A shear wall is designed to resist what type of forces?

A shear wall is specifically engineered to resist lateral forces acting parallel to its plane. These lateral forces typically arise from wind or seismic activity, which can cause a structure to sway or shift. The design of shear walls is critical in maintaining the stability of a building by transferring these lateral loads down to the foundation, helping to prevent structural failure during extreme conditions.

The function of shear walls is distinct from resistance to vertical forces or axial loads, which primarily bear the weight of the structure above, or torsional forces, which result from twisting motions. Therefore, while shear walls may influence how a building handles various types of forces, their primary purpose and design focus is on resisting lateral forces, making the correct choice clear in the context of structural engineering principles.