Engineering Services

We provide comprehensive structural engineering design, structural analysis, and tailored building solutions. We also conduct seismic Probable Maximum Loss studies and seismic risk evaluations. Understanding that each project has distinct requirements, we address every assignment with a renewed perspective informed by decades of expertise.

Structural Engineering

Working with owners, architects, and contractors, we deliver structural design solutions for retail, commercial, and residential projects. Our commitment is to offer creative, tailored options so that you can select the design approach best suited to your specific situation.

Our Structural design services include

  • Wood, steel, concrete and masonry construction
  • Commercial, Retail, & Residential
  • Concrete tilt-up construction
  • Retaining walls
  • Foundation systems
  • Structural repair plans

Seismic Risk Studies

With decades of experience in seismic building design and post-earthquake reconnaissance dating back to 1972, we provide Probable Maximum Loss (PML) Level 1 seismic risk assessments and ASCE 41 Tier 1 seismic risk assessments. These studies help building owners understand financial exposure and a building’s seismic resilience.

  • Probable Maximum Loss assessments
  • ASCE 41 building resilience assessments

PML Seismic Risk Assessments

PML Study
Insight

A PML seismic risk study provides an estimate of the financial loss a building could experience during an earthquake, with the PML value shown as a percentage of the building’s total replacement cost.

Standards &
Guidelines

PML studies must follow ASTM 2026 and ASTM 2557 guidelines, and be performed by a licensed engineer experienced in seismic design, post-earthquake reconnaissance, and familiar with ASCE 31 and ASCE 41 standards.

Level 1
Investigation

A Level 1 study thoroughly assesses a building’s structural integrity and seismic resistance. It includes an on-site inspection of key features, construction quality, and a review of geotechnical reports, engineering analysis, and building plans.

Advanced Risk
Modeling

For risk assessment, we use ST-Risk™. This advanced proprietary software employs advanced computer modeling that produces earthquake damage estimates which closely match historical loss data.

ASCE 41-3 Seismic Risk Assessments

This screening study evaluates the seismic resilience of existing buildings and provides a structured framework for assessing and retrofitting structures to address earthquake hazards.

Tier 1 Screening Process
  1. An engineer conducts a site visit using ASCE 41 checklists tailored to the building type and seismic hazard level.
  2. Architectural and structural plans are reviewed to understand the building’s design & construction characteristics.
  3. The building is evaluated against known performance patterns of similar structures that have experienced past earthquakes to identify potential structural deficiencies.
  4. Items found non-compliant during Tier 1 may trigger a Tier 2 deficiency-based analysis to determine if strengthening is required or if the structural capacity meets ASCE 41 standards.