Abstract
In recent publications, the need for common terminology in the field of seismic safety and risk mitigation has been brought up. Definitions for a wide range of terms in the field of seismic strengthening and upgrading of buildings has been suggested by several authors. Nevertheless, incongruities still persist and the meaning of such terms can have different connotations to the professionals, academicians and policy makers that make use of them. Some authors suggest that the seismic community should use terms in the same sense that words are used in ordinary communication. To pursue the goal of cleaning and standarizing our technical language, and in order to further focus the discussion on this matter, the author presents a critical review of the interpretation of the most common terms used in the earthquake engineering community. Based on dictionary definitions and the practical, common sense application of these terms, a summary of the proposed terminology is presented.
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