Which type of construction is characterized primarily by a wood frame?

The type of construction characterized primarily by a wood frame is indeed defined as Type V Wood Frame. This classification refers to structures built using wood as the main material for framing, including walls, floors, and roofs. These structures typically use light wood framing techniques, and they are often less fire-resistant than other types of construction due to the combustible nature of wood.

In Type V construction, the lightweight material can accelerate fire development and spread. This understanding is crucial for firefighters as it impacts fire behavior and strategy during incidents. The residential buildings commonly built with wood framing, such as single-family homes and low-rise structures, exemplify this type.

Other construction types, such as Type I (Fire Resistive), Type II (Non-Combustible), and Type IV (Heavy Timber), utilize different materials that significantly affect their fire resistance and structural characteristics. For instance, Type I constructions are made of concrete and steel to resist fire and prevent collapse for longer periods, while Type II structures may have non-combustible walls but are not as fire-resistant as Type I. Type IV, known as Heavy Timber, involves large wooden members that, while still combustible, can resist fire better due to their thickness compared to the lightweight materials in Type V. Understanding these distinctions