A partition wall is a thin wall that is constructed to divide an enclosed space.

It is
usually constructed as a non-load bearing wall that facilitates spatial division and
provides privacy, improved acoustics, and fire separation. Partition walls also bring
flexibility to the building layout.

Figure-1: Gypsum Non-Load Bearing Partition

Walls
Partition walls can be constructed either up to full floor height or up to a height of
2.5m. As mentioned before, they are usually constructed to take their self-weight and
are occasionally used to support the floor joists and roof trusses as well. In such
situations, they are mentioned as load-bearing partition.

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This article explains the requirements and foundation construction features of partition
walls.

Requirement of Partition Walls in Building

Construction
A good quality partition wall must satisfy the following requirements:
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1. The partition walls should provide adequate privacy to the space.

2. The partition wall should be thin so that the maximum floor space is utilized.

3. It should act as a sound barrier.

4. It should be light so that self-weight is less on the structure.

5. It should be strong enough to support the wall fixtures like sinks and washbasins.

6. The partition wall should be able to support any decorative surface.

7. It should be fire and damp proof.

8. It should be rigid enough to bear loads caused due to vibration.

Features of Partition Walls in Building Construction

Partition walls are solid walls that are mainly constructed either using brick or
blockwork or framed construction. The framed partition walls are also called as stud
walls. These are made out of timber, glass, steel, etc. In total, there are around 9 main
types of partition walls used in building construction. 

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Partition walls can be either in-situ, purpose-designed, or modular systems. These

walls can incorporate openings for doors, ducts, windows, wiring, skirting,
architraves, etc.
 Figu
re-2: Load Bearing Partition Walls used to Support Roof Elements
Non-load bearing partition walls are highly flexible. Being light in weight, their
positions can be changed easily without impacting the overall structure of the
building. Depending on the type of partition wall construction, their components can
be used partially or fully in other locations.

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Construction Specifications of Partition Walls

The construction specification of partition wall is dependent on the:

1. Self-weight of partition walls

2. Cost of partition walls

3. The speed of installation

4. The availability of materials

5. The durability and flexibility of partition walls

6. The ease of configuration

7. Requirement of sound resistance

 8. The need to act as a structural support
The partition walls are constructed either over the beam or floors when they are
located on upper floors. When constructed over the floors, additional reinforcement
must be provided in the form of concealed beams.

Different types of light foundations constructed for partition walls placed over the
ground floor are explained below.

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Type 1: Half-brick Partition Wall Raised up to Ceiling's Height

For the type-1 partition wall, a one-brick wall foundation is constructed as shown in
Figure-3. A concrete bed of width 30 cm and thickness 15 cm is laid below the ground
level at a depth of 30 cm. Over this foundation, a one-brick wall is built up to the floor
level as shown in Figure-3.

Figure-3: Foundation Details for

Partition Walls Constructed Over Ground
Type 2: Partition Walls Constructed to Carry Storage Shelves
The foundation for partition walls constructed to carry storage shelves has a width of
30 cm and a thickness of 20 cm. It is built just below the base concrete for the floor.
Below the concrete, sand filling is required, as shown in Figure-4.
 Figure-4: Foundation for Partition
Walls Constructed to Carry shelves
Type 3: Partition Walls for Low Heights
The partition walls that have low heights can be constructed directly over the floor.
Before starting the construction, good sand filling should be provided below the
partition wall over the original ground level.

What are partition walls?

A partition wall is a thin wall that is constructed to divide an enclosed space. It is
usually constructed as a non-load bearing wall that facilitates spatial division and
provides privacy, improved acoustics, and fire separation. It also helps to provide
flexibility to the building layout.

What are load-bearing partition walls?

Partition walls that are constructed to act as a support for roof trusses or floor joists
and for the purpose of spatial division are called load-bearing partition walls in
buildings.

What are the factors affecting construction of partition walls?

The factors affecting the construction of partition walls are:
1. Self-weight of partition walls
2. Cost of partition walls
3. The speed of installation
4. The availability of materials
5. The durability and flexibility of partition walls
6. The ease of configuration
7. Requirement of sound resistance
8. The need to act as a structural support