In structural engineering, a shear wall is a structural element designed to resist lateral forces. It is typically constructed from reinforced concrete or masonry and is intended to resist lateral loads such as wind or earthquake forces. The primary purpose of a shear wall is to transfer lateral loads to the foundation.
On the other hand, a bearing wall is a structural element designed to carry vertical loads. It supports the weight of the building's floors and roof and transfers the weight to the foundation. Bearing walls can be constructed from a variety of materials, including masonry, concrete, steel, and wood.
The key difference between a shear wall and a bearing wall is their primary function. While a shear wall is designed to resist lateral forces, a bearing wall is designed to carry vertical loads. However, some walls can serve as both shear and bearing walls depending on their placement and design.
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