Seismic Engineering & Risk Assessment

The exact nature and characteristics of earthquakes cannot be predicted. Seismic engineering aids in the preparation of the built environment for the next seismic event by considering lessons learned from past events. The main goal is to keep our communities safe. YA Group seismic engineers specialize in evaluating seismic risks to structures considering factors such as fault proximity, site geology, building type, age, and construction materials. YA engineers help you prepare for not if, but when.

YA provides transparent seismic risk assessments to educate clients on the current state of their portfolio properties considering the type and vintage of any seismic detailing that may be present. If needed, YA can assist with remediation measures by providing design services and/or feasibility studies.

YA engineers specialize in developing retrofit designs that work with and do not distract from the building aesthetics and performance. We produce feasible and precise solutions to complement or enhance existing vintage seismic detailing. We are intimately familiar with current retrofit trends, local jurisdictional requirements, and ASCE 41-23 Seismic Evaluations and Retrofit Standard.

Our team provides a comprehensive suite of seismic risk assessment and seismic retrofit design services, including:

• Seismic Risk Assessments for financial loss (aka, PML or SRA per ASTM reporting Standards E2026 & E2557) and scopes for various lender/insurance/mortgage REITS
• Seismic Evaluations for HUD Scope
• Seismic Certificates for Government Leases or Acquisitions (ICSSCRP8)
• Seismic Risk Portfolio Inventory and Evaluations of Real Estate Holdings
• Seismic Secondary Modifier Tabulation for Portfolio Insurance Renewals
• Post Earthquake damage assessments
• Retrofit feasibility studies considering jurisdictional mandates
• Retrofits of concrete tilt-up and masonry industrial buildings
• Seismic strengthening of low- and mid-rise structures with targeted scopes
• Peer reviews of retrofit design projects

• Property owners
• Private equity
• Lenders
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
• Risk managers
• Facility operators and managers

Although the timing, location, and severity of earthquakes cannot be predicted, their anticipated impact on buildings can be, which allows us to evaluate the design measures reduce the risk.

Many property owners face uncertainty regarding how their buildings will perform in a seismic event and therefore are ill-equipped to determine which upgrades are truly necessary. Reference technical reports and local jurisdictional requirements are often unclear creating more uncertainty around the necessity of retrofits and the associated costs. In addition, owners must consider occupant disruption, aesthetics, and return on investment. YA engineers help owners understand their risk and plan with confidence.

YA provides transparent seismic risk assessments that identify and clearly explain the current conditions of your portfolio properties, including the presence and condition of vintage seismic detailing. We outline practical solution options so that owners can make informed decisions with confidence. Our evaluations are grounded in ASCE 41-23 and aligned with current jurisdictional requirements, providing owners with defensible documentation for lenders, insurers, and stakeholders.

When remediation is needed, we deliver targeted, feasible retrofit solutions that respect a building’s architecture, operations, and budget. Our designs are carefully tailored to address real vulnerabilities without over-retrofitting or adding unnecessary disruptions to operations.

Our goals are simple:
Educate clients on risks and costs, help them preserve their assets, and move forward with clarity and confidence.