What types of forces do shear walls resist?
• Shear walls resist two types of forces: shear forces and uplift forces. • How do horizontal forces enter the building? • Horizontal forces are transferred from the ground to the structure above it by the connections to the shear wall. • The strength of the lumber, sheathing and fasteners must resist these shear forces or the wall will tear or shear apart as shown in the figure. • Discussion of figure • Point out shear in plywood. • Note that the shear occurs in line with the window opening. This is very common, as it represents a weak area.
