What type of construction refers to 'ordinary' materials?

Type 3 construction is defined as "ordinary" materials, which typically includes structures that are partially fire-resistant and consist of non-combustible materials for structural elements, while allowing for some combustible materials for interior finishes and insulation. This type of construction often features masonry or fire-resistant materials for the external walls and wooden materials for interior components.

The classification emphasizes the balance between fire safety and design flexibility, as it can accommodate common usage scenarios in commercial and residential buildings. Understanding this classification is essential for fire inspectors when evaluating the fire resistance and potential hazards of various building types. The other types, such as Type 1 (fire resistive), Type 4 (heavy timber), and Type 5 (wood frame), either utilize more or less combustible materials than those defined under Type 3 and serve different purposes in construction practices.