What is defined as ordinary construction?

Ordinary construction typically refers to a building type characterized by exterior walls made of masonry materials, combined with wooden frame structures. This construction method incorporates non-combustible materials for the exterior walls while allowing for combustible materials, like wood, in the framing. The significance of this type of construction lies in its balance between fire resistance provided by the masonry walls and the potential vulnerability of the wooden framing, which can be a fire hazard.

Buildings with entirely concrete exteriors represent a different category known as non-combustible construction and are more resistant to fire. Structures composed entirely of steel also fall under non-combustible construction and offer similar fire-resistant properties. Buildings constructed with heavy timber, meanwhile, can be categorized as heavy timber construction, which has unique fire behaviors but is distinct from ordinary construction due to the significant reliance on large wooden components.

Thus, the defining characteristics of ordinary construction, particularly the mix of masonry and wood, highlight its recognition within fire safety codes and practices.