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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


Precast concrete units with reinforced concrete topping. Precast units include hollow-core slabs, solid slabs, a system of precast concrete joists with timber or hollow masonry infill, and double-tee units.

FC3_Albania_Scawthorn_1

Concrete floor system (Macedonian joists) found in Albania. Polystyrene or similar insulation blocks between concrete joists.  A concrete form was constructed, above which concrete joists are laid between supporting concrete beams.  In between the thus suspended joists, the blocks of insulation are placed on the formwork, spaced so as to create a void containing each joist.  A topping slab is poured, which fills the voids, enclosing the joist in concrete. (C. Scawthorn)

FC3_Albania_Scawthorn_2

Macedonian joists ready for the floor construction, Albania (C. Scawthorn)

FC3_Algeria_ Brzev_1

Floor system consisting of concrete masonry units and reinforced concrete joists cast in-situ, Algeria (S. Brzev)

FC3_Chile_Brzev_1

Floor system consisting of concrete masonry units and cast-in-situ reinforced concrete joists (known as "Tralix" system), Chile (S. Brzev)

FC3_Chile_Astroza_1

"Tralix" system construction, Chile (M. Astroza)

FC3_Haiti_Lang_1

Floor system consisting of concrete masonry units and cast-in-situ reinforced concrete joists, Haiti (A. Lang)

Reinforced concrete precast joist floor/roof system, Canada (S. Brzev)

FC3_Canada_Brzev_4

Precast concrete floor systems (double-tee units) are typically fabricated with a 50 mm flange and topped in the field with cast-in-place concrete (Canada, S. Brzev)

FC3_Canada_Brzev_2FC3_Canada_Brzev_3

A typical double-tee element (left) and the end support (right) (S. Brzev)

FC3_Nepal_PorterK_1

Double-tee beam lifted by crane at the construction site, Denver, USA (K. Porter)

FC3_Nepal_PorterK_2

Wall corbels ready to support double-tees, Denver, USA (K. Porter)

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