What hazard might occur with lath and plaster walls under fire conditions?

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Multiple Choice

What hazard might occur with lath and plaster walls under fire conditions?

Lath and plaster walls behave differently from solid or modern drywall because the plaster is brittle and often holds moisture. When such walls are heated by a fire, the plaster becomes hot and more prone to cracking. If water is then applied to the heated surface, rapid cooling and the formation of steam inside the plaster can create internal pressure that causes the plaster to crack, spall, or even pull away from the lath. This cracking is the hazard described here, as it can lead to sudden wall failure, exposing hidden fire and increasing danger to anyone nearby. Other wall types can be dangerous in their own ways, but the specific risk with lath and plaster is cracking from the combination of heat and water.

Lath and plaster walls behave differently from solid or modern drywall because the plaster is brittle and often holds moisture. When such walls are heated by a fire, the plaster becomes hot and more prone to cracking. If water is then applied to the heated surface, rapid cooling and the formation of steam inside the plaster can create internal pressure that causes the plaster to crack, spall, or even pull away from the lath. This cracking is the hazard described here, as it can lead to sudden wall failure, exposing hidden fire and increasing danger to anyone nearby. Other wall types can be dangerous in their own ways, but the specific risk with lath and plaster is cracking from the combination of heat and water.

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