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HAZUS Building types

HAZUS is a well know which stems from several methodologies developed by FEMA for the seismic analysis of buildings in USA. As a basis for modelling the physical vulnerability of the building stock, HAZUS makes use of a building classification already introduced by the FEMA 310 Handbook. In the most recent version, a total of 36 building types are proposed. Although this classification has been proposed keeping in mind the typical building stock that could be found in USA (California) in the 60s and 70s, it has been often used for Earthquake Loss Estimation in several other countries. For the sake of convenience we have listed the main HAZUS building types in a single WIKI page. By clicking on each category, the original FEMA-310 description can be accessed.

The GEM (Faceted) Building Taxonomy

GEM intended to propose a common language to describe building stock worldwide. In addition to being a scheme for classification of buildings worldwide, the GEM Building Taxonomy also allows for creation of a unique description (code) for a building or building typology, based on the 13 different attributes that correspond to specific building characteristics which affect its seismic performance. The GEM Building Taxonomy consists of:

• 13 main attributes (described in this page). The different various building characteristics that can be chosen for each attribute (described in 13 attribute-related tables)
• an on-line glossary defining all attributes and building characteristics and illustrating them with pictures and images where possible. As a result of joint international effort, a set of 13 attributes have been selected to describe the building properties most relevant to seismic vulnerability.

What are its characteristics?

• Collapsible. A taxonomy is collapsible if taxonomic groups with different levels of details and significance can be combined and/or compacted and the resulting combinations still distinguish differences in seismic performance, while acknowledging some loss of precision.
• Detailed. The taxonomy includes all features relevant to the seismic performance of a building located anywhere in the world. It aims to capture all aspects of seismic performance and estimation of possible losses for an entire building, including building dimensions and non-structural components.
• Distinguishes differences in seismic performance. The taxonomy distinguishes earthquake-resistant structural systems from non-earthquake resistant systems, including the “before” and “after” states of common seismic retrofits and between “ductile" and "non-ductile” systems.
• Flexible and extensible. All future data needs can’t be foreseen, so the taxonomy lends itself to changes and future extensions – i.e., be ‘growable’, attributes can be modified or added, for example to include new building typologies, and new attributes or characteristics can be added for example to facilitate use in a multi-hazard context.
• International in scope. As far as possible the taxonomy is made appropriate for any region of the world. It does not privilege any one region but aims to be technically and culturally acceptable to all regions.
• User-friendly. The taxonomy is meant to be straightforward, intuitive, and as easy to use as possible by both those collecting data, those arranging for its analysis and all end users.