Florida Building Code Practice Exam

What is the minimum fire resistance rating for an interior-bearing wall in Type II Construction?

1. 1-hour

2. 2-hour

3. 3-hour

4. 4-hour

The correct answer is: 1-hour

The minimum fire resistance rating for an interior-bearing wall in Type II Construction is indeed 1-hour. This construction classification, which encompasses non-combustible materials, is designed to provide a certain level of fire safety in low-rise buildings. In Type II construction, interior-bearing walls must meet a 1-hour fire resistance rating to ensure adequate protection for occupants and to limit fire spread within the building. This rating is generally sufficient to maintain structural integrity and protect against fire hazards for a predetermined period, which is critical in a commercial setting where occupants may not be able to evacuate immediately. Higher fire resistance ratings, such as 2-hour, 3-hour, and 4-hour, are typically associated with more specific situations, such as the need for additional protection in larger buildings or areas with higher fire risk. However, for standard Type II constructions, the requirement is appropriately set at 1 hour for interior-bearing walls.