Modular interior partition for a structural frame building

An interior partition system for a structural frame building is disclosed. The structural frame building has a ceiling line that defines a ceiling height of occupiable space within the structural frame building. The interior partition system includes a first, or upper, modular partition assembly and a second, or lower, modular partition assembly. A receptor structure is configured to connect the first modular partition assembly to the second modular partition assembly. The first modular partition assembly has a vertical dimension that exceeds the ceiling height.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to structural framed buildings, and, more specifically to modular components for structural framed buildings.

BACKGROUND

Structurally framed buildings generally include a steel or concrete frame of columns, girders, and beams that support concrete decks. Once installed, the concrete decks form the base of the various floors of the building. Building systems such as walls, facilities components (e.g., electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components), and equipment are then attached to the concrete deck to finish out the building. In the construction of structurally framed buildings, partitions may be inserted after placing the decks to create separate rooms or compartments on each deck. The various rooms may be tailored for specific uses depending on the position, size or other attributes of the partitions used for the rooms.

Non-load bearing partitions in the interior of a building provide a separation between spaces within the building without necessarily providing support to the building structure. Partitions may need to be resistant to fire, smoke and/or sound transmittance according to the various requirements and usages of the building. Partitions may be built from the floor of one building deck to the underside of the structural deck overhead in a contiguous manner to create a barrier to meet fire, smoke, and/or sound ratings.

SUMMARY

An interior partition system for installation between a lower deck structure and an upper deck structure of a structural frame building is disclosed. The structural frame building has a ceiling line that defines a ceiling height of occupiable space within the structural frame building. The interior partition system includes a first, or lower, modular partition assembly for connection to the lower deck structure along a lower edge of the first modular partition assembly, and a second, or upper, modular partition assembly for connection to the upper deck structure along an upper edge of the second modular partition assembly. The interior partition system also includes a receptor structure configured to connect an upper edge of the first modular partition assembly to a lower edge of the second modular partition assembly. The first modular partition assembly has a vertical dimension that exceeds the ceiling height, such that the upper edge of the first modular partition assembly, the lower edge of the second modular partition assembly, and the receptor structure are located above the ceiling line upon installation of the first modular partition assembly, the second modular partition assembly, and the receptor structure in the structural frame building.

Throughout the description, similar reference numbers may be used to identify similar elements. Additionally, in some cases, reference numbers are not repeated in each figure in order to preserve the clarity and avoid cluttering of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While many embodiments are described herein, at least some of the described embodiments present a system and method for constructing an occupiable space in a structural frame building. More specifically, the system is an interior partition system that uses modular partition assemblies to create occupiable spaces on a deck of a structural frame building. In one embodiment, the occupiable spaces are occupied by people and/or objects. The partition assemblies exceed a ceiling height and include upper and lower modular partition assemblies connected by a receptor structure above the ceiling height.

Several variables or issues may affect the construction of a structural frame building. For example, the top portion of a full height wall in the interior of a structural frame building is referred to as the “head of wall condition.” The head of wall condition exists at fire, smoke, and/or sound rated walls and because of variations in the design and construction of concrete decks, the head of wall condition may need to be evaluated individually in each steel framed building to ensure that applicable fire, smoke, and/or sound ratings are met. Acoustical properties may be measured using a sound transmission coefficient and correlate to decibel reduction of noise as it is transmitted through a partition. Fire and smoke resistance ratings may are properties of time, generally between forty-five minutes and four hours that partitions resist the transmission of fire or smoke from one side of the partition to the other.

Additionally, the anchoring of building systems, such as interior walls, facility components, and equipment to concrete decks is typically customized for each individual structural frame building. Further, the onsite customization of anchoring systems does not typically take into account any future needs and/or uses of the steel frame building.

