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 clear that the structural material is masonry, but the type of reinforcement is unknown. The reinforcing may be hidden, or information about it is unavailable.

M99_Portugal_Brzev_1

These buildings in Lisbon, Portugal are likely of masonry construction, but it is not known whether reinforcement was provided (note exterior walls covered by glazed ceramic tiles typical of Portugal) (S. Brzev)

M99_Poland_Scawthorn_1

These buildings in Vroclaw, Poland are likely of masonry construction, but it is not known whether reinforcement was provided (C. Scawthorn)