What is a Seismic Vulnerability Assessment?

A Seismic Vulnerability Assessment is a comprehensive Engineering Study to evaluate susceptibility of

structural systems to potential damage from seismic shaking based on the Performance Objectives
established by the Client, and using methods, which generally follow guidelines presented in FEMA 356
Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings. The extent of the investigation is based on the size and value of the
Building.

Results: The Seismic Vulnerability Assessment will give you the information you need to decide whether
it is cost effective to make a seismic retrofit or demolish and construct a new building.

How will the SVA be conducted?

Evaluation of the structure condition will be based on investigations at the site and will generally follow the
Operations Plan for a SCA except that the Assessment will likely also entail the following based on
Client's Scope and Budget:
1. Comprehensive inspections
2. Field locate reinforcement in masonry or reinforced concrete walls using subsurface exploration
with G.P.R., Ground Penetrating Radar
3. Testing of material samples, i.e. steel coupons
4.

Field Measurement, document search, and analysis to develop As-built drawings

5.

Computer model in SAP 2000

AIM-

The aim of a vulnerability assessment is to obtain the probability of a

given level of damage to a given building type due to a scenario earthquake.