In some conventional structural frame buildings, partitions are typically “stick” built or pre-assembled in panels in an offsite fabrication shop and brought to the site. Coordinating the design of the partition assemblies, internal utility routings, and anchoring/bracing to ensure that the requirements of the many components in combination are met can require tremendous effort. The assembly of the many different components can require valuable resource process time to be expended on each design and construction project that is often lost on future projects and has to be repeated, sometimes with similar errors.

FIG. 1depicts a plan view of one embodiment of a structural frame100of a framed building. The structural frame100may include columns102—which are generally vertical to the surface on which the building sits—and girders104and other support beams106, which are generally horizontal to the surface on which the building sits. Structural frames100and framed buildings are well known in the field.

In one embodiment, the structural frames100are steel frames. In one embodiment, the columns102are “I” shaped steel beams, referred to as “I-beams”. In general, the I-beams may be spaced apart in a grid structure that includes an X-span dimension and a Y-span dimension. For example, X and Y spans in the range of 10-70 feet and X and Y spans in the range of 20-40 feet are common, though other dimensions are possible. The structural frames100may be any type, shape, or material used for framing the framed building. The material for the framed building may include a composite of more than one material.

The spacing of the girders104may be determined by the spacing of the columns102. The spacing of the beams106may be more flexible than the spacing of the girders104. The beams106may be located between pairs of columns102, and additional beams106may be located between columns102.

FIG. 2depicts a plan view of one embodiment of deck structures in the framed building ofFIG. 1. After the structural frame100of the framed building has been assembled, the deck structures—also referred to herein as “decks”—for the framed building may be installed. In one embodiment, the decks include concrete deck assembly modules that are positioned in accordance with the positioning of the columns102, girders104, and beams106so that the decks are supported by the structural frame100.

In one embodiment, the structural frame100is a frame that defines a footprint of an occupiable building. The structural frame100includes at least one lower deck structure200located within the footprint of the frame and at least one upper deck structure202located within the footprint of the frame and supported by the building frame. An interior partition system is installed between the lower deck structure200and the upper deck structure202to define an occupiable space. Partition assemblies may be attached to the upper and lower decks202,200to create occupiable spaces in the framed building. In an embodiment, the interior partition system includes partition assemblies that are not exposed to the outside environment, but are contained within an interior space of the framed building.

In various embodiments, the concrete decks may be pre-fabricated and assembled onsite or formed onsite in the structural frame100. The shape of the decks may be determined by the shape and positioning of the columns102, girders104, and beams106of the structural frame100, as well as the location of the decks in the structural frame100. Additionally, the spacing between the decks may include space for habitation spaces as well as any utility routings, anchors, braces, or other components needed for the operation or structure of the building. In one embodiment, the exact size and shape of the decks is governed in part by at least one of the following parameters: structural performance requirements of the structural frame100; the framing geometry of the structural frame100; transportation requirements of the jurisdictions in which the decks are transported on public roads; and vehicle availability for transport.

FIGS. 3A-3Cdepict side views of embodiments of modular partition assemblies300between decks in the framed building ofFIG. 1.FIGS. 3A and 3Bdepict conventional interior partitioning systems that include a single partition assembly.FIG. 3Cdepicts a modular partitioning system according to the principles described herein.

The interior partitioning system ofFIG. 3Ahas a vertical dimension equal to or approximately equal to a ceiling line302between a lower deck200and an upper deck202. The ceiling line302may be determined by the structural ceiling visible within the habitation space defined by the partition assemblies. The ceiling line302may define a ceiling height of occupiable space within the structural frame building. In an embodiment, the ceiling line302is in the range of 8-10 feet from the lower deck200. For example, a ceiling line302at 8 feet is common. The space above the ceiling line302and below the upper deck202may include utilities, ducts, electrical lines, and/or other components that are not visible from within the habitation space. The interior partitioning system ofFIG. 3Bhas a vertical dimension above the ceiling line302.

