To enable a comparison between the shear strength of shear walls and that of reinforced concrete beams to be made, the behaviour of the latter is briefly reviewed. The findings of research projects, related to deep beams and the effects of repeated cyclic loading, are summarised. More detailed information on the shear strength of deep beams, tested at the University of Canterbury, is presented, Particular problems associated with four classes of typical shear walls of multi-storey structures are briefly highlighted. The current recommendation of the
 SEAOC code, as applied to shear walls, are critically examined and certain
anomalies, which may ensue from their interpretation, are illustrated. Areas of research, related to the full evaluation of reinforced concrete shear wall
 behaviour, are suggested. The paper concludes with a number of design recommendations which suggest themselves from this review.