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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


It is unknown whether the structure is designed and constructed to be ductile. The structural components may be hidden, or information about them is unavailable. It is usually not obvious whether a building was designed to perform in a ductile manner, without additional information such as design calculations and construction drawings.

D99_Philippines Manila Scawthorn_1

It is not clear whether this reinforced concrete frame building in Manila, Philippines was designed and constructed to perform in a ductile manner (C. Scawthorn)

D99_Kyrgyzstan_Scawthorn_1

It is not clear whether this building under construction in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan was designed to perform in a ductile manner (C. Scawthorn)

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