Understanding seismic risks and the potential for future losses due to earthquake occurrences are important to lenders, insurers and equity owners involved in real estate building deals. Probable Maximum Loss (PML) assessments identify building elements, soil types, expected lateral loads, and proximity to earthquake centers that contribute to a building’s potential risk. When building performance issues are identified, VERTEX can determine potential next steps for the mitigation or repair of a physical deficiency that will improve the seismic performance of the building so it will be acceptable to the User.

Seismic Risk Assessment

VERTEX offers various levels of Probable Maximum Loss (PML) assessment services to estimate earthquake related losses as a percent of building replacement costs, as based on the ASTM E2026 and E2557 standards. By determining Scenario Expected Loss (SEL) and Scenario Upper Loss (SEL), and identifying building conditions that contribute to loss ratios and risk, we are better able to help our clients make informed business decisions. Additionally, VERTEX identifies how modifying, mitigating or removing such conditions can reduce that risk. We perform PML assessments with experienced, in-house structural engineers.

Seismic Retrofitting

VERTEX designs and modifies existing structures to make them more resistant to seismic activity, ground motion, or soil failure due to earthquakes. Similarly, VERTEX retrofits for other natural hazards such as tropical cyclones, tornadoes and downbursts. Seismic retrofitting is primarily concerned with structural improvements, through VERTEX also provides retrofitting services for non-structural elements such as drainage and infrastructure.

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Key Personnel

Senior Seismic Engineer

Ian Robertson, PE, SE

Mr. Robertson is a Senior Structural Engineer at VERTEX in Southern California. He is both a licensed Civil and Structural Engineer in California with 30 years of seismic risk evaluation and seismic risk reduction experience. Evaluation, retrofit and repair design projects include both old and new buildings, even an underwater evaluation of a concrete municipal reservoir. Design experience includes steel structures in corrosive environments, wafer fabrication buildings and office buildings.

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