Types of Wall in Building Construction

Wall:- Walls are necessary components of every structure. A wall is a structural component that divides a space into two spaces while simultaneously providing safety and shelter from the rain, sun, wind, theft, and other hazards.

• Different Types of Walls are as follows:-

1) Load Bearing Wall:- As the name suggests, the complete structure is supported by walls rather than columns. In general, loads travel from the slab to the beams, then to the columns, and finally to the foundation. Load bearing walls support the entire structure's weight, including the self weight of structural parts. There are also different types of load bearing walls such as: retaining wall, precast concrete wall, masonry wall, stone wall, etc.

2) Non-Load Bearing Wall:- Non-load bearing walls solely hold their own weight and do not support any structural components like beams or slabs. The joists and rafters identify non-load bearing walls. These walls are only used as partitions or to divide rooms from the outside world. It is also referred as internal wall that does not support any other load but its own. There are also different types of load bearing walls such as: hollow concrete block, hollow brick, brick wall, etc.

3) Cavity Wall:- A wall made of two skins of masonry, the outermost part of which can be brickwork or blockwork and the innermost part of which is usually blockwork. A cavity wall provides superior thermal insulation than any other solid wall.

4) Partition Wall:- A partition wall is a non-load bearing internal wall that divides a large space into small spaces. It can be solid, made of brick or stone. It is a framed structure. The partition wall is both a sound barrier and a fire barrier.

5) Panel Wall:- It is a non-bearing wall that is supported by columns or pillars. It is used for aesthetics of the buildings both inside and outside. It remains totally supported at each storey but subjected to lateral loads.