---
title: "Classification of partitions"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_6/building_technology:partition-classification"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/partition-classification
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Classification of partitions

Building Technology · Chapter 9: Finishing works

- Asked in: 2076 Bhadra, 4 marks
- Video: [Types of Walls according to the Materials of Construction | Brick Masonry wall | Stone Masonry wall](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnuCVCaGb_w) — Civil Engineer
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/partition-classification
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-9

## Question

Explain the classification of partitions with respect to materials and loading systems (partition walls and their types).

## Short answer

Partitions are classified by material into brick, block, glass, timber, metal, gypsum board, precast RCC, or fibre cement types. According to loading, they are load-bearing (supporting floor/roof, usually brick, block or RCC) or non-load-bearing (carrying only self-weight, like glass, timber or gypsum).

## Answer

Partitions are classified by the material used, and by whether they carry load.

#### With respect to materials
- **Brick partitions:** plain brick (half-brick), reinforced brick, and brick nogging (bricks in timber frame).
- **Clay or concrete block partitions:** hollow or solid blocks, light and quick.
- **Glass partitions:** glass panes in timber or aluminium frames; fixed, sliding or folding.
- **Timber partitions:** stud and plywood or boards, plain, framed or glazed.
- **Metal partitions:** aluminium or GI sheets on a frame.
- **Gypsum board / plaster slab partitions:** boards fixed on a light metal or timber frame.
- **Asbestos-free fibre cement sheets, straw board.**
- **RCC and precast panels.**

#### With respect to loading
- **Load-bearing partitions:** support the floor or roof above in addition to dividing space; usually brick, block or RCC.
- **Non-load-bearing partitions:** carry only their own weight; usually light materials like timber, glass, gypsum board.

```text
 Brick partition        Stud partition
 |brick|   |            top plate
 |brick|   |            | stud | stud |
 half brick wall        sole plate
```

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. On what two bases are partitions classified?
   A. Material used and whether they carry load
   B. Cost and age
   C. Colour and size
   D. Location only
   Answer: A. Material and loading. (Key point: Classification basis)

2. A load-bearing partition
   A. Is always glass
   B. Supports the floor or roof above as well as dividing space
   C. Carries only itself
   D. Cannot be brick
   Answer: B. They act like walls. (Key point: Load-bearing)

3. Which materials suit non-load-bearing partitions?
   A. RCC only
   B. Concrete columns
   C. Timber, glass, gypsum board
   D. Stone only
   Answer: C. Light materials. (Key point: Non-load-bearing)

4. Brick nogging is
   A. Reinforced slab
   B. Glass frame
   C. Metal sheet
   D. Bricks in a timber frame
   Answer: D. It is a brick partition type. (Key point: Brick nogging)

## Related in Building Technology

- [Requirements and types of partitions](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Apartition-requirements) — Building Technology, chapter 9, asked 2×
- [Short note: Partition walls, types, functions](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Ashort-partition-functions) — Building Technology, chapter 9, asked 2×

## Related in other subjects

- [Lintel loading and arching action in walls](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fdesign_of_timber_and_masonry_structures%3Alintel-load-arching-action-masonry) — Design of Timber and Masonry Structures, chapter 5
- [Classification of bridges by structure, material, loading](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftransportation_engineering_ii%3Abridge-classification-structure-material-loading) — Transportation Engineering II, chapter 5
- [Classification of engineering materials](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fmaterial_science%3Aclassification-of-engineering-materials) — Material Science, chapter 1
- [Soil classification systems](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsoil_mechanics%3Acommon-classification-systems) — Soil Mechanics, chapter 3, asked 3×