Investigating the impact of non-load bearing (nlb) walls on the built-up area and dead load in multi-storeyed residential buildings

Abstract

The Indian housing sector is transforming rapidly. Over the last decade, change is noticeable because we transformed from multifamily independent houses to multi-storeyed dwelling units. There are several reasons behind this transformation, like change in culture, work styles, lifestyles, etc. but the most significant is space availability. A typical multi-storey house has a floor plate, which has multiple Dwelling Units (DU’s). The same configuration of the floor plate is repeated over the floors above it. The structure type is commonly an R.C.C framed in which the walls are Non-Load Bearing functioning merely as partitioning member. The thickness of these Non-Load Bearing partition walls contributes significantly in reduction of Net-Useable area of dwelling unit. It also contributes in the overall dead load of the structure. Thus, this research aims to analyze the configuration of dwelling units (DU’s) of different sizes ranging from 1 Bhk to 4 Bhk spread across different regions in India on the above two parameters. The architectural layout of these DUs has been analyzed in relation to useable and non-useable areas, whose proportion is usually referred to as "Loading”. The study revealed that the a) Internal Layout Design, and b) Partitioning Walls are the two main factors responsible for “Loading”. The outcome of this study will provide a baseline to support efficient space planning and decision-making for the designers and developers thus helps them to manage residential spaces more efficiently