The interior partitioning system ofFIG. 3Cincludes two modular partition assemblies—an upper partition assembly204and a lower partition assembly206. The upper partition assembly204is attached to the upper deck202, and the lower partition assembly206is attached to the lower deck200. In one embodiment, the vertical distance between the lower deck200and the upper deck202is in the range of 11-25 feet, the ceiling line302is in the range of 7-11 feet, the vertical dimension of the lower modular partition assembly is in the range of 8-12 feet, and the vertical dimension of the upper modular partition assembly is in the range of 3-12 feet. In one embodiment, the upper and lower partition assemblies204,206are non-load bearing and form non-load bearing walls. Non-load bearing partitions and/or walls are structures of the framed building that are not necessary to support the structural load of the framed building by conducting weight to a foundation structure of the framed building, though non-load bearing walls may bear some load within the structural frame100.

FIGS. 4A-4Cdepict end views of embodiments of partition heads of the modular partition assemblies300ofFIGS. 3A-3C, respectively. The partition head ofFIG. 4Aincludes a conventional partition assembly with a vertical dimension approximately at the ceiling line302. The partition assembly may be attached to the ceiling using a receptor structure604or other fastener at an upper edge of the partition head. The partition assembly may be fastened to a floor on the lower deck200using a similar fastener.

The partition head ofFIG. 4Bincludes a conventional partition assembly with a vertical dimension above the ceiling line302. The partition assembly may be fastened above the ceiling to a bottom surface406of the upper deck202or to some portion of the ceiling using any fastening method, such as a brace400with a heavier gauge than the panels of the modular partition assemblies300. As shown, the partition assemblies300ofFIGS. 4A and 4Bleave a space between the partition head and the bottom surface406of the upper deck202. This space may not meet applicable fire, smoke, or noise ratings because the fire, smoke, or noise may pass through the space above the partition assemblies.

The partition head ofFIG. 4Cincludes upper and lower modular partition assemblies204,206. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the lower partition assembly206extends above the ceiling line302, and the upper partition assembly204may be contained entirely above the ceiling line302. The upper partition assembly204may be attached to the bottom surface406of the upper deck202using a horizontal track402or other fastener. The fastener used to attach the upper partition assembly204to the upper deck202may be fire/sound rated to help prevent fire, smoke, or noise from passing through the partition assemblies. The lower partition assembly206may be attached to a top surface or floor of the lower deck200using a similar horizontal track402or fastener.

The upper partition assembly204is connected to the lower partition assembly206by a receptor structure604at a receptor joint to form a single modular partition or panel that fully extends from the lower deck200to the upper deck202. The upper partition assembly204has a vertical dimension that exceeds the ceiling height. The upper partition assembly204may include an upper receptor structure at a lower edge of the upper partition assembly204that attaches to a lower receptor structure at the upper edge of the lower partition assembly206. The upper edge of the lower partition assembly206, the lower edge of the upper partition assembly204, and the receptor structures604are positioned above the ceiling line302. In some embodiments, the partition assemblies204,206include a brace400or metal strap404that is positioned between or in accordance with the lower receptor structure and the upper receptor structure and attaches to the bottom surface406of the upper deck202. The brace400may provide additional structural support for the partition assemblies204,206. Because the partition assemblies204,206ofFIG. 4Cinclude a head that fully extends to the bottom surface406of the upper deck202, the partition assemblies204,206may meet the requirements for the fire, smoke, or noise ratings for the head of wall condition. Other standards or ratings may apply to which the partition assemblies204,206conform.

FIG. 5depicts a side view of one embodiment of an interior partition system between decks in the framed building ofFIG. 1. In one embodiment, the interior partition system includes modules that form habitation spaces between the lower deck200and the upper deck202. The modules may be created using modular partition assemblies300at one or more sides of the habitation space. In some embodiments, the habitation spaces may have walls formed by a combination of any of load-bearing walls, exterior walls, non-load bearing walls, and interior partition assemblies as described herein.

Modules formed using the interior partition assemblies may be rectangular, square, or a custom shape defined by the partition assemblies. The modules may share walls formed by partition assemblies. In some embodiments, multiple partition assemblies may form a single wall, thus allowing the customization of the size and shape of each module. The modular partition assemblies300may include openings500for doors, windows, vents or other utilities and components in either the upper or lower partition assemblies204,206.

