Shear walls are vertical walls that are used to stiffen the
structural
frames of buildings. They help frames resist sideways
earthquake forces.
The earthquake forces are transferred to the ground mainly
by shear forces in the walls (Explain).
It is better to use walls with no openings in them. So, usually
the walls around lift shafts and stairwells are used. Also,
walls on the sides of buildings that have no windows can be
used.