Which type of wall is designed specifically to limit the spread of fire?

The type of wall designed specifically to limit the spread of fire is a fire wall. Fire walls are constructed to provide a barrier against the passage of fire and heat, effectively compartmentalizing buildings to prevent fire from spreading from one area to another. These walls are usually made of fire-rated materials and are engineered to withstand fire for a specific time period, offering occupants a safe escape route and allowing firefighters time to address the situation. Additionally, fire walls are often extended through the roof and may reach to the ground to create a continuous fire-resistant structure.

In comparison, other types of walls serve different purposes. A party wall is shared by two adjacent buildings and may not necessarily have fire-resistant capabilities. Structural walls provide support for a building, but their primary function is not fire resistance. Shear walls are designed to resist lateral forces, such as those from wind or earthquakes, and while they may have some fire-resistant properties, they are not specifically intended to limit fire spread.