PARTITION WALL FRAMING ASSEMBLY FOR SUSPENDING GYPSUM BOARD PANELS

A structural frame is provided comprising opposed ceiling and floor channels and spaced apart, C-shaped metal studs extending vertically between the channels. Each stud has its single central web positioned transversely relative to the main plane of the frame. Pairs of short brackets are suspended from the webs of adjacent studs in opposed and vertically spaced relation. Each bracket comprises a horizontal V-shaped wall having downwardly extending side walls which form vertical end edges at the end of the bracket adjacent the web. A plurality of hooks extend from these end edges. A pattern of vertical slots is formed in the stud web and the bracket hooks extend into these slots and attach to the web. The bracket is sized to fit snugly between the side walls of the C-shaped stud, to reinforce these walls so that they do not collapse inwardly when loaded. A gypsum board panel having suspension assemblies attached to its back surface is suspended from the brackets as the suspension assembly clips engage the sloping segments of the bracket's V-shaped wall. The bracket end edges bear against the web and distribute the panel load thereover, so that the stud is not deformed. Each bracket is "single sided" that is, it extends perpendicularly from only one side of the web. Thus a stud and bracket can be used to start a wall from an abutting position with another wall.