Shear wall
A shear wall is a structural panel that can resist lateral forces acting on it.
Lateral forces are those that are parallel to the plane of the wall, and are typically wind and seismic loads. In simple terms, lateral forces could push over parallel structural panels of a building were it not for perpendicular shear walls keeping them upright.
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.
Shear walls are particularly important in large, or high-rise buildings, or buildings in areas of high wind and seismic activity.
Shear walls are typically constructed from materials such as concrete or masonry. Shear forces can also be resisted by steel braced frames which can be very effective at resolving lateral forces but may be more expensive.
Shear walls can be positioned at the perimeter of buildings or they may form a shear core – a structure of shear walls in the centre of a building, typically encasing a lift shaft or stairwell.
Lateral pressures tend to create a rotational force on the shear wall which, due to the shear wall acting as one member, produces a compression force at one corner and a tension force at another. When the lateral force is applied from the opposite direction, this ‘couple’ is reversed, meaning that both sides of the shear wall need to be capable of resolving both types of forces.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Protective construction clothing for women
It shouldn't be so difficult to find PPE that fits properly.
Pivoting infrastructure technology stands up to the test of time.
Report on the construction sector in Ireland
TASC/CIOB study looks at post-pandemic struggles and trends.
Revised targets for Carbon Budget 6
The Government announces recalibrated goals.
ECA proposes strategies for the present and the future.
Paul Morrell to lead independent review of the construction products testing regime.
Standard will help employers foster wellbeing and manage psychosocial risks.
The United Nations has approved the IFSS common principles
Global fire standards for safety of people and property.
An introduction to the 5 core principles of lean.
Civil engineers and environmental methods of construction
Can the profession use its skills to save the world from climate change?
How faulty science resulted in sanitation reform.
Conserving the Hilda Besse Building
Improving facilities, accessibility and overall appearance.
BSRIA IAQ topic guide published
Free download of TG 12/2021 available.
Electrotechincal mentors wanted
TESP works with The Youth Group to form skill sharing network.
Receive the Designing Buildings newsletter
Click the button to subscribe.