Shear wall
A shear wall is a braced wall panel designed to resist lateral forces such as wind or earthquake in the plane of the wall.
A shear wall is a braced wall panel designed to resist lateral forces such as wind or earthquake in the plane of the wall.
Definition
A shear wall is a wall that resists forces pushing along its length, using sheathing, straps or diagonal members fixed to the framing and anchored down to the foundation. It acts as a stiff panel in the structural system.
A plain example
In a framed building, a designer may mark certain wall lines as shear walls. Structural sheathing is nailed or screwed at a set pattern, and hold-down anchors tie the ends of the wall to the structure below. Those wall lines then take most of the lateral load.
Why it matters
Shear walls decide where walls cannot be moved or cut without checking. A client who wants to open a wall for a doorway may find it is part of the lateral system, which needs the engineer of record before any change.
Common confusion
People often assume any load-bearing wall is a shear wall. They are different jobs: a load-bearing wall carries vertical load, while a shear wall resists lateral load. One wall can do both, but not necessarily.
On a project
Look for shear wall tags on the structural plans and the schedule that gives sheathing type, fastener pattern and hold-down details. Keep those walls clear of added openings unless the engineer has reviewed the change.
Quick answers
- Is every load-bearing wall a shear wall? No. One carries vertical load and the other resists lateral load. A wall may do both.
- Can I cut an opening in a shear wall? Only after review by the engineer of record and approval from the local authority.
- What do shear walls need at their ends? Typically anchorage that ties the wall down. Details come from the structural design.
Related terms
Always check the project drawings and specification, and confirm requirements with the engineer of record and the local authority.
Questions people ask
Is every load-bearing wall a shear wall?
No. One carries vertical load and the other resists lateral load. A wall may do both.
Can I cut an opening in a shear wall?
Only after review by the engineer of record and approval from the local authority.
What do shear walls need at their ends?
Typically anchorage that ties the wall down. Details come from the structural design.
Sources and further reading
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