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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The building is mainly used as housing.

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Category: terms
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Tiles of slate, foliated, homogeneous metamorphic rock derived from an original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash. These tiles are usually thin and dark grey in colour. Overlapping and usually fastened to wood battens.

RMT4_Canada_OjdrovicN_1

Slate roof tiles, Canada (Ojdrovic Engineering)

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Precast concrete units without reinforced concrete topping. Precast units include hollow-core slabs, solid slabs, or a system of precast concrete joists with timber or hollow concrete infill. Sometimes overlaid with light-weight roofing.

Precast concrete hollow core slabs (tropicalconcrete.com)

Precast concrete hollow core slabs (tropicalconcrete.com)

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Category: terms
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A structural irregularity that is observed in the elevation or section of the building (vertical plane). If more than one vertical irregularity is observed, the primary vertical irregularity is that deemed to be the most significant in terms of affecting the building’s seismic performance, and the secondary vertical irregularity is that deemed to be the next most significant. If there is only one structural vertical structural irregularity observed, the term "No Irregularity" will be used by default.

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Category: terms
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The shape of the building plan is unknown. There is insufficient information available or the shape of the plan is not visible from a survey.

  1. Earthen roof [RE]
  2. Agriculture, unknown type [AGR99]
  3. Pre-school facility [EDU1]
  4. Roof tie-down present [RTDP]

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