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Seismic Risk Analysis
SOHA Engineers provides earthquake risk analysis,
evaluation, and mitigation services in the following areas:
- Probable maximum loss (PML) studies and reviews
- Earthquake vulnerability assessment
- Seismic risk reduction and mitigation plans
- Earthquake risk management
- Post-earthquake Surveys and Investigations.
The Probable Maximum Loss (PML) is often defined
as the expected maximum percentage monetary loss which will not
be exceeded for 9 out of 10 similar type buildings subjected to
a given earthquake intensity. The financial, insurance, and real
estate industry often use the PML as a way to rate the seismic performance
of a building. For example, some lenders may require that the borrower
either purchase earthquake insurance or retrofit a building that
has a PML greater than 20%. SOHA Engineers can provide PML studies
and estimates for single buildings or a portfolio of buildings located
at multiple sites.
SOHA Engineers can perform Earthquake Vulnerability
Assessments for new and existing buildings, equipment, lifelines,
and industrial facilities. The level of study can range from simple
walkdowns using experience and engineering judgment for the assessment
to detailed, engineering analysis and studies using the state-of-the-art
methodologies and computer programs. Once the vulnerabilities are
identified, a Risk Reduction or Mitigation Plan can be developed.
Mitigation activities can consist of strengthening the facility,
changing its use, putting emergency preparedness and response plans
in place, selecting strengthening measures, and/or transferring
the financial risk through insurance or other means.
A more formal procedure of developing an Earthquake
Risk Management Program may be more viable for a company that
owns large amounts of assets, is concerned about business interruption,
and is vulnerable to large losses. SOHA Engineers can assist a company
in developing and implementing an Earthquake Risk Management Program.
The program can be broken down to three phases. This enables management
decisions to be made in sequential and cost-effective steps. At
each successive phase, the level of information and detail is increased,
as appropriate for the particular vulnerabilities facing the company:
- The first step consists of a Phase 1 study, which provides a
risk manager or owner with a realistic estimate of the company’s
overall vulnerabilities. The study will identify general opportunities
to reduce potential losses by improving key components and modifying
system configurations and processes. Vulnerabilities are prioritized
so that management can decide whether it is appropriate to continue
on to Phase 2, and if so, which systems should be included in
the analysis.
- The Phase 2 study investigates available options and costs for
specific mitigation measures (for high vulnerability items) so
that recommendations can be prepared to management and a long-range
strategy adopted to control and reduce the risk over time.
- The final step of the program occurs during Phase 3 with the
specific selection and implementation of options that are most
cost-effective in meeting the company’s objectives for safety
and long-term profitability.
Post-earthquake Surveys and Investigations.
In the event of a major seismic event, SOHA Engineers has been called
upon to immediately survey and investigate damaged buildings and
facilities. ATC-20
is the standard for rapid post-earthquake evaluation of buildings.
SOHA Engineers maintains a cadre of ATC-20 trained engineers, ready
to respond. Whether working for our long-standing building owner
clients, or for an overextended local building department, SOHA’s
engineers have the knowledge, experience, and confidence to make
the right on-the-spot assessment. Currently, we have several commitments
with large institutional clients to respond quickly in the event
of a large earthquake, and we encourage building owners to participate
in the City of San Francisco’s Building
Occupancy Reduction Program (BORP).
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