What type of wall is characterized by supporting only its own weight?

A non-load bearing wall is designed to support only its own weight and does not carry any load from the structure above it. This means that it is not integral to the structural framework of the building and is primarily used for creating divisions within the interior space or for aesthetic purposes.

In contrast, load-bearing walls are essential for supporting the weight of the roof, floors, and any other structures above them. They are critical to the overall integrity of the building. Retaining walls, on the other hand, are specifically designed to hold back soil and support earth. These walls are not involved in the vertical support of building structures. Partition walls serve as dividers within spaces but can sometimes be load-bearing depending on their placement, though, in most typical applications, they are non-load bearing as well.

Thus, the characteristics and functions of a non-load bearing wall distinctly classify it as supporting only its own weight.