Which construction type is most associated with high-rise buildings, schools, and hospitals?

• A. Type IV
• B. Type III
• C. Type I
• D. Type II

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is fire protection through construction type. For high-rise buildings, along with schools and hospitals, the structure needs to resist fire for longer periods and keep its integrity to allow safe evacuation and firefighting efforts. This is achieved with fire-resistive construction, where the structural frame and essential elements are protected with substantial fire-resistant ratings and fire barriers. That level of protection is what makes it the best match for these occupancies, compared with other types that rely on noncombustible or lighter fire resistance, or that use wood in ways that don’t meet the same life-safety requirements.