5 psf lateral load for Hanging Partition 1

[BatMan]

So...I may be thinking too much or completely in a different world here.
IBC requires 5 psf lateral load for a partition. I believe it has something to do with pressurization from HVAC or pressure differential.
What about for a hanging partition? Is it still applicable? Wouldn't this be essentially a pendulum? Any thoughts?

 

[EngineeringEric]

Partition walls are non-bearing interior walls. if they had no lateral load they could 1 layer of gypsum... the 5psf is to account for occupants and maybe some lateral (wind gust or seismic) that can happen inside.

for a hanging partition, i assume you mean one of the movable varieties... i would say yes but that shouldn't really govern design as deflection and dynamic loads will take precedent.

 

[KootK]

My understanding of the 5 psf is the same as OP's: small pressure differentials, usually due to HVAC. I'd be inclined to apply the load to both the partition and its supports. Of course, should the partition actually be compelled to swing like a pendulum, air would quickly spill from one side to the other and the pressure differential would be equalized. In many cases, I suspect they the air seal across the wall would be non-existent / modest. Certainly, I wouldn't be trying to design the hanging connection to prevent the wall from swinging.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[BatMan]

Thank you for validating my sanity. I almost did try to design for rotation.

 

[structSU10]

A lot of the operable partitions have seals at the base and edges, especially if they must meet a specific sound rating. The past few I have done give you a pressure that the seals exert on the floor and wall. The iffy thing is how the partition is hung from the support - its usually just rods and is pretty flexible itself.

With all that said, most of the time the partition beams I do is not attached to a diaphragm, and so I put a hat channel on for bracing help, and help for the lateral load.

 

[structSU10]

A lot of the operable partitions have seals at the base and edges, especially if they must meet a specific sound rating. The past few I have done give you a pressure that the seals exert on the floor and wall. The iffy thing is how the partition is hung from the support - its usually just rods and is pretty flexible itself.

With all that said, most of the time the partition beams I do is not attached to a diaphragm, and so I put a hat channel on for bracing help, and help for the lateral load.

 

[jayrod12]

Our standard hanging partition detailing usually takes into account the lateral force. Since they are typically installed where there is dropped ceiling tile, this ends up meaning some sort of diagonal brace up to the joists.