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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


The type of stone is known, but its type is not listed in the table. For example, metamorphic rocks, e.g. gneiss, marble, quartzite, etc. Gneiss is a common type of metamorphic rock used for wall construction in Europe (e.g. Southern Switzerland, Italy, etc.).

SPO_Switzerland_Schacher_1SPO_Switzerland_Schacher_2

Gneiss stone wall residential construction, Ticino, Southern Switzerland (T. Schacher)

SPO_Switzerland_Schacher_3

SPO_Switzerland_Schacher_4

Gneiss stone walls, a 12th century church, Ticino, Southern Switzerland (T. Schacher)

SPO_Italy_Benedetti_1

Heterogeneous (mixed) masonry wall uses a combination of limestone and limestone, as well as clay bricks for arching lintels, L'Aquila, Italy (A. Benedetti)

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