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
Mortar between masonry units consists of cement, lime, and sand. These materials are used in different mix proportions. For example, a lower strength mortar of this type would have a proportion 1:2:9 cement:lime:sand, and a higher strength mortar would have proportions of 1:1/2:3 1/2 cement:lime:sand. This mortar has a similar colour as cement:sand mortar. Lime is usually added to improve workability at the time of construction, but it does not improve strength.