oq-gem

Glossary for gem taxonomy

Authors: Luke Allen, Andrew Charleson, Svetlana Brzev, and Charles Scawthorn

This online Glossary explains around 400 terms contained in the GEM Building Taxonomy v 2.0 and nearly 700 images.

The terms have been listed in alphabetical and numerical order. Text description of each term is accompanied by illustrations (photos and/or drawings) where possible.

We welcome contributions in the form of photographs or images, illustrating glossary terms. If you have any questions you can also contact us at buildingtaxonomy@globalquakemodel.org


 

Reinforced concrete slabs are supported by beams. This includes cast-in-place slabs with beams on all sides, waffle slabs with beams, slab band system (common in Canada), one-way joist system (common in North America), and clay tile coffered reinforced concrete slabs.

FC2 Canada Brzev 1

Reinforced concrete slab supported by beams, parking garage, Canada (S. Brzev)

FC2_Canada_Brzev_4

Slab band floor system consisting of columns supported by wide beams and slabs is common in Western Canada (S. Brzev and J. Pao, Reinforced Concrete Design: A Practical Approach, Pearson Learning Solutions, 2013)

FC2 Canada Brzev 2

Reinforced concrete slab band floor system in a parking garage, Canada (S. Brzev)

FC2_Canada_Brzev_3

Reinforced concrete slab on beams in a parking garage, Canada (S. Brzev)

FC2_USA_Brzev_1

Reinforced concrete waffle slab with beams, USA (S. Brzev)