After the modular partition assemblies300have been attached to the upper deck202and the lower deck200and to other modular partition assemblies300, drywall, plaster, and/or other finishings may be applied to the modular partition assemblies300, and the structural frame building may be finished. The type of sheathing used to cover the partition assemblies may be dependent on the specific requirements of the structural requirements and/or use of the space that is enclosed by the partition system. The partition assemblies may receive sheet metal backing plates502in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, many of the in-wall utilities are placed in the lower partition assemblies206, including piping, electric and low voltage services, and other utilities. The utilities may be routed horizontally, vertically, or both horizontally and vertically. Other routing directions may also be used. Larger utility openings500and penetrations may be included in the upper partitions assemblies above the ceiling line302. The modular partition assemblies300may include an anchorage area for wall-hung equipment or accessories, particularly on the lower partition assemblies206below the ceiling line302. The modular partition assemblies300may help streamline overhead mechanical, electrical, and plumbing coordination by providing predictable locations for bracing and other secondary structure members.

FIG. 6depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an interior partition system. The interior partition system includes an upper partition assembly204and a lower partition assembly206with a receptor structure604. In one embodiment, the modular partition assemblies300are made offsite and shipped to the construction site for installation. Each of the upper partition assembly204and the lower partition assembly206may be made using several framing members. The framing members in each of the upper partition assembly204and the lower partition assembly206include a series of parallel vertical studs600and horizontal tracks402. The lower partition assembly206includes vertical studs600that sit in a lower horizontal track402. The vertical studs600may be fixed to the lower horizontal track402before shipping the partition assemblies to the construction site.

The upper and lower partition assemblies204,206are joined at a semi mid-span receptor joint that accommodates inter-story vertical deflection movement when the loading and/or movement of one floor is different than the others, as well as accommodating deviations in on-site construction techniques. The receptor joint may also provide flexibility of the upper and lower components to be joined. This may include shifting the deflection movement of full height partitions from the head of wall to the mid-span, allowing for a site adaptable, tight, non-moving connection that may be made more simply than making the connection and providing movement at the head of wall. The receptor joint may be placed along a datum height on the floor. The datum height provides a point of reference for the lower and upper partition assemblies204to be installed. The receptor structure604may provide traditional double track deflection or slotted track deflection. The receiving track for the lower partition assembly206may allow for non-regular floor-to-floor height.

The location and structure of the interior modular partition assemblies300may be determined using an automated process. Each panel using the modular partition assemblies300may be interchangeable with other panels. Changes in the design or construction of the partition assemblies may be easier to incorporate than conventional systems because the panels are made with a regularized centered dimensioning system (for example, 2″, 3″, 4″ or 5″) to meet the unique needs of the specific installations.

In one embodiment, the horizontal spacing of the vertical studs600is configured such that the partition resists flexural movement in the drywall, as well as the orthogonal deflection in the partition. For example, the horizontal spacing may be no more than twenty-four inches on center. In some embodiments, studs600may be place directly adjacent to one another proximate an opening500in the panel and fastened together to add additional support.

The framing members may be fastened to each other by screwing, pinching, punching or welding the individual pieces based on the structural requirements of the modular partition assemblies300. Anchoring the partition assemblies to the building structure may be determined based on site-specific needs.

In one embodiment, each modular partition assembly has a minimum width of 6 inches and a maximum width of 25 feet. In some embodiments, partition assemblies having a width wider than 25 feet may require a control joint for proper installation. In one embodiment, each of the upper and lower partition assemblies204,206has a maximum height of 10-20 feet.

FIG. 7A-7Cdepict perspective, cross-section, and side views of embodiments of receptor structures604that are used to connect the modular partition assemblies204,206ofFIG. 6.FIG. 7Adepicts a perspective view of the receptor structures604at the mid-span receptor joint between the upper partition assembly204and the lower partition assembly206.

