No combustible structural member may penetrate through which type of wall?

• A. Curtain Wall
• B. Fire Wall
• C. Exterior Wall
• D. Interior Partition

Answer: (B)

Fire walls are designed to stop the spread of fire between building compartments and must remain continuous and fire-resistant for the duration of the rating. Because of their protective role, allowing a combustible structural member to pass through would create a path for heat and flames to bypass the wall, compromising its integrity and potentially letting fire leap to the adjacent section. Therefore, penetrations by combustible structural members are not allowed through a fire wall; any needed openings must use firestop systems and noncombustible or protected members to preserve the wall’s rating. Other wall types, such as curtain walls, exterior walls, or interior partitions, do not serve the same explicit fire-separation function and may accommodate penetrations under their respective design requirements.