Structural Engineering · Engineering Glossary
A shear wall is a vertical structural element — typically plywood-sheathed wood framing, reinforced concrete, or reinforced masonry — that resists horizontal (shear) forces from wind and seismic loads in the plane of the wall. Shear walls are the primary lateral force resisting system for wood-frame and masonry buildings.
A wood structural panel shear wall works by transferring lateral forces through the plywood or OSB sheathing into the framing, with nailing patterns specifically designed to develop the required shear capacity. The shear capacity of the wall depends on the panel thickness, nail size and spacing, and the blocking or framing the nails connect to. At the ends of shear walls, holdowns resist the overturning tension force, while compression posts carry the overturning compression force. In concrete and masonry shear wall buildings, the walls are reinforced with horizontal and vertical rebar to carry the shear forces. Apex Grid's structural engineers design shear walls for all building types across all seismic and wind zones.
Apex Grid Engineering maintains this glossary as a resource for architects, contractors, developers, and property owners who encounter unfamiliar engineering terminology on their projects.
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