The upper partition assembly204includes an upper receptor structure700at a lower edge of the upper partition assembly204. The lower partition assembly206includes a lower receptor structure702at an upper edge of the lower partition assembly206. In some embodiments, the upper receptor structure700and the lower receptor structure702may be joined to the upper partition assembly204and the lower partition assembly206, respectively. In one embodiment, the lower receptor structure702is adjustably connected to the lower partition assembly206, while the upper partition assembly204may not be fixed to the upper receptor structure700, but rather sits in the upper receptor structure700. Furthermore, the upper receptor structure700and the lower receptor structure702may be fastened together to fix or partially fix the upper partition assembly204with respect to the lower partition assembly206. The upper and lower receptor structures700,702may be fastened together through holes704or slots in the adjoining surfaces of the upper and lower receptor structures700,702.

FIG. 7Bdepicts an end cross-section view of one embodiment of the receptor structures604connecting the upper and lower modular partition assemblies204,206, andFIG. 7Cdepicts a side view of the same embodiment. The gap706shown in the present embodiment may be present when the receptor structures604are first positioned on the respective partition assemblies. In some cases, the gap706may be cause by variations in distance between the lower deck200and the upper deck202due to various construction variables or imperfections.

Vertical slots708in the lower receptor structure702allow the lower receptor structure702to be raised or lowered before fastening the lower receptor structure702to the vertical stud600with a fastener710within one of the vertical slots708. In one embodiment, the lower receptor structure702is fastened to the vertical stud600according to an adjustable vertical position of the lower receptor structure702relative to a fixed position of the lower partition assembly206.

Because the lower receptor structure702is adjustably connected to the lower partition assembly206, a vertical position714of the lower receptor structure702may be adjusted to allow the lower receptor structure702to abut the lower receptor structure702, after which the lower receptor structure702may then be fastened to the lower partition assembly206and to the upper receptor structure700.

FIGS. 8A-8Gdepict perspective, cross-section, developed plan, and undeveloped plan views of embodiments of a lower receptor structure702. The lower receptor structure702may be used in conjunction with the modular partition assemblies300as described herein, though the lower receptor structure702may be used in conjunction with any partitioning systems. The lower receptor structure702includes a number of slots in both sides of the lower receptor structure702. The slots allow the lower receptor structure702to be lowered or raised according to a distance between the lower partition assembly206and the upper partition assembly204after installation in the structure frame building. In one embodiment, a fastener710is inserted into a slot708that aligns with a hole in the vertical stud600after adjusting the lower receptor structure702to a desired vertical position714relative to the lower partition assembly206. In some embodiments, a hole may be punched or created in the vertical stud600after the lower receptor structure702is adjusted to the desired vertical position714.

In one embodiment, the lower receptor structure702includes a tab800on each side of the lower receptor structure702. As shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 8F and 8G, the tabs800are configured as sheathing stops that may fit at least partially between sections of wall sheathing808, such as drywall, positioned next to the upper partition assembly204and the lower partition assembly206. The position of the tabs800in conjunction with the sheathings808may provide improved performance to meet certain fire, smoke, or noise ratings requirements. The tabs800may be a lighter gauge than the rest of the lower receptor structure702. A sealant810, such as an elastic, fire resistant sealant, may be applied between the sections of sheathing808above and below the tabs800to provide additional improvements to fire or other ratings for the partition assemblies. A metal angle806, such as a gypsum wall board trim piece, may be positioned under the tabs800to provide a boundary where the sealant810rests to complete a fire/acoustical boundary system that meets certain fire/sound ratings. The receptor joint may also include a backer rod812to reduce the amount of volume of sealant810required to fill the space between the sections sheathing808, which may reduce the cost of constructing the partitioning system. Other embodiments of tabs800may be used in conjunction with the lower receptor structure702.

