Shear Walls are wall systems that transfer seismic waves from a roof or floor down to the lower levels and base
Sources
http://www.iitk.ac.in/nicee/EQTips/EQTip23.pdf
http://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/shear-walls-structural-forms-positioning/6235/
Credits:
Created with images by Unsplash - "city urban perspective" • Wokandapix - "blueprint ruler architecture"