Shear force
A shear force is a force applied along the surface, in opposition to an offset force acting in the opposite direction. This results in a shear strain. In simple terms, one part of the surface is pushed in one direction, while another part of the surface is pushed in the opposite direction.
This is different to compression, which occurs when the two opposing forces are pushing into each other at the same point (i.e. they are not offset), resulting in compressive stress.
When a structural member experiences failure by shear, two parts of it are pushed in different directions, for example, when a piece of paper is cut by scissors.
Large or high-rise buildings must be designed with shear walls to provide resistance to shear forces, which might otherwise push over parallel structural elements of a building, in what is known as racking. For more information, see Shear wall.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bearing capacity.
- Bending moment.
- Biaxial bending.
- Building foundations.
- Concept structural design of buildings.
- Defects in construction.
- Lateral loads.
- Limit state design.
- Moment.
- Point of contraflexure.
- Racking.
- Settlement.
- Shear wall.
- Structural principles.
- The design of temporary structures and wind adjacent to tall buildings.
- Types of structural load.
- Wind comfort simulations.
Featured articles and news
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Comments