FIG. 8Cdepicts a developed plan view of the lower receptor structure702. In one embodiment, the lower receptor structure702is designed within a range of measurements. Various measurements for the lower receptor structure702may include dimensions A, B, C, D, E, and F, as shown inFIG. 8C, in addition to other measurements. According to one embodiment, the lower receptor structure702has dimensions as described below.

Dimension A has a minimum nominal height of 1 inch and a maximum nominal height of 6 inches. Dimension B has a minimum nominal width of 2 inches and a maximum nominal width of 10 inches. Dimension F has a minimum nominal width of ¼ inches and a maximum nominal width of 3 inches. The lower receptor structure702includes a maximum length of 25 feet. The lower receptor structure702has a minimum gauge of 20 and a maximum gauge of 14. The gauge may indicate a thickness of the material used for the lower receptor structure702.

Each slot in the lower receptor structure702has a minimum width802of 1/16 inches and a maximum width802of 3/16 inches. The minimum spacing804between the slots is 1 inch on center and the maximum spacing804is 6 inches on center. Dimension C has a minimum width of ¼ inch, and Dimension E also has a minimum width of ¼ inch. Dimension D, which is the slot length, includes the remaining width of dimension A after subtracting dimensions C and E. The lower receptor structure702also includes holes704to receive a fastener710that attaches the lower receptor structure702to the upper receptor structure700. The holes704may be configured according to the type of fastener used and the spacing of holes704in the upper receptor structure700.

The lower receptor structure702accommodates variations in construction tolerances of onsite conditions. The construction of floors on each deck and undersides of decks may have ranges of tolerances that can be as high as 1 inch within 10 feet. In one embodiment, the lower receptor structure702may absorb a range of variation as much as 3 inches. The lower receptor structure702may be installed at a common vertical height to receive any partition assembly that rises above the ceiling line302.

FIGS. 9A-9Cdepict cross-section, developed plan, and undeveloped plan views of embodiments of an upper receptor structure700. In some embodiments, the upper receptor structure700may be fixed to the upper partition assembly204. In other embodiments, the upper partition assembly204is not fixed to the upper receptor structure700, but rests in a horizontal track formed by the upper receptor structure700. The upper receptor structure700may include an elongated hole704configured to receive a fastener for fastening the upper receptor structure700to the lower receptor structure702. The elongated hole704allows for inline movement capability for the modular partition assemblies300.

The upper receptor structure700may also include openings900in each side for heavier gauge support elements. In one embodiment, the support element may be the brace400as shown inFIG. 4Bor the metal strap404shown inFIG. 4C. The brace400may provide lateral support for the modular partition assemblies300. The brace400may be installed in any of the openings900in the upper receptor structure700. The brace400may be a permanent brace400for the modular partition assemblies300. In one embodiment, the upper receptor structure700includes a minimum nominal width of 2 inches and a maximum nominal width of 10 inches, and a minimum nominal length of 1⅝ inches and a maximum nominal length of 8 inches.

FIGS. 10A-10Bdepict cross-section views of embodiments of framing members in the interior partition system ofFIG. 6. In one embodiment, the framing members include a vertical stud600, as shown inFIG. 10A, and a horizontal track402, as shown inFIG. 10B. In one embodiment, the framing members are made of steel sheet stock metal having a minimum gauge of 26 and a maximum gauge of 12. The steel sheet stock metal may be bent into the desired shape. The vertical studs600sit in the horizontal track402in the lower partition assemblies206and are received by the horizontal track402in the upper partition assemblies204.

In one embodiment, the framing members include a minimum nominal width1002of 3⅝ inches and a maximum nominal width1002of 10 inches. The minimum nominal length1000is 1⅝ inches and the maximum nominal length1000is 8 inches. Other embodiments may include framing members with different sizes than described herein. In some embodiments, the horizontal tracks402may have similar measurements or structure to the upper receptor structures700.

