What is the rating of load-bearing walls for a Type 3 building with a "211" rating?

In a Type 3 building, commonly referred to as "ordinary construction," the walls are typically constructed from masonry or wood. The "211" rating indicates that the load-bearing walls have a fire-resistance rating of 2 hours. This implies that these walls can withstand exposure to fire for a minimum of 2 hours, providing crucial time for occupants to evacuate and for fire services to respond.

Type 3 construction is often characterized by exterior walls that are made of non-combustible materials, while interior elements may utilize combustible materials. The 2-hour fire-resistance rating is designed to enhance building safety, helping to prevent the spread of fire from one part of the structure to another during that crucial initial period of a fire incident. This allows time for firefighting efforts and emergency procedures to be enacted.

A rating lower than 2 hours would not provide sufficient protection in the event of a fire, whereas a higher rating would typically apply to structures with more stringent fire safety requirements or different construction types. Thus, the correct answer reflects a balance between safety standards and the building's material characteristics in a Type 3 classification.