Slide 10 of 67
Notes:
WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF A SHEAR WALL?
- What are the two functions of a shear wall?
- Example
- Use example of a fishing rod strong enough to pull in a large fish and not stiff – good for fish but not for a house.
- The figure shows strength and stiffness
- Strength
- Shear walls must provide the necessary lateral strength to resist horizontal earthquake forces.
- When shear walls are strong enough, they will transfer these horizontal forces to the next element in the load path below them, such as other shear walls, floors, foundation walls, slabs or footings.
- Stiffness
- Shear walls also provide lateral stiffness to prevent the roof or floor above from excessive side-sway.
- When shear walls are stiff enough, they will prevent floor and roof framing members from moving off their supports.
- Also, buildings that are sufficiently stiff will usually suffer less nonstructural damage.