FIGS. 11A-11Bdepict perspective views of various embodiment of a receptor joint for the interior partition system ofFIG. 6. When installed above the ceiling line302, the receptor joint, which includes the lower receptor structure702and the upper receptor structure700, may be laterally braced at specific locations depending on the performance of the individual partition assemblies. The lower receptor structure702and/or the upper receptor structure700may include pre-drilled and threaded attachment points between six inches on center and twenty-four inches on center, according to various embodiments. The receptor structure604may include an optional metal strap404for horizontal bracing, as shown inFIG. 11A. In some embodiments, the bracing may be a temporary bracing during installation of the partition assemblies. In one embodiment, the receptor structure604includes a more substantial lateral brace400with a heavier gauge than the strap metal and the partition assemblies. The brace400may be placed in the openings900in the side of the upper receptor structure700and fastened to the bottom surface406of the upper deck202.

The receptor joint provides vertical deflection between the interior partition assembly and the lower deck200. In one embodiment, deflection includes the movement of one level differentiated by the movement or lack of movement of another floor. For example, one deck may have a live load that causes the entire deck to sag compared to another deck that does not have a similar live load. The difference in loading may cause one of the decks to move and cause deflection/stress in the partition assemblies.

The receptor joint may provide predictability in a building life cycle requirement because the receptor joint provides a common height for all partition assemblies and structurally attaches the partition assemblies to the frame structure.

FIG. 12depicts a side view of one embodiment of the modular partition assemblies204,206ofFIG. 6. In one embodiment, the upper modular partition assembly is installed first, and then the lower modular partition assembly is installed. The upper partition assembly204may be fixed to the upper deck202, and the lower partition assembly206is then moved into place below the upper partition assembly204and fixed to the lower deck200. The upper and lower partition assemblies204,206may be fixed to the upper and lower decks202,200, respectively, using the horizontal tracks402depicted inFIG. 10B.

The upper and lower receptor structures700,702may be placed (but not necessarily fixed) on the corresponding partition assemblies before or after installing the partition assemblies. In one embodiment, the upper and lower receptor structures700,702are slid onto the corresponding partition assemblies after the partition assemblies are fixed to the corresponding decks, and then the upper and lower receptor structures700,702are fixed to each other and to the partition assemblies.

In one embodiment, an upper and a lower partition assembly206are fastened to the respective decks prior to placing the decks in the structural frame100. The placement of the modular partition assemblies300may be such that when the decks are placed in the structural frame100, the upper partition assembly204and the lower partition assembly206are placed sufficiently close to each other to be able to connect the upper partition assembly204to the lower partition assembly206together via the receptor structure604without unfastening either of the modular partition assemblies300from the decks. This may allow some of the framed building to be pre-assembled onsite or at an offsite location.

FIG. 13depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the lower deck200ofFIG. 2. In one embodiment, the lower deck200includes deck attachment elements affixed within the deck at the top surface of the lower deck200. The upper deck202may also include deck attachment elements1300affixed within the deck at the bottom surface406of the upper deck202. The deck attachment elements1300may be distributed within the surfaces of the respective decks in a grid pattern, such that the deck attachment elements1300are spaced at equal intervals according to a predefined configuration before the deck is installed in the structural frame100. The intervals in the grid pattern correspond to specific design requirements of the framed building. In some embodiments, the grid pattern for the upper deck202may be different than the grid pattern for the lower deck200. The deck attachment elements1300provide for quick and easy attachment of the modular partition assemblies300or other building elements to the decks at an array of locations. The attachment elements1300may facilitate independent design requirements to assemble components of a newly constructed framed building. Additionally, the attachment elements1300may be utilized to adapt the building to changes during the building's lifecycle.

In one embodiment, the attachment elements1300are solid tapered and internally threaded cylinders placed in openings or cavities in the decks. In another embodiment, the attachment elements1300include channel tracks that are set within the decks and covered with a cap that may be removed on an as-needed basis. The locations of the channel track may correspond to the specific design requirements of the framed building design criteria. Other embodiments of attachment elements1300may be used in conjunction with the upper and/or lower decks202,200.

