Post-Earthquake Safety & Damage Assessment

Assess earthquake damage and mitigate risk

Each year, approximately 16 major earthquakes of 7.0 magnitude or higher occur globally with the potential to cause devastating damage, particularly when the epicenter is in a populated area. With a multidisciplinary approach to earthquake engineering and nearly five decades of experience, Exponent is uniquely qualified to determine the nature and extent of earthquake damage, evaluate the contributions of perhaps several causal factors, and identify the most appropriate repairs.

Why is a multidisciplinary approach so important for thorough post-earthquake safety and damage assessments?

By studying earthquake impact to existing structures that have and have not sustained earthquake damage, our multidisciplinary team of structural, civil, geotechnical, and geological engineers has developed a deep understanding of how to determine the nature and extent of damage, evaluate the contributions of perhaps several causal factors, and identify the most appropriate repairs.

Exponent offers comprehensive support to property owners, insurance and legal communities, and government agencies (U.S. and international) — both in the aftermath of earthquakes including:

Rapid response to affected earthquake zones

Post-earthquake investigations of causative mechanisms resulting in structural damage, failure, or collapse
Using our deep experience in applying geographic information systems (GIS) to disaster response
Specialized training in the assessment of post-earthquake conditions for adjusters

Our earthquake engineering team understands the nature of seismic hazards on buildings and to the ground they rest upon. Exponent has been a leader in the post-earthquake safety and damage assessment community by being at the forefront of the development of post-earthquake safety and damage assessment standards and guidelines. This rich experience and leadership has earned Exponent a preeminent position in post-earthquake assessments.

services

For 50+ years, we’ve thrived on solving unstructured problems that require bespoke solutions. Some of our services include:

• Post-earthquake safety and damage assessment

• Disaster management and investigation protocol development

• Development of web-based geographic information systems for post-earthquake portfolio loss assessment and adjustment

• Post-earthquake fault and ground deformation reconnaissance

• Earthquake-induced permanent ground displacement analyses: fault rupture, settlement, liquefaction, slope instability

• Specialized training in the assessment of post-earthquake conditions for adjusters

Globally, Approximately

Earthquakes with 7.0 Magnitude or More Happen Annually

Damage Totaling More Than

$20 B

Resulted from the Magnitude 6.7 Northridge Earthquake

Our Capabilities Are Unparalleled

With expertise in over 90 disciplines and hundreds of capabilities, tools, and methodologies — we get to the root of even the most complex challenges and give you the objective answers you need.

Polymer earth stabilization grid installed to prevent hillside erosion. Exponent civil engineering support for earth engineering.

Experts

Our global and comprehensive expertise across industries gives us a deep understanding of current challenges, best industry practices, and the implications of emerging technologies.