Types of Walls
Load-Bearing Walls
The supporting structure of the building is all those elements that ensure its static stability, which means that they transfer the weight from the roof to the foundation. The load-bearing structure supports vertical loads, such as the building’s own weight, the weight of non-load-bearing elements (roofing, screeds, cement screeds, flooring…) and the weight of furniture and people. The supporting structure also bears horizontal loads, to which are added the forces of wind and earthquakes. It is generally divided into four large groups: foundation structure, vertical structures, horizontal structures and roof.
Partition Walls
Partition walls are used to divide spaces within a building and do not bear any structural load. These walls are usually lighter and can be made from gypsum board, plywood, or lightweight metal frames. Partition walls offer flexibility in interior design and can be easily installed or relocated. They often include insulation materials to improve soundproofing and thermal performance, enhancing the comfort and privacy of building occupants.
Wall Materials
Masonry walls can be made of stone, brick or other materials such as aerated concrete or various concrete blocks. Load-bearing walls are usually at least 19 cm thick, and the edges of the walls usually have vertical or horizontal joints that run along the joints between the walls or the joints of the ceiling structure and the wall. Hinged connections are elements of protection against earthquakes and traction forces and as such absorb the horizontal load caused by the action of wind and earthquake forces; they are most often made of concrete and steel reinforcement (vertical bars and stirrups), and vertical ties (reinforced bars) can also be placed in the holes of specially designed corner blocks and filled with concrete. The roof is closed with gable or shield walls, and at the very top the attic walls must be finished with inclined or horizontal reinforced concrete connections.
The choice of wall materials includes a variety of options, each with unique properties and applications. Common materials include concrete, stone, brick, wood, and modern composite materials. The selection is often influenced by factors like climate, aesthetic preferences, structural requirements, and budget. Innovations in material science have also introduced eco-friendly alternatives like rammed earth and straw bale, which are gaining popularity in sustainable construction projects.
Types of Walls 
Wall Reinforcement
Reinforcing walls is crucial for increasing their resilience to seismic activities and other structural stresses. Techniques include the embedding of steel rods or the inclusion of reinforcement meshes and fibers within the wall material. These reinforcements help in distributing the loads evenly and preventing structural failures during earthquakes or extreme weather conditions.
Seismic Dampers
Seismic dampers are special devices designed to enhance a building’s resistance to earthquakes. They work by absorbing and dissipating the energy released during seismic events, thus protecting the structure from significant damage. Seismic dampers can be installed in new buildings or retrofitted into existing structures as part of an earthquake readiness plan.
When choosing the right materials and methods for constructing walls,
it is essential to consider local building codes, climatic conditions,
and environmental impacts. The integration of advanced technologies
and sustainable practices can significantly improve
the performance and longevity of building walls.
Expanded polystyrene posts with two metal meshes welded to each other
by steel wire spacers with varying distances from 8 to 25 cm.
This panel is used for the construction of load-bearing walls, as the additional
reinforcement (according to the structural requirements of the construction standard)
and the casting of the concrete are carried out on site. It is applied to multi-story and
single-story buildings and to buildings where there are requirements
for increased thermal insulation.
Wooden construction has become increasingly popular in recent years,
as it is made of environmentally friendly materials and allows the building to “breathe”.
There are two types of wooden structures: skeletal structures, i.e.
structures composed of columns, diagonals for wind protection and
roof beams and massive wooden structures where the entire wall is load-bearing.
In the second case, these are cross-glued (KLH) boards or other glued wooden elements,
which are always prefabricated and manufactured in a factory.
Glulam wood construction is more expensive than frame construction.
In the case of the skeleton, the remaining parts are filled with non-bearing walls,
which may also be made of wood.
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