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 structural irregularity that is observed in the plan (horizontal plane) of the building. If more than one plan irregularity is observed, the primary plan  irregularity is that deemed to be the most significant in terms of affecting the building’s seismic performance, and the secondary plan irregularity is that deemed to be the next most significant.

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