The inventory of existing buildings in geographical areas subject to potential strong earthquake ground motion is enormous. The Seismic Risk division at MHP assesses the vulnerability of these buildings to assist clients in making informed decisions concerning valuable building assets. These due-diligence evaluations provide earthquake loss or Probable Maximum Loss (PML) estimates, and when appropriate suggest strengthening options, allowing the consideration of seismic risk of commercial assets in real estate transactions.
Considering both site hazards and building features, MHP’s experienced team of licensed engineers uses the latest tools and data available in evaluating building seismic risk. In addition to first hand experience gained through conducting post-earthquake evaluations following the San Fernando, Whittier, Loma Prieta, Northridge, and Nisqually earthquakes, this dedicated team has extensive in-house resources at their disposal. Built on the backbone of MHP’s evaluation of thousands of commercial properties these resources include: ATC 13, FEMA and ASTM E-2026 procedures and guidelines, numerous geologic hazard maps, city and agency seismic safety elements and on-line site hazard references. Significant in-house expertise in detailed, non-linear computer modeling of buildings enhances MHP’s ability to effectively predict building behavior and assess potential risks.
Led by Lance Kenyon and Brad Ferris, the combined experience and resources of MHP enables the firm to complete projects of any size and complexity, from small industrial and retail to high-rise and large portfolios, with capabilities that few firms can match.
The strength of MHP’s seismic risk group lies in the experience and knowledge developed while working on traditional design projects. The firm’s commitment to maintaining an active design emphasis allows those assessing building risks to gain continued insight into current design and construction practices. This interaction between the risk and design groups is a unique benefit that most firms providing seismic risk services cannot offer their clients. The design and building evaluation experience allows MHP engineers to develop and implement seismic strengthening programs that are efficient, appropriate and consistent with the desired performance objectives and risk tolerance of the client.
FLEX-OFFICE PORTFOLIO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Seismic Risk Evaluation-Level 2
TYPE
Large Portfolio
STRUCTURE SPECIFICS
The project included 13 sites, 43 buildings and approximately 1,603,300 combined square feet. The buildings varied in age, size and construction type.
CHALLENGES AND NEEDS
The project schedule was demanding, with final reports for all sites due four weeks after notice to proceed. Original design drawings were unavailable
for many structures, necessitating in-depth field observations to determine construction details critical to earthquake performance. Most of the site locations were mapped within regional soil liquefaction hazard areas which would raise the concern of expected earthquake damage.
SCOPE OF SERVICE
Earthquake Loss Evaluation (Level II). Scenario Expected Loss (SEL) results provided for the 475-Year return period event.
EVALUATION FINDINGS
Multiple teams of MHP engineers were deployed to meet the delivery deadline. Site visits were completed within two weeks and all reports were delivered in time. Multiple data sources, including MHP’s in-house library of soils reports, were used to determine accurate site-specific liquefaction hazards for the majority of sites. In general, the sites were found to have significantly lower liquefaction hazard than regional mapping indicated. This valuable research resulted in lower loss estimates for the affected properties.
