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Structuralaka: structural wall

Shear Wall

In Plain English

A stiff vertical wall that resists wind and earthquake forces from pushing a building sideways.

Definition

A vertical structural element designed to resist lateral forces such as wind and earthquake loads through in-plane shear action. Shear walls act as deep vertical beams, transferring horizontal forces from the diaphragm above to the foundation below. They may be constructed of concrete, masonry, wood structural panels, or steel plate.

Example

Reinforced concrete shear walls in the building core carry seismic loads from all 12 floors down to the mat foundation.

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