Seismic Risk Assessment & Loss Estimation
Utilizes AERA, an in-house developed proprietary computer program, to estimate aggregate probabilistic and multiple scenario earthquake property damage and business interruption loss expectations of an individual building or group(s) of buildings at a single geographic location, upon both an average and upper-bound confidence level basis. Site and building-specific considerations are made that can incorporate any of the four (4) different User-requested Levels of Investigation defined in latest edition of the ASTM Standard Guide E 2026 “Seismic Risk Assessment of Buildings” and ASTM Standard Practice E 2557, “Probable Maximum Loss (PML) Evaluations for Earthquake Due Diligence”.
Portfolio Seismic Risk Assessment
Utilizes AERA, an in-house developed proprietary computer program, to estimate aggregate probabilistic and fault-based scenario earthquake property damage and business interruption loss expectations of a group of geographically-dispersed facilities, upon both an average and upper-bound confidence level basis with the “worst case” fault-based scenario loss estimate being the paramount consideration.
Property Condition Assessments
Involves multi-disciplined review and evaluation of planned or existing projects that encompasses site improvements, major building systems, as well as tenant improvements, where appropriate. Generally conducted in accordance with current American Society of Testing Material (ASTM) Standards. Specified workscope varies for intended use, i.e. pre-purchase buyer or seller due-diligence purposes; interim or permanent mortgage lender purposes; or construction lender use.
Seismic Design Criteria & Underwriting Standards
Development of customized site and facility-specific seismic design criteria and/or earthquake underwriting standards derived to achieve a certain desired seismic performance-based objective(s) and loss control that may include limiting specified probabilistic or scenario earthquake property damage loss expectations to pre-determined acceptable levels, mitigating business interruption downtime estimates to acceptable durations and/or those simply addressing life-safety concerns.
Independent Structural Peer Review
In-depth independent structural analysis and evaluation of major projects. Workscope is project dependent.
Seismic Upgrade Evaluation
Essentially a cost-benefit analysis of viable alternate seismic retrofit concept(s) made to quantify the cost-effectiveness and degree(s) of seismic risk improvement involved, when measured in terms of earthquake loss expectation reduction and the associated upgrade dollar effectiveness likely to be achieved.
Seismic Retrofit Design
Involves the development and implementation of cost-effective seismic retrofit construction measures, whether mandated or voluntary in nature, that are devised to improve prevailing levels of seismic risk and safety, while preserving as appropriate, facility functionality, architectural aesthetics, historic characteristics and features, and maintaining facility and equipment operability during course of seismic retrofitting.
Post-Earthquake Damage Investigation & Repairs
Mobilization of experienced, post-earthquake disaster field survey and reconnaissance teams to investigate and assess the seriousness and extent of field-observed earthquake property damage for the purpose of facilitating re-occupancy; recommending the need for and the scope of repairs; estimating monetary and facility downtime losses; providing design professional services to effect needed repairs and/or recommended seismic retrofit construction measures. Retrieve, process and evaluate recorded earthquake ground motions and dynamic structural responses at seismically-instrumented facilities for the purpose of evaluating same and when appropriate, effecting correlation between recorded and simulated structural responses obtained using actual recorded earthquake ground motions as computer model excitation. Correlations of this nature will facilitate the rapid computation of seismic force and distortion demands throughout a facility that can be utilized to address any post-earthquake concerns possibly harbored by local government officials or tenants.
Seismic & Wind Dynamics
Involves the use of material and/or geometric linear and/or non-linear finite element computer modeling techniques to represent the physical three (3) dimensional dynamic characteristics, behavior and structural response measured in terms of acceleration, force and distortion demands, of seismic or wind-sensitive structural systems and/or components under the action of probabilistic dynamic ground motion excitation or probabilistic wind loading and gusting.
Structural Engineering
Full service structural engineering services are provided for major projects that include concept and design development, preparation of construction documents and course of construction shop drawing review and field observation. Particular focus is placed upon the design of seismic and wind-sensitive buildings, bridges and other special structures, processing plants, plant equipment and piping systems, warehouse material handling and storage systems, sculptures etc. that demand special expertize and knowledge.
Construction Field Representative Services
Typically includes preparation of monthly project construction progress reports that focus upon construction status, scheduling, adequacy, general compliance with reviewed plans and specifications, as well as field problems etc. Further, the monitoring of monthly general contractor draw requests; construction financing disbursements; change order status and appropriateness; etc. are normally provided to construction lenders.
