Mass timber can be incorporated into all five principal IBC construction types, although the extent and permitted application vary substantially. Therefore, option D is the technically complete answer.
Types III, IV and V provide the broadest opportunities for mass timber structural systems. Type III permits combustible interior building elements, Type IV is specifically organized around mass timber or noncombustible structural elements, and Type V permits structural elements of any material allowed by the code. Type IV includes the tall mass timber classifications IV-A, IV-B and IV-C, together with Type IV-HT.
Types I and II are predominantly noncombustible construction, but they are not absolute prohibitions against every wood or mass timber application. IBC Section 603 identifies permitted combustible materials in Types I and II. In addition, Table 601, Note c, permits heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11 for roof construction—including applicable primary structural frame members—where the required fire-resistance rating is one hour or less.
Consequently, the answer does not mean that a Type I or Type II building may be framed entirely with exposed mass timber. It means that code-compliant mass timber elements can be used in defined applications within each construction type.
References/Topics: 2021 IBC Sections 602.1–602.5 and 603.1; Table 601, Note c; Section 2304.11.
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