Partition walls separate and divide space, but do not bear or transfer the load of the building. We are talking primarily about structures with small thicknesses and lower dead weight. However, these structures are still subject to several static, functional, and acoustic requirements, which vary in importance depending on the exact role of the partition wall. If the partition wall's dead load does not require it, it is not necessary to provide support for its loads. However, above 1.5 kg/m² (!) of weight, the floor system below must have an appropriately-sized beam or, in the case of a plate in contact with the ground, must have a foundation that can transfer the loads to the adjacent beams, load-bearing walls, or footings.
Traditional brick partition walls
Shiner and Sailor wall
The minimum thickness of brick partition walls can be built with shiner or sailor courses. In a standard bond, the wall's stability can only be ensured by incorporating steel wire reinforcement every two courses, which passing through the mortar joints, anchors the wall to the load-bearing walls or piers. A herringbone bond is a more stable solution structurally than the standard bond. Additionally, horizontal elements can be integrated into the adjacent load-bearing walls with pockets. (toothing!)
Half unit wall
The 12-centimeter-thick wall is built with lime mortar, following the general rules of wall bonding. To strengthen the structure, every second course is connected to the adjoining load-bearing walls using a pocket. (toothing!) Wedge the walls into the slab from above with wooden wedges, ensuring stability. In case the brick partition wall is laid onto a reinforced concrete slab with direct contact with the ground, the slab needs appropriately-sized reinforcement under the line of the wall, which can be further strengthened by increasing the local thickness of the slab. In the case of an intermediate slab, the minimum requirement is the sizing of the reinforcement of the monolithic reinforced concreting. (timing!)
Partition walls made of clay partition blocks
When building partition walls made of clay partition blocks, it is advisable to use the same system and type as the load-bearing wall itself. This simplifies the coordination of height dimensions. The connection between the partition wall and the load-bearing wall can also be constructed more easily. The blocks' typical thickness is 10, 12, or 20 centimetres, and their typical length is 50 centimetres. In addition, there are special soundproofing partition blocks with a thickness similar to that of load-bearing walls and a higher airborne sound insulation value.
For partition blocks, the same masonry rules as for load-bearing clay blocks will apply:
-
Traditionally, the typical block height is 23.8 centimetres. Calculated with 1.2 centimetres thick conventional mortar, the planned height of a course is 25 centimetres.
-
In contrast, modern flat-ground blocks built with a 1-millimetre thick thin-bed mortar or adhesive have a height of 24.9 centimetres to achieve the planned 25-centimetre course height. To achieve the required precision and perfect levelling, the base mortar layer is 1 to 4 centimeters thick, and a levelling set is used.
-
In both cases, the blocks must be dampened before being placed in the bonding material.
-
When designing the joints: keep a half offset, avoid using less than a quarter bat and try to keep the cut elements in the middle of the grid.
-
We start the wall ends with a half bat every second row.
In the case of 10-12-centimetre thick clay partition walls too, the monolithic reinforced concreting of the slab requires individually-sized reinforcement along the line of the walls. Where a slab makes contact with the ground, a specially-sized reinforced slab is required. Structural thickening is also required if confirmed by structural calculations. For partition walls of 20 centimetres thickness or more, a monolithic reinforced concrete downstand or upstand rib should be formed in the slab. If the slab is in contact with the ground, a separate strip footing should line the partition wall.
When constructing clay partition blocks, it is important to provide the right stiffness and stability. Their connection between the load-bearing walls and the slab is crucial. In this case, wedge the walls to the concrete slab with wooden wedges.
When connecting a partition wall with a load-bearing wall, one of the following connections is required:
1. Tooth Connection (Interlocking Courses)
This method involves creating staggered connections (toothing) by embedding every second course of the partition wall into the load-bearing wall.
-
This can only be done using blocks of identical height—usually from the same block system.
-
Pockets approximately 6–10 cm (!) deep and the width of the block are carved into the load-bearing wall beforehand.
-
For walls constructed with traditional mortar, Φ2 mm (!) (or greater) steel wire is laid into every second horizontal joint (bed joint), extending from the pockets and fixed with nails into the load-bearing wall.
-
No additional reinforcement is required when using flat-ground (precision-cut) blocks with this method.
2. Groove Connection (Vertical Slot)
A full-height groove, approximately 5–8 cm (!) deep, is cut into the face of the load-bearing wall.
-
The partition wall is then started within this groove and set in place using mortar.
-
This method is particularly suitable for sound-insulating partition walls.
-
When using conventional masonry with 1.2 cm (!) thick mortar joints, Φ2 mm (!) steel wire is laid into every course or every second course within the bed joints.
-
When using flat-ground blocks, reinforcement wire is not required or feasible.
3. Butt Joint (Surface Contact)
In this method, the partition wall abuts the load-bearing wall, separated by a 1.5 cm (!) head joint filled with mortar.
-
The two walls must still be mechanically connected.
-
With traditional mortar joints, Φ6–8 mm (!) reinforcing bars are placed vertically in the head joint, and Φ2 mm (!) steel wire is tied between the bars in every course or every second course.
-
For flat-ground block constructions, pre-installed steel wall ties are embedded in the main wall during construction. These are positioned in the horizontal joints of each course and folded down to connect with the partition wall once it's built.
Aerated Concrete Partition Walls
When using aerated concrete blocks for partition walls, we should use the same systems and types as the main wall to ensure that the height dimensions are coordinated. Similar to load-bearing blocks, aerated concrete blocks for partition walls are typically 20 centimetres high, 60 centimetres long, and 10, 12.5, or 15 centimetres thick. They are available in flat-ground and tongue-and-groove versions. Due to low deadweight of the walls, additional reinforcement should be placed in the screed or the monolithic reinforced concreting. (ONLY!!!!) The preferred solution for connecting to load-bearing walls is a full-height groove filled with mortar to achieve the best bonding and sound insulation. The recommended solution for fixing it to the concrete ceiling slab is the ‘flexible’ connection, where a U-profile guide rail is anchored to the slab, fixing the closing elements on both sides. Flexible filler material such as mineral wool is placed between the slab and the closing elements.
