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shear wall |
Also found in: Wikipedia | 0.09 sec. |
shear wallIn building construction, a rigid vertical diaphragm capable of transferring lateral forces from exterior walls, floors, and roofs to the ground foundation in a direction parallel to their planes. Examples are the reinforced-concrete wall or vertical truss. Lateral forces caused by wind, earthquake, and uneven settlement loads, in addition to the weight of structure and occupants, create powerful twisting (torsional) forces. These forces can literally tear (shear) a building apart. Reinforcing a frame by attaching or placing a rigid wall inside it maintains the shape of the frame and prevents rotation at the joints. Shear walls are especially important in high-rise buildings subject to lateral wind and seismic forces. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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This office tower also features a 12-inch-thick concrete shear wall that completely encases the fire stair above the building's mezzanine floor. A tilt-up concrete shear wall braces a wood-frame structure, and a steel frame supports the cantilever. A plywood shear wall left uncovered save a coat of varnish reveals its structural function and also makes for a beautiful wall covering. |
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