What are types of walls?

What are the different types of walls used in building constructions and/or other various engineering practices. Apart from building walls, I know few types such as retaining wall which is applied in various places including but not limited to the landslide-prone areas. Can someone here name all other types of walls that are used in general or engineering practices?

Answer:

Walls are fundamental elements in the construction of buildings, providing structural support, defining spaces, and serving various functional and aesthetic purposes. Different types of walls are used in construction, each designed to meet specific requirements. Here are some common types of walls:

1. Load-Bearing Walls: These kind of walls bear the load of the structure.
   
   • Brick or Masonry Walls: Constructed with bricks or concrete blocks, these walls bear the vertical load of the structure.
   • Concrete Walls: Made of reinforced or precast concrete, these walls provide substantial structural support.
   • Precast Concrete Wall
   • Retaining Wall
   • Pre-panelized Load Bearing Metal Stud Walls
   • Engineering Brick Wall
   • Stone Wall
2. Non-Load-Bearing Walls: These kind of walls don’t bear any structural weight other than its own weight. These wall acts as only the partition wall to separate spaces within the structure.
   
   • Partition Walls: These walls divide interior spaces but do not support any structural load. They are often made of materials like drywall, plywood, or lightweight concrete.
   • Curtain Walls: External walls primarily designed to resist air and water infiltration while supporting only their own weight. They often incorporate glass for aesthetics and daylighting.
   • Hollow Concrete Block
   • Facade Bricks
   • Hollow Bricks

Other Types of Walls:

1. Retaining Walls:
   • Gravity Retaining Walls: Typically made of concrete or stone, these walls use their weight to resist the pressure of soil behind them.
   • Cantilever Retaining Walls: Constructed with a horizontal base and an extended vertical arm, providing stability against soil pressure.
2. Shear Walls:
   • Braced Shear Walls: These walls are designed to resist lateral forces such as wind or seismic loads. Braces or shear panels are added to enhance their strength.
   • Core Wall: Common in high-rise buildings, a core wall is a thick, reinforced concrete wall that provides both vertical and lateral support.
3. Panel Walls:
   • Precast Concrete Panels: Manufactured off-site and transported for assembly, precast panels speed up construction and offer design flexibility.
   • Insulated Concrete Panels (ICP): Comprising a layer of insulation sandwiched between two layers of concrete, ICPs provide both structural support and insulation.
4. Movable Walls:
   • Accordion Walls: Composed of hinged panels that fold like an accordion, allowing for flexible room configurations.
   • Sliding Walls: These walls slide along a track, providing versatility in dividing or opening up spaces.
5. Composite Walls:
   • Double-Wythe Walls: Consist of two layers of masonry, often brick, with a space between them. The gap may be filled with insulation for added thermal performance.
   • Framed Walls: Combining structural framing (wood or metal studs) with sheathing materials like drywall or plywood.
6. Screen Walls:
   • Louvered Walls: Comprising angled slats or louvers, these walls allow airflow while providing privacy and shade.
   • Perforated Metal Panels: Metal panels with punched or drilled holes, offering a balance of transparency and privacy.
7. Earthbag Walls:
   • Constructed using polypropylene bags filled with soil or other locally available materials, often used in sustainable and eco-friendly construction.
8. Soundproof Walls:
   • Double Stud Walls: Constructed with two layers of studs, separated by insulation, to minimize sound transmission.
   • Mass-Loaded Vinyl Walls: Incorporating a dense, thin rubber-like material to block sound transmission.

These are just a few examples of the many types of walls used in construction. The choice of wall type depends on factors such as structural requirements, aesthetic considerations, climate, and building function.