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


This attribute defines the following two aspects of connections from the roof to the structure of the building:

(a) Connections that enable the roof diaphragm to transfer horizontal shear forces induced by an earthquake or wind to the lateral load-resisting structure of the building and to prevent walls from falling away from the diaphragm.

(b) Connections from the roof to the vertical structure of the building to prevent wind uplift or lift-off.