Ceiling Hung Partitions

Mounting bars are the primary hardware used to connect ceiling hung pilasters to the ceiling. They play a crucial role in the stability and installation of the partition system.

The mounting bar width matches the pilaster’s thickness. For example, a 1.25″ thick pilaster would use a 1.25″ wide mounting bar.

It is preferable to use pilasters at least 7″ wide in ceiling hung configurations, even if it means sacrificing some aesthetic preferences.

Pilasters less than 6″ wide use mounting bars with a single notch, one connecting bolt, and a 0.25″ diameter hole for a set screw to help hold the bar stable. These narrow pilasters require a perpendicular component or wall for bracing on the non-bolt side.

Pilasters 6″ wide and wider use mounting bars with notches on either end and two connecting bolts. This dual-bolt configuration provides increased stability.

By carefully considering these factors related to mounting bars and pilaster width, designers and installers can ensure the proper stability and functionality of ceiling hung partition systems.

Ceiling hung partitions are stabilized by connecting to ceiling anchor points, which are the primary source of stability for these partitions. These anchor points are typically threaded rods (also known as “allthread”). which connect to structural steel. The structural steel must be within 2 inches of the ceiling, above the hard lid/gypsum to ensure proper support and safety.

Note that suspended (or “ACT”) ceilings usually lack solid anchor points near the top of the pilasters, so these ceilings are not compatible with ceiling hung partitions, at least not without extra work.

The exact placement of the anchor points is specified as part of the partition submittal package in the “ceiling bolt pattern” drawings (sample below with the bolt locations highlighted by red squares).

Ceiling anchors (usually threaded rods) connected to the tops of pilasters are the primary load-bearing connections and sources of stability for this mounting style. Pilasters connected to these anchors have a lot of leverage if force is applied to the bottom of the pilaster. This leverage can translate into unstable pilasters and loose nuts at the anchor point.

In order to limit this leverage, ceiling hung pilasters are not allowed to be longer than 96”. If the gap between the bottom of the pilaster and the floor is 12”, then this rule limits the ceiling height to 108”. If the floor gap is less, then the ceiling height would need to be correspondingly lower.

Extra partition stability can be achieved with the use of transoms, as these provide a rigid connection between pilasters and greatly reduce how much they can move.

Cross pilasters and brace pilasters are additional structural elements used to provide stability in certain ceiling hung configurations, particularly in inline alcove stalls.

Purpose

These pilasters enhance structural stability in configurations that may lack sufficient support. They are particularly useful in ceiling hung inline alcove stalls to reduce motion in strike pilasters.

Dimensions

Width: Cross pilasters should be at least 8″ wide. Brace pilasters should be at least 6” wide.

Height: Cross or brace pilaster height should match the height of other pilasters in the restroom.

Thickness: Cross or brace pilaster thickness should match the thickness of other pilasters in the restroom.

Installation Considerations

These pilasters attach to panels and other pilasters using the same bracket type as the rest of the pilasters in the partition.

Where cross pilasters are used, alcove clips may not needed, but additional one-ear and two-ear brackets will be required.

Design Considerations

When introducing a cross pilaster next to an ambulatory stall, care must be taken to ensure the cross pilaster does not interfere with ADA requirements.

If a stall providing a brace pilaster is an ambulatory stall, consider relocating the ambulatory stall to a different location if possible. If relocation is not possible, a cross pilaster might be a better solution to maintain ADA compliance.

By incorporating cross pilasters or brace pilasters into ceiling hung partition designs, architects and designers can ensure stability and functionality where there might otherwise be excessive movement or insufficient support.