Shaft Wall

Definition

A shaft wall is a wall surrounding a shaft, also used loosely as a term for a certain type of drywall system (firewall) used to enclose a shaft.

Purpose

The purpose of a shaft wall is to enclose vertical spaces, such as elevator shafts, wiring, plumbing, and ductwork, providing fire resistance and soundproofing.

Examples of Use

• High-rise buildings use shaft walls to enclose elevator shafts and provide fire-rated separation between floors.
• Hospitals use shaft walls to house and protect medical gas lines, electrical wiring, and plumbing systems.
• Office buildings employ shaft walls to enclose HVAC ducts and other vertical building systems.

Related Terms

• Firewall: A fire-resistant barrier used to prevent the spread of fire between sections of a building.
• Drywall: A construction material used to create walls and ceilings, consisting of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two layers of paper.
• Shaft: An unbroken vertical passage through a multi-story building for elevators, wiring, plumbing, ductwork, etc.

Notes

Shaft walls must meet specific fire-resistance ratings and building codes to ensure the safety and integrity of the vertical spaces they enclose.