In this introductory lesson, Tim Uhler talks about the importance of shear walls in building construction and why they are essential in resisting lateral forces such as wind and earthquakes. Uhler demonstrates the three forces that wind or seismic exerts on the building, and shows you how shear walls on either side, the roof, and even the floor system help to distribute those forces. He also explains what racking, base shear, and overturning are and why preventing them is crucial in preventing building collapse. This video will show you how to transfer the inherent rigidity of wood structural panels to the wall to make it more resistant to lateral forces, and discusses the different types of wood sheathing you can use to achieve this. Watch to learn more about shear walls and how they can help protect your building from natural disasters.