Seismic risk analysis is used to evaluate risk to existing or proposed structures in the event of an earthquake. Seismic assessments include Probable Maximum Loss and ASCE 31 Seismic Evaluation, among others.
What is Seismic Risk Analysis?
EBI Consulting provides full-spectrum evaluation services to assess the seismic risk of existing or proposed structures for owners, investors, borrowers, tenants, buyers, lenders, and developers. The depth of our seismic evaluation, from screening or desktop evaluations to three-dimensional modeling, is calibrated to meet each client’s unique risk assessment needs.
EBI’s seismic risk assessment may be performed to evaluate risk by calculating the Probable Maximum Loss (PML), the Scenario Expected Loss (SEL), or investigating compliance with an existing standard such as the ASCE 31 Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings.
What is Probable Maximum Loss?
EBI Consulting’s seismic risk evaluation reports allow our clients to understand a property’s seismic risk by calculating the Probable Maximum Loss (PML), and/or the Scenario Expected Loss (SEL) based on a scenario earthquake consistent with current building codes.
The PML is estimated through computer analysis and statistical techniques and is estimated as a mean or expected loss for buildings of a given class. At the request of the client or as dictated by the client scope of work, the PML may also be estimated at the 90% confidence level or upper loss level for buildings of a given class. The PML value is not intended to be a guarantee of how the property will perform in a seismic occurrence; it is a statistical review that is intended to suggest how the property may be affected by a probable seismic event.
What are ASCE 31 Seismic Evaluations?
EBI Consulting prepares seismic risk assessments that comply with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 31 Standard for Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings. The ASCE 31 seismic assessment typically includes:
- A site visit to the property to review the existing as-built structural conditions
- A review of all readily available construction documents, including structural drawings and site-specific geotechnical reports
- A seismic hazard analysis of the building(s), conducted by a registered engineer experienced in lateral force design
- An examination of the structure for continuity, ductility, and resistance to lateral forces and identification of geographic and on-site hazards
If determined necessary based upon the results of the evaluation, EBI will provide seismic retrofit recommendations for the existing building(s), including the strengthening of structural elements and/or connections.
When should you consider a Seismic Risk Analysis?
Seismic assessments are often ordered by owners, investors, buyers, and lenders who are evaluating a property that is being acquired, or when a new property is being developed. It is common for a PML or similar report to be required by a lender for properties in highly active seismic zones to ensure the property fits within the lender’s risk tolerance.
Often new local and state regulations require seismic retrofits to adapt older buildings to new safety standards. Seismic assessments provide the information owners need to make informed decisions on site improvements.
Why choose EBI over other Consultants?
EBI’s engineers and scientists have decades of experience conducting seismic evaluations for properties in active earthquake zones nationwide. Our analysis is not done in a vacuum – we understand that a seismic report may be one of many pieces of data you are gathering to make your decision. We can conduct seismic analyses independently or as part of combo deals with Phase I ESAs and Property Condition Assessments to assist stakeholders in mitigating risk from seismic activity on their structures.
