Built Environment

Seismic Risk Analysis

At Helmy Forensics, we specialize in assessing and quantifying seismic risk through our expertise in Probable Maximum Loss (PML) analysis. PML is a comprehensive approach used to estimate the potential financial loss associated with earthquake damage to buildings and portfolios. Our team employs a systematic process that incorporates seismic hazard analysis, structural vulnerability assessment, fragility analysis, and loss estimation models. By combining these methodologies, we provide our clients with a clear understanding of the potential financial impact of seismic events. Our meticulous evaluations enable stakeholders such as property owners, insurers, and decision-makers to make informed decisions regarding risk management strategies, insurance coverage, and asset protection. Helmy Forensics can help you navigate the complexities of seismic risk assessment and provide valuable insights to safeguard your assets and make informed risk mitigation decisions.

WHY APPOINT A FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR?

We have the experience and expertise to deliver objective, science-driven analyses to uncover root causes, resolve disputes, guide repairs, and prevent future issues, ensuring informed decisions for our clients.

Pre-Loss Risk Assessment

Our extensive expertise in industry regulations, codes, and standards enables us to identify potential vulnerabilities before incidents occur.
We review design plans and completed structures to pinpoint areas with a high likelihood of future failure, ensuring proactive measures can be taken.
We also provide 3D laser scanning services to capture pre-loss conditions accurately.

Forensic Investigation

We provide clear, decisive answers to help you understand the root cause of an incident, assisting in coverage decisions and fraud detection.
We use advanced technology and tools that enable precise data collection, efficient analysis, and detailed visualizations, enhancing the speed and reliability of our forensic investigations.
We submit comprehensive reports within 7 business days of our site inspections enabling clients to make informed decisions quickly.

Expert Witness

Technical Clarity: We simplify complex technical details for courts and juries, making the information accessible and understandable.
Objective Insights: We offer unbiased opinions grounded in facts, ensuring credibility and trustworthiness in testimony.
Comprehensive Documentation: We deliver well-structured reports and visual aids to support findings in litigation.
Support During Disputes: We help identify legal responsibilities, defend against wrongful claims, and support subrogation or recovery efforts.
Strategic Guidance: We advise legal teams on technical strengths and vulnerabilities in their cases to shape strategies effectively.

IS YOUR BUILDING AT RISK?

DETERMINING PROBABLE MAXIMUM LOSS

DATA COLLECTION

Gather relevant data about the building and the location. This includes information such as building characteristics (age, size, construction materials, etc.), occupancy type, building code requirements, and geographical data.

SEISMIC HAZARD ANALYSIS

Assess the seismic hazard in the region where the building is located. This involves analyzing historical earthquake data, geological studies, and probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA). PSHA combines information about seismic sources, ground motion models, and the site-specific characteristics to estimate the likelihood of different levels of ground shaking.

STRUCTURAL VULNERABILITY

Evaluate the vulnerability of the building to seismic forces. This step considers factors such as building type, design standards, construction quality, and any retrofitting measures that have been implemented. Structural vulnerability assessments may use analytical methods, empirical models, or advanced computer simulations to determine the building's capacity to withstand ground shaking.

FRAGILITIY ANALYSIS

Develop fragility curves that quantify the probability of different levels of damage or loss based on the intensity of ground shaking. Fragility curves are derived from historical data, laboratory testing, and field observations. These curves provide the relationship between ground motion intensity and the likelihood of specific damage states for the building being assessed.

LOSS ESTIMATION

Estimate the financial loss associated with different damage states. This involves using loss estimation models or software tools that integrate the results of seismic hazard analysis, structural vulnerability assessment, and fragility analysis. These models consider factors such as building value, repair or replacement costs, business interruption losses, and contents or inventory value. They provide estimates of potential losses for different levels of ground shaking.

PML CALCULATION

The PML is typically expressed as a percentage of the total value of the building or assets being assessed. It represents the maximum expected loss within a given time frame, typically expressed as a return period (e.g., 100-year PML). The PML is determined by combining the fragility curves, loss estimation results, and the probabilities of different ground motion levels from the seismic hazard analysis.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Submitting an assignment through our web portal is fast and easy. You can also request a call or submit an inquiry with one of our forensic engineers who will respond promptly.

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WHERE WE ARE

California | Arizona | Nevada | Colorado | Utah | Oregon | Washington

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We look forward to hearing from you!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How quickly can an engineer be on-site?

For rush projects, we can be on-site within 72 hours. For all other projects, we prioritize scheduling promptly to minimize wait times. With our rapid report turnaround, you’ll have the insights you need quickly, ensuring efficient progress every step of the way.

2. How quickly can we receive a report?

Verbal reports are delivered directly from the site. Abbreviated reports are ready within 3 business days, comprehensive reports within 7 business days, and expansive reports within 9 business days.

3. Can you help with expert witness testimony?

Yes, we provide expert witness services for legal cases. Our reports and testimony are thorough, unbiased, and designed to withstand scrutiny in court.