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


A plan irregularity, not defined as any of the other Plan Irregularity definitions in this table, that is likely to adversely affect the earthquake performance of the building.

Examples of such plan irregularities include discontinuous diaphragms, and vertical lateral load-resisting elements non-parallel to the major orthogonal axes of the lateral load-resisting system. Cantilevers supporting lateral load-resisting elements like infill walls that are likely to resist seismic forces that overhang the structure below are examples of out-of-plane offsets.

Discontinuous diaphragm (cutout) (FEMA 2006)

Discontinuous diaphragm (cutout) (FEMA 454)

Non-parallel lateral load-resisting system (FEMA 2006)

 

Non-parallel lateral load-resisting system (FEMA 454)

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