Calculate Share Explore
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


There are connections between the floor diaphragm(s) and the walls, capable of transferring in-plane forces from roof to wall and restraining outward displacements of walls.

FWCP_WHE stonemasonry 4-13

Examples of retrofit methods to improve strength of existing wall-to-floor connections in stone masonry buildings with wooden floors (Improving the Seismic Performance of Stone Masonry Buildings, Bothara and Brzev, EERI, 2011)

FWCP_WHE stonemasonry 4-15

Examples of retrofit methods to improve strength of wall-to-floor connections in stone masonry buildings with reinforced concrete floors (Improving the Seismic Performance of Stone Masonry Buildings, Bothara and Brzev, EERI, 2011)

FWCP_-_FEMA_1

Example of retrofit method to improve strength of wall-to-floor connections of a wood diaphragm - note: N refers to New and E refers to Existing components (FEMA 172, 1992)

FWCP_-_FEMA_2

Example of retrofit method to improve strength of wall-to-floor connections of a composite concrete slab and steel deck diaphragm to a concrete or masonry wall; note: N refers to New and E refers to Existing components (FEMA 172, 1992)

FWCP_Canada_Brzev_1

FWCP_Canada_Brzev_2

A retrofitted unreinforced brick masonry building with floor-wall anchors visible at the exterior, Vancouver, Canada (S. Brzev)

FWCP_Seattle_USA_Brzev_1

A retrofitted unreinforced brick masonry building showing exposed floor-wall and roof-wall anchors at the exterior, Seattle, USA (S. Brzev)

FWCP_Seattle_USA_Brzev_2

A typical wall anchor, consisting of a steel rod and an exterior steel plate exposed at the exterior; note that anchor plates are of different shapes and sizes (S. Brzev)

We use cookies

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.