Question

1. What is the difference between a Bearing Wall and Non Bearing Wall? Draw an example of each 2. What are the components that are considered "Dead Load" on a building?

Answer 1

1

Non Bearing Walls

Non-load bearing walls are walls inside a property that do not support any structural weight of a building. They do not bear any other weight of the property’s structure other than its own. Also referred to as “curtain walls”, non-bearing walls are used primarily as room dividers, and generally serve no other purpose. They can be easily identified by simply looking at the joists and rafters in your attic or basement. If they run parallel to the wall, they are most likely non-load bearing walls. You can do whatever you like to non-load bearing walls since they are not responsible for the gravitational support for your property. But removing, or even cutting into, a load-bearing wall can be a dangerous and costly mistake.

Bearing Walls

In contrast to non-bearing walls, load bearing walls are erected to provide structural support for a residential or commercial property. It is possible to bring down an entire home by removing or cutting into just one load-bearing wall! So be sure you know the difference between the two in order to avoid jeopardizing your property’s structural stability. If the rafters or joists in your basement or attic run perpendicular to the wall in question, they are most likely load-bearing. It is wise to consult a licensed general contractor about your remodeling and renovation needs. They can guide you through the process of setting a budget, organizing services, and ensuring quality results.

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2

ASCE 7-05 3.1.1 defines dead load as consisting "... of the weight of all materials of construction incorporated into the building...". This is generally considered to mean that anything that is a fixed part of the structure is a dead load. To be considered dead load, an item must be physically attached to the structure.  

One test that generally works is that if it can be moved without cutting it loose or detaching it from the structure then it is not a dead load.

Components that can be considered to be dead load include construction materials that make up the building (beams, columns, floor systems, ceiling systems, wall systems, doors, windows, floor coverings, wall coverings, cabinets, and the like) and permanently attached equipment such as heating and ventilating systems, electrical trays, piping, etc.