Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
Separating and
compartment walls
This chapter deals with separating
and compartment walls in all
building types and in all forms of
construction. The main performance
criteria relate to sound insulation and
fire resistance, though there are cases
where separating walls become
external walls where thermal
insulation is also relevant (Figure
6.1). Deficencies do exist, however,
in many cases: while it may be
practicable to upgrade existing walls
for increased performance, the most
satisfactory solution is to have built
them correctly in the first place.
The term separating wall has been
used as the generic term. Where a
separating wall is in common
ownership it is termed a party wall,
but the various quasi-legal
responsibilities of surveyors acting
for owners of party walls in
pursuance of the Party Wall Act 1997
are not covered in this topic.
Figure 6.1
Stepped-and-staggered separating walls under construction
