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
Square or rectangular-shaped prismatic stone blocks in bonded courses with narrow joints, with or without mortar. Usually found in areas where calcareous stones and tuffs (rocks formed from volcanic ash), which are relatively easy to shape, are available.
Dressed stone masonry wall, Italy (Maffei et al., EERI, 2006)
A stone masonry wall (exterior wall wythe built using tuff stone) in San Giuliano damaged in the 2002 Molise earthquake, Italy (A. Benedetti)