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


The material is that from which the Lateral Load-Resisting System is primarily constructed. If there is more than one Lateral Load-Resisting System, chose the material of the more seismically vulnerable system. Do not include materials that are non-structural or that are not part of the primary Lateral Load-resisting System. For example, if Unreinforced Masonry walls resist the majority of the lateral load in a building where most of the gravity loads are carried by say wood or steel frames, the Material Type of the Lateral Load-resisting System should be listed as Masonry, Unreinforced.