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ATC-13 [ATC, 1985]
A pioneering effort to develop a facility classification scheme for California, including engineering classification and social function classification.
Key engineering characteristics considered in developing the classification include construction material, soil conditions, foundation, height, structural framing system, configuration, structural continuity, design and construction quality, age, and proximity to other structures.
The engineering classification contains 78 classes of structures, 40 of which are buildings and 38 are other structure types (bridges, storage tanks, towers, etc.); 11 structure categories contain two or three height ranges. It would be advantageous to uncouple height from the structural taxonomy.
Not collapsible.
Uses a labelling scheme which consists of letters and symbols (slash "/" and dash "-") to identify facility classes
California-focused and embedded assumptions that are often not valid nor relevant internationally (similar to HAZUS).
FEMA 154 [FEMA, 1988]
One of the advantages of FEMA 154 is its simplicity, consisting of only 15 structure types. However, the disadvantage is that most of the structure type definitions are too broad. For example, there are only 2 classes for wood buildings, 5 classes for steel buildings, 3 classes for reinforced concrete, 2 classes for precast concrete, and 3 classes for masonry buildings.
Most classes address only the vertical structural system - type of diaphragm (rigid/flexible) was considered only for reinforced masonry buildings.
Description of structural classes is very detailed and includes illustrations of structural systems and their components, which is very helpful for sidewalk surveys of buildings.
US-focused.
EMS-98 [Grünthal, 1998]
One of the advantages of EMS-98 is its simplicity, consisting of only 15 structure types. However, the disadvantage is that most of the structure type definitions are too broad.
Only variation in the seismic performances of RC frames and walls are able to be distinguished. They are defined as “without earthquake-resistant design”, “with moderate level of earthquake resistant design” and “with high level of earthquake-resistant design”.
All steel and timber structures are covered under a single type which does not afford the opportunity to distinguish between, for example, ductile and non-ductile steel structures.
World Housing Encyclopedia [1]
The World Housing Encyclopedia (WHE) database captures structural information about a building, and also architectural, socio-economic, vulnerability, construction, insurance and strengthening aspects.