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


It is not known if there are any connections between the roof diaphragm and the walls that are capable of transferring in-plane forces from roof to wall and restraining outward displacements of walls. There is insufficient information available or the connections are not visible from a survey.

FWC99_Canada_Brzev_1

It is often difficult to assess whether floor-wall connections are present based on the exterior view alone - an interior inspection is required (S. Brzev)

FWC99_Canada_Brzev_2

Floor-wall and roof-wall connections in stone masonry buildings are usually not exposed at the exterior (S. Brzev)