What is a partition wall and cavity wall

Partitions and Cavity Walls

* A thin wall constructed to divide an enclosed area is known as partition wall. It carries self weight

only. A cavity wall consists of two separate walls with a cavity between them.

* In upper floors, partition walls are built over beams or over concealed beams. In ground floors

brick thick partition wall is built with 1 brick thick plinth which is having a 300 mm wide and 150

mm thick concrete bed.

* The following types of partitions may be built. Brick partition, clay block partitions, concrete

partitions, glass partitions, timber partitions, asbestos sheet partitions, straw board partitions and

metal partitions.

* In cavity walls, as far as possible, cavity should be continuous. The ties are usually placed at 900

mm apart vertically and 450 mm apart horizontally. The advantages of providing cavity are (i)

external moisture does not enter the building, (ii) they provide good thermal and sound insulation.

* Cavity walls are provided at foundation level, at cave or parapet level and at sill and lintel levels.