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Craft and StructureHardCommon ground between an advocate and a sceptic

Craft and Structure practice question

Text 1 Architect Nadia Ferreira argues that tall timber buildings are the future: lighter than concrete and lower in carbon. Fire concerns, she says, are overstated, because thick timber chars on the outside and the char layer protects the wood beneath. Text 2 Fire engineer Owen Blake agrees that charring gives heavy timber real protection, but points out that the joints and connectors holding the structure together have been far less tested. He supports tall timber 'once the codes catch up'.

Based on the texts, Ferreira and Blake would most likely agree with which statement?

  1. A. The charring of thick timber gives it some protection in a fire.Correct
  2. B. Tall timber buildings should not be built until every risk has been eliminated.
  3. C. Concerns about fire in timber buildings are entirely unfounded.
  4. D. Concrete is a better material than timber for tall buildings.

Answer: A. The charring of thick timber gives it some protection in a fire.

Ferreira says the char layer protects the wood; Blake 'agrees that charring gives heavy timber real protection'. That is explicit common ground.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Tall timber buildings should not be built until every risk has been eliminated.
Blake wants the codes to catch up, not every risk eliminated, and Ferreira wants to build now.
C. Concerns about fire in timber buildings are entirely unfounded.
Blake's concern about joints shows he doesn't think fire worries are baseless.
D. Concrete is a better material than timber for tall buildings.
Ferreira argues for timber over concrete, and Blake supports tall timber too.

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