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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


This is a frame consisting of beams and columns, with strong and rigid beam-to-column connections. Includes frames with very slender walls, that do not resist a significant proportion of earthquake load. The frames can be single frames, or multiple bays repeated horizontally and/or vertically. These frames are not infilled with materials like masonry or concrete which would transform their behaviour to that of an infilled frame.

LFM_diagram_Charleson_1

A simplified drawing of a moment-resisting frame structure showing floor slabs supported by beams (adapted from: A. Charleson, Seismic Design for Architects, Architectural Press 2008, p. 64, Fig. 5.2).

LFM_Allen&Brzev_1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partial section of a moment frame structure

LFM_India_Brzev_1LFM_India_Brzev_2

Reinforced concrete frame building under construction, India (S. Brzev)

LFM_Thailand_Lilavivat_1

Reinforced concrete frame under construction, Thailand (C. Lilavivat)

LFM_Canada_Brzev_1

Reinforced concrete buildings with a moment frame system have beams as a part of the floor system (Canada, S. Brzev)

Moment Frame 1.JPG

Moment frame, concrete, New Zealand (A. Charleson)

LFM_New Zealand_Bothara_1

A 1970s reinforced concrete frame, Wellington, New Zealand (J. Bothara)

LFM_Kyrgyzstan_Kanbolotov_1

Reinforced concrete frame building, Kyrgyzstan (K. Kanbolotov)

LFM_Kyrgyzstan_Begaliev_1

Reinforced concrete frame building under construction, Kyrgyzstan (U. Begaliev, A. Duishev, and R. Musakov)

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