Seismic Evaluation

What we do

A seismic evaluation is the diagnostic step that happens before retrofit design. We work primarily under ASCE 41, the national standard for evaluating and retrofitting existing buildings. The standard describes three tiers: a screening-level Tier 1, a deficiency-based Tier 2, and a comprehensive Tier 3. We match the tier to the decision the owner is trying to make.

Tier 1 evaluations are a structured walk-through of the building using checklists calibrated to the structure's type and era. They are fast and inexpensive and are often enough to support an acquisition decision or to tell an owner that no retrofit is warranted. Tier 2 evaluations dig into the deficiencies that Tier 1 flagged — running real calculations against the elements likely to govern under a design-level earthquake. Tier 3 evaluations are full nonlinear analyses, typically justified only where the retrofit budget is large enough to repay the engineering.

We pair the evaluation with a clear deficiency list and, where useful, a preliminary retrofit concept. The deliverable is meant to be readable by a non-engineer — because the next conversation is usually with an owner, a lender, or an insurer, and they need to understand what they're looking at.

Typical scope

• ASCE 41 Tier 1 screening evaluation
• ASCE 41 Tier 2 deficiency-based evaluation
• ASCE 41 Tier 3 comprehensive nonlinear analysis (when warranted)
• Existing-drawing review and field verification of structural members
• Prioritized list of deficiencies and their consequences
• Preliminary retrofit concept and order-of-magnitude cost range
• Written evaluation report suitable for underwriting or City review
• Handoff to retrofit design or follow-on engagement

When to engage us

Before you plan a major renovation, a change of use, or an acquisition of an older LA building. Seismic evaluation tells you what you're walking into.