Although Type VA buildings are constructed with fire-resistant materials, they still require regular maintenance to ensure their long-term durability and safety. This may include periodic inspections, repairs and upgrades as necessary to maintain safety and performance standards.
Sustainability: The use of wooden structures in Type VA buildings can also offer environmental benefits, since wood is a renewable resource with a low environmental impact. This contributes to the sustainability of the project and can help meet green building and energy efficiency goals.

Type VA buildings are a common option in newer apartment buildings, characterized by their fire-protected wood structure. Its construction follows strict safety and construction standards, providing a durable and sustainable solution for housing and urban development.

Type VB: They have unprotected wooden structures, found in single-family homes and garages, without fire resistance.

Type VB buildings represent a specific category of wooden structures in civil construction. Below are details and characteristics about this type of building:

Unprotected Wood Structures: Type VB buildings are characterized by their unprotected wood structures against fire. This means that wood is used as the main structural material, but has no special coatings or treatments to increase its fire resistance.
Common Applications: These buildings are often found in single-family homes, cottages, and garages where wood is predominantly used in construction. Its construction is simpler and more straightforward compared to multi-story buildings, making it suitable for smaller-scale projects and residential use.
Lack of Fire Resistance: Due to the lack of specific coatings or treatments, Type VB buildings do not offer fire resistance. This means that in the event of a fire, the wooden structure is highly susceptible to damage and can deteriorate quickly, posing a significant risk to the safety of occupants and the spread of fire to other structures.
Maintenance and Safety: Due to their vulnerability to fire, Type VB buildings require special attention to maintenance and safety. It is essential to carry out regular inspections of the wooden structure, repair any damage or deterioration and implement preventative measures such as installing smoke detectors and fire suppression systems.
Use Limitations: Although Type VB buildings are suitable for residential use and small-scale structures, they may not be appropriate for certain environments or local regulations. In areas prone to wildfires, for example, additional restrictions may apply to the construction of unprotected wooden buildings.
Environmental Considerations: Although Type VB buildings can offer aesthetic and economic benefits, it is important to consider their environmental implications. The extensive use of wood can raise concerns about forest sustainability and the environmental impact of construction, requiring responsible forest management practices and material selection.

In summary, Type VB buildings are characterized by their unprotected firewood structures, common in single-family homes and garages. While they offer certain advantages in terms of cost and aesthetics, it is crucial to recognize their safety limitations and carefully consider the necessary measures to ensure occupant protection and compliance with local regulations.

This is an adjusted description of the types of buildings in Brazilian civil construction, using more appropriate terminology for a better understanding of everyone.