Seismic Assessments Explained: What Building Owners Need to Know

A seismic assessment is not simply about determining whether a building is “safe” or “unsafe”. It is a structured process for understanding how a building is expected to perform during an earthquake, identifying vulnerabilities, and determining whether further investigation or strengthening may be warranted. The appropriate level of assessment depends on the building’s age, construction type, use, structural system, available documentation, and the decisions the building owner needs to make.