The upper partition assemblies204may be attached to attachment elements1300at the bottom surface406of the upper deck202, and the lower partition assemblies206may be attached to attachment elements1300at the top surface of the lower deck200. Other building components may also be attached to attachment elements1300in either the upper deck202or the lower deck200.

FIGS. 14A-14Bdepict perspective views of embodiments of receptor structures on a lower modular partition assembly. As described herein, the lower receptor structure702may include slots in each side of the lower receptor structure702. The slots allow the lower receptor structure702to be placed on the lower partition assembly206during installation or directly after installation of the lower partition assembly206in a lowered position, as shown inFIG. 14A.

When the lower receptor structure702is in the lowered position, a gap706may be present between the lower receptor structure702and the upper receptor structure700. In order to close the gap706and secure the upper and lower partition assemblies204,206to each other, the position of the lower receptor structure702may be adjusted. In one embodiment, a fastener710through one of the slots708in the lower receptor structure702that is used to secure the lower receptor structure702to a vertical stud600in the lower partition assembly206may be loosened while adjusting the lower receptor structure702. As shown inFIG. 14B, a vertical position714of the lower receptor structure702may be adjusted to close the gap706between the lower receptor structure702and the upper receptor structure700. When the lower receptor structure702is in the desired position, the fastener710may be tightened so that the vertical position714of the lower receptor structure702is fixed with respect to the lower partition assembly206.

FIG. 15depicts a side view of one embodiment of modular partition assemblies300between decks in the framed building ofFIG. 1. As described herein, the head of wall condition for the partition assemblies may determine whether the building structure meets various fire, smoke, and/or noise ratings. A conventional partition assembly that spans the full distance between the lower deck200and the upper deck202may leave a space1500at the head of the partition assembly due to the type of joint or because of variations in the distance between the lower deck200and the upper deck202. Smoke1502may pass through the space at the head of the partition assembly, potentially preventing the partition assembly from meeting certain fire or smoke ratings.

The interior partitioning system described herein includes a receptor joint with a lower vertical position on the partition assemblies, thus reducing the chance that smoke1502rising and accumulating at the ceiling will be able to transfer through the partition assembly. Additionally, because the upper partition assembly204is fixed to the upper deck202, rather than to the floor, variations in the distance between the lower deck200and the upper deck202do not affect the position of the upper edge of the upper partition assembly204with respect to the upper deck202. This may allow the upper partition assembly204to be installed flush or approximately flush with the upper deck202, thereby reducing the space between the upper deck202and the partition assemblies.

Various embodiments of a non-load bearing interior partition system for a structural frame building have been described above. The interior partition system may be used in conjunction with a method for constructing an occupiable space in a structural frame100having a lower deck200and an upper deck202and having a ceiling line302that defines a ceiling height of the occupiable space within the structural frame building.

The method includes fastening the lower modular partition assembly to the lower deck200along the lower edge of the lower partition assembly206, and fastening the upper modular partition assembly to the upper deck202along the upper edge of the upper partition assembly204. After installing the upper and lower partition assemblies204,206, the method connects the upper edge of the lower partition assembly206to the lower edge of the upper partition assembly204via the receptor structure604. The upper edge of the lower partition assembly206, the lower edge of the upper partition assembly204, and the receptor structure604are located above the ceiling line302of the occupiable space.

In one embodiment, connecting the lower partition assembly206to the upper partition assembly204via the receptor structure604includes adjusting the receptor structure604to fill a gap706between the upper edge of the lower partition assembly206and the lower edge of the upper partition assembly204. Adjusting the receptor structure604may include adjusting a height or vertical dimension of the receptor structure604relative to the upper edge of the lower partition assembly206.

In one embodiment, connecting the upper edge of the lower partition assembly206to the lower edge of the upper partition assembly204includes securing the receptor structure604to the lower edge of the upper partition assembly204and/or to the receptor structure604to the upper edge of the lower partition assembly206.