Exterior walls and structural members that are of approved noncombustible or limited-combustible materials and interior structural members constructed wholly or partly of wood are considered ______________construction.

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

Answer: (B)

The main idea is how construction types are defined by the materials used for exterior versus interior structural elements and their fire behavior. The description specifies exterior walls and structural members that are noncombustible or limited combustible, combined with interior structural members that are wood. That exact mix is characteristic of Type III construction, also known as ordinary construction. In this type, exterior walls are noncombustible or limited combustible, while interior framing can be wood, which differentiates it from the other types that use noncombustible interiors (Type I and II), all-wood or heavy timber for the structure (Type IV or Type V). So the best fit for this configuration is Type III construction.