TIMBER PARTITIONS

These partitions consist of a wooden framework either supported on the floor below or by
sidewalls. The framework consists of a rigid arrangement of timber members which may be
plastered or covered with boarding etc. from both sides. Such partitions are not fire
resistant and the timber forming the partition is likely to decay or eaten away by white
ants. With the introduction of new building materials, timber partitions are rarely employed
these days. Broadly speaking, timber partitions may be divided into two different types : 

A. Stud or common partition.
B. Trussed or braced partition.

A. Stud or Common Partition: It consists of a wooden frame comprising of height vertical
upright members called studs which are fixed between two horizontal
members. The horizontal member at the foot of stud is calledsill and the one at its top is
called the head. The studs are stiffened by a horizontal timber piece called
nogging. The studs are generally 10 cm. X 5 cm, in section and are spaced at an average
distance of 30 t045 cm apart. Head and sill are members of varying sizes that are rigidly
Secured to the ceiling joists and floor joists respectively. The door posts have
sufficiently Strong studs, capable of withstanding the Impact due to the usage of the
Opening. The studs or short length verticals prov1ded between the door head and the
partition wall head are termed as punchers. To increase the stability of the partition, the
ends of the head and sill are usually embedded in the sidewalls for a short distance. The
entire weight of the partition is borne by the floor and as such solid support for the sill,
the member must be ensured. The support may be a solid wall or girder or a beam below the
floor. 

B. Trussed partitions: In places where the provision of solid support below the sill is
not possible, the wooden trussed partitions have to be employed. The weight from the
trussed partition walls is borne by the side of walls and thus it may be constructed quite
independent of the floor. Trussed partition wall structure consists of a triangulated
frame-work of horizontal, vertical and inclined wooden members. Suitable means are employed
to make the combination of the members as rigid and stable. Trussed partition comprises of
vertical upright members called studs and horizontal members at top and bottom termed as
head and sill respectively, inclined members called braces and horizontal members
stiffening the ' studs known as Nogging. The ends of the head and sill are made to rest on
the stone template embedded in the wall at ends. The joints are further strengthened by mild steel
straps and bolts.