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


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Category: terms
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This table only applies to intermediate floors above ground level that have a diaphragm action under lateral loads. The structure of ground floors is not included in this table. In the case of single storey buildings, this section should be left blank.

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Category: terms
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Sheet metal roofing, usually corrugated sheets or tray type. Typical metals include copper, lead, iron-zinc, corrugated galvanized iron (CGI), aluminum, and steel. This also includes asbestos sheets. Does not include metal roofing tiles.

RMT6_New Zealand_Charleson_1

Asbestos sheet roof covering, New Zealand (A. Charleson)

RMT6_Canada_BrzevS_1

Metal sheet roofing, Canada (S. Brzev)

RMT6_Canada_Brzev_1

Steel decking joined by welds at regular spacing, Canada (S. Brzev)

RMT6_USA_BrzevS_1

Metal roofing, Experience Music Project, Seattle, USA (S. Brzev)

RMT6_New Zealand_ClarkW_1

Metal sheet roof covering, New Zealand (W. Clark)

RMT6_India_Rai_1

Corrugated galvanized iron (CGI) roofing, India (D. Rai)

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Category: terms
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An inflatable roof uses fabric chambers pressurised with air to form a self-supporting structure.

A tensile membrane roof is made of stretched fabric, usually stretched in two directions to form a tensioned surface. Examples of tension membranes include polyester coated with PVC and glass fibre coated with Teflon.

RFA1_Canada_Brzev_1

BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada has a tensile membrane roof; the roof is covered by a semi-transparent plastic material (ETFE) (S. Brzev)

RFA1_Canada_Brzev_2

Canada Place in Vancouver, Canada, a tent-like structure that resembles a sailing ship, has a tensile membrane roof (S. Brzev)

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None of the structural irregularities listed in the table, and no other significant structural irregularities have been observed.

An example of a regular structure, Chile (S. Brzev)

An example of a regular structure, Chile (S. Brzev)

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The position of a building in relation to other neighbouring buildings, in terms of the number of adjoining buildings and their location relative to the building under consideration. Adjoining is defined in this table as spaced apart a distance less than 4% of the height of the lower building.

buildingpositionwithinablock_diagram_-_1

If x is less than 4% of h, the buildings are considered to be adjacent.

  1. Short column [SHC]
  2. Exact height of ground floor level above grade [HFEX]
  3. Steel-reinforced [RS]
  4. Other occupancy type [OCO]

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