What is meant by "shear strength" of materials in code calculations?

Shear strength refers to the maximum stress a material can withstand when subjected to shear forces before failing. In engineering and code calculations, understanding shear strength is crucial because it determines how materials will behave when forces are applied parallel to their surface. When a shear force is applied, it tends to cause layers of the material to slide past one another.

The shear strength value indicates the point at which the material will fail or deform excessively under these conditions. Knowing this helps engineers ensure that structures can resist applied loads and maintain integrity under various conditions. This property becomes especially important in applications involving beams, structural connections, and foundation elements where forces may act laterally.