Partition Wall

Basics in Building Construction 4(2+2)

Lesson 07 : Walls

Partition Wall

  • A partition wall is a thin internal wall which is constructed to divide the space within the building into rooms or areas.
  • A partition wall may be either non-load bearing or load bearing.
  • Generally, partition walls are non-load bearing.
  • A load-bearing partition wall is called an internal wall.
  • For a load-bearing internal wall, strength is an important factor of design.
  • A partition wall on the other hand, need to be strong enough to support itself under normal conditions of service.
  • Weather exclusion and thermal insulation do not arise as criteria in the design of internal walls. However, sound insulation is an important requirement.
  • A partition wall, separating two adjoining rooms must often provide a barrier to the passage of sound from one to another.
  • An additional requirement in all partition walls is their capacity to support a surface suitable for decoration and which is able to withstand the casual damage by impact to which the occupation of the building is likely to subject them.
  • On ground floors, partitions rest either on flooring concrete or on beams spanning between the main walls.
  • In multi-storied buildings, partitions are supported on concrete beams spanning between columns.
  • The total self weight of partitions may considerably affect the total load carried on the framework and on the foundations.
  • The lighter the partitions, the lighter and smaller will become the structural elements, and the building as a whole will become more economical.
  • The thickness of partitions will affect the amount of usable floor space available in the building.
  • Light and thin partitions often raise problems of sound insulation and fire resistance.
Index
Previous
Home
Next
Last modified: Thursday, 1 March 2012, 5:56 AM