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Sponsored by ASCE Continuing Education and the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI).

INSTRUCTOR: Mohammad Aliaar, Ph.D., S.E., P.E., M.ASCE

Course Length:  90 minutes

Purpose and Background

The Probable Maximum Loss (PML) study is an assessment of seismic risk for an existing building prepared by civil and structural engineers for various clients and entities so they can understand and control their exposure to seismic risk. This study can provide information that can be used to understand and take steps to minimize exposure to earthquake risks. The PML study is also widely used to make decisions on real estate transactions such as selling/buying properties, financial loans, and earthquake insurance policies. This webinar educates participants on purpose, terms, methods, and steps of seismic risk assessment through PML study. It discusses in detail tasks involving a PML study, including field visits and investigations, review of existing drawings and documents, identification of site and seismic hazards, loss estimations, and preparation of a proper report. This webinar also discusses available guides and standards for seismic risk assessment including ASTM E2026 and ASTM E2557.

Primary Discussion Topics

• Introduction and background on seismic risk assessment, PML study
• Fundamentals and definition of seismic risk terms
• Purpose and applications of PML study
• Different methods for estimation of losses
• Procedure for PML study
• Available guides and standards on seismic risk assessment

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Prepare seismic risk assessment, PML study
• Identify site and seismic hazards for a building
• Describe fundamentals, components, and methods for estimation of risk values
• Discuss importance and various application of a PML study
• Explain required procedure to perform a PML study and prepare a proper report
• Demonstrate good understanding of meaning and interpretation of loss values

Webinar Benefits

• Familiarize yourself with seismic risk assessment, PML study
• Recognize the purpose and different applications of PML study
• Understand available methods for seismic risk assessment
• Observe the procedure required to prepare a PML report for an existing building

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

• Civil and structural engineers
• Building owners/mangers
• Commercial real estate professionals
• Developers Discuss standards ASTM E2026 and ASTM E2557

Webinar Outline

• Background on seismic risk assessment, PML study
• Fundamentals and definitions
• Application
• Methods
• Procedure
• Guidelines and standards, ASTM E2026 & ASTM E2557 

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]