Supported wall
A supported wall is a wall to which lateral support is afforded by a combination of a vertical support structure acting in conjunction with roofing elements or floor joists.
These vertical supports can come in several forms, including:
- Buttressing walls. This type of wall is designed and constructed to provide support from its base to the top of the wall. This affords support to the wall that is perpendicular to it. For more information, see Buttress.
- Piers. These are upright supports for a structure or superstructure, but they can also be the sections of load-bearing structural walls between openings and different types of columns. For more information, see Piers.
- Chimneys. These structures consist of a wall or walls that enclose one or more flues. For more information, see Chimney definition
For some types of supported walls, providing vertical support to the wall from existing floor joists may not always be sufficient. In these instances, it may be necessary to incorporate adequately supported beams, in particular if the supported wall is being used to assist with load bearing.
NB The term ‘supported wall’ is not synonymous with 'supporting wall', which is more commonly referred to as a load-bearing wall. For more information, see Load-bearing wall.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.