Which type of wall supports the weight of the structure above it?

A load-bearing wall is designed to support and carry the weight of the structure above it, including floors, roofs, and any additional loads that may be applied to the building. These walls are critical components of the overall structural integrity of a building, as they distribute weight down to the foundation, preventing structural failure.

In contrast, non-load bearing walls and partition walls do not provide structural support to the elements above them; their primary function is to divide spaces within a structure. Retaining walls, while structural, serve a different purpose by holding back soil and managing earth pressure rather than supporting portions of the building. Thus, the distinction lies in the function of load-bearing walls to carry weight versus the roles fulfilled by the other types of walls.