Building Code Glossary
Shear Wall: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009 define shear wall, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Shear wall is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Wood. The code's own words are: “A wall designed to resist lateral forces parallel to the plane of a wall.” The IRC 2009 words it differently, in Definitions: “A general term for walls that are designed and constructed to resist racking from seismic and wind by use of masonry, concrete, cold-formed steel or wood framing in accordance with Chapter 6 of this code and the associated limitations in Section R301.2 of this code.” The IRC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 11 chapters of this corpus, most often in Masonry (IBC 2009), Wood (IBC 2009), Building Planning (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Shear Wall — IBC 2009, Wood:
A wall designed to resist lateral forces parallel to the plane of a wall.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Shear Wall, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Wood | A wall designed to resist lateral forces parallel to the plane of a wall. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | A general term for walls that are designed and constructed to resist racking from seismic and wind by use of masonry, concrete, cold-formed steel or wood framing in accordance with Chapter 6 of this code and the associated limitations in Section R301.2 of this code. |
Where shear wall is used in the code
The term appears in 11 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Masonry | IBC 2009 | 36 |
| Wood | IBC 2009 | 33 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 33 |
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 27 |
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 23 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 21 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 19 |
| Concrete | IBC 2009 | 10 |
| Gypsum Board and Plaster | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| Steel | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about shear wall, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) masonry shear wall design coefficients and system limitations.
Shear wall segments required to meet the minimum wall length shall be in accordance with Section R606.12.2.2.3.
The terms shear wall is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what shear wall covers:
- Masonry — IBC 2009: A built-up construction or combination of building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other approved units bonded together with or without mortar or grout or other accepted methods of joining.
- Steel — IFC 2009: Hot-or cold-rolled as defined by the International Building Code.
Shear Wall: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Wood | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Masonry (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wood (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Design (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Masonry | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Steel | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of shear wall?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Wood as: “A wall designed to resist lateral forces parallel to the plane of a wall.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on shear wall?
In this corpus the term is used across 11 chapters, led by Masonry in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is considered a shear wall?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Wood: “A wall designed to resist lateral forces parallel to the plane of a wall.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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