How high are attic spaces usually in bow strung construction?

In bowstring truss construction, attic spaces typically range from 10 to 20 feet in height. The design of bowstring trusses features a curved upper chord that creates a significant vertical space in the middle, which is advantageous for housing mechanical systems or additional storage. This increased height also plays a critical role in fire behavior and smoke movement within the structure.

Understanding the range of heights is important for fire ground operations. A height of 10 to 20 feet provides an environment where heat and smoke can accumulate, affecting visibility and making suppression efforts more challenging. Fire crews need to be aware of these dimensions to plan effective entry and ventilation strategies.

While other height ranges such as 5-10 feet or 20-30 feet might occur in various structures, they do not accurately represent the typical heights found in bowstring construction, which is primarily characterized by the aforementioned 10 to 20 feet range. Such knowledge assists fire captains in assessing structural risks and implementing appropriate tactics during emergency responses.