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tiles are placed. Special fittings (edge details) are manufactured for intersections at structural
columns and the walls. The support grid is set out and levelled using a laser level. The grid
can be exposed, semi-concealed and fully concealed (Figure 10.4 and Photograph 10.4).
Maintenance
Careless handling and repositioning within the grid may damage tiles. To maintain an
attractive finish, damaged tiles will need to be replaced. Tiles may also become dusty and
marked through careless handling; thus some cleaning may be required.
10.4 Internal partition walls
Internal partition walls are used to create discrete areas within large interior spaces. A wide
variety of proprietary systems are available, which are designed for different uses and for
different quality levels. Alternatively partition walls may be constructed as a framed structure
(in timber or mild steel) or as a masonry wall (brick or block). In office developments, the
emphasis tends to be on flexibility and future adaptability of the workspace, while in industrial
units, emphasis tends to be more on durability and ability to withstand minor impacts.
The term ‘partition wall’ is used rather loosely in the construction sector to cover both
loadbearing and non-loadbearing internal walls. These have already been described in
Barry’s Introduction to Construction of Buildings. In the context of this chapter, we have
limited the description of partition walls to some of the more flexible and adaptable systems
that are used in commercial developments.
Functional requirements
Partition walls may be free-standing units positioned on the floor, tied to the structural
floor, or tied to the structural floor and the ceiling structure. In buildings with a high roof,
e.g. conversion schemes, it is not uncommon for the partition wall to be supported off the
floor only and a suspended ceiling installed to create a sensible ceiling height in relation
to the room proportions. Alternatively partition walls may be used to define space only,
supported off the floor and without the need for ceilings. All partition wall systems need
to be structurally stable and, especially in office space, easy to reposition without causing
damage to floor or ceiling finishes.
Functional requirements are:
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Flexibility
Adaptability
Structural stability
Other performance requirements, which the partition wall may need to address, include:
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Fire resistance
Resist the spread of fire
Accommodate services
Provide required acoustic and thermal insulation