Which structural term refers to a wall that does not bear any load except its own weight?

The term that refers to a wall that does not bear any load except its own weight is a partition wall. Partition walls are non-load-bearing walls that are used to divide spaces within a building. They primarily provide privacy and separation of areas and do not support any additional structural weight from the building above, unlike load-bearing walls, which support the structure itself.

Partition walls can be constructed using various materials, including drywall, wood studs, or other lightweight materials, making them versatile for interior layout modifications. Understanding this distinction is critical for a fire inspector, as non-load-bearing walls may have different fire resistance requirements and implications for fire prevention strategies.

In contrast, a party wall is a shared wall between two adjacent properties that can be load-bearing. Projected windows refer to window structures that extend out from a building's facade, and pitched roofs relate to the design of roofing systems and do not pertain to the concept of load-bearing versus non-load-bearing structures.