Requirements and types of partitions

Internal partitions

A partition is a thin wall that divides a floor space into rooms. It is usually non-load-bearing, carries only its own weight, and is built of brick, block, timber, glass, metal or a similar light material.

Requirements of a good partition

• Light in weight and thin, so that it takes up less floor space.
• Strong and stable enough to carry its own weight and resist normal impact.
• Fire resistant, with good sound insulation.
• Resistant to termites, damp and rot.
• Easy, quick and cheap to construct.
• Smooth and good-looking, and able to take plaster or paint.
• Allows pipes and wiring to be run through it.

Classification

By material:

• Brick partitions: plain, reinforced or brick nogging; about 10 cm thick.
• Clay or concrete block partitions: hollow blocks.
• Glass partitions: glass panes in wooden or aluminium frames.
• Timber partitions: studs with plywood or boards, framed or plain.
• Metal partitions: aluminium or steel sheets on a frame.
• Plaster slab / gypsum board partitions.
• Asbestos / fibre cement and straw board partitions.
• RCC partitions.

By loading system:

• Load-bearing partitions: carry the load of the floor above (act as walls).
• Non-load-bearing partitions: carry only their own weight.

 Timber stud partition
  top plate ==============
   | stud  | stud  | stud |
   |-nogging-------------|
  sole plate =============