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


Prefabricated (precast) concrete structural elements that are moved into their final position in the structure after they have been cast. They can be tied together by protruding reinforcing bars and in-situ concrete at connections or by on-site welding of cast-in steel connections between elements. Connections to floor slabs are often made by reinforcing bars lapping with reinforcement in floor slab concrete topping. Typical precast elements, such as wall panels, beams and columns are manufactured off site, but they can also be cast on site before being erected, like tilt-up panels.

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Erection of precast concrete wall panels, New Zealand (A. Charleson)

PC_Nepal_PorterK_1

PC_Nepal_PorterK_2

PC_Nepal_PorterK_3

Precast concrete wall construction, Denver, USA (K. Porter)

PC_Kyrgyzstan_Kanbolotov_1

 

PC_Kyrgyzstan_Begaliev_1

Large panel precast concrete construction is found in Kyrgyzstan and other CIS states (left: K. Kanbolotov; right: U. Begaliev, A. Duishev, and R. Musakov)

PC_Kyrgyzstan_Begaliev_2

 

PC_Kyrgyzstan_Begaliev_3

 

Precast large panel concrete building under construction, Kyrgyzstan (U. Begaliev, A. Duishev, and R. Musakov)

PC_Kyrgyzstan_Begaliev_4PC_Kyrgyzstan_Begaliev_5

Precast concrete panels being transported to the construction site, Kyrgyzstan (U. Begaliev, A. Duishev, and R. Musakov)

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PC_Costa Rica_Cuevaz Ramirez_1

Precast concrete construction technology comprising horizontal wall panels and vertical posts and is used for one-storey housing, Costa Rica (A. Cuevas Ramirez)

PC_Canada_Abbuhl_2

PC_Canada_Abbuhl_1

 

Tilt-up wall panels are precast in horizontal position at the construction site and lifted to the final vertical position (Canada, T. Abbuhl)

PC_Canada_Brzev_1PC_Canada_Brzev_2

Tilt-up wall construction, Canada (S. Brzev)