How do you perform objective seismic risk evaluations on critical structures like nuclear reactors and utility infrastructure?
Exponent's multidisciplinary seismic engineering teams assess multiple seismic risk factors including location, age, and structural condition to help ensure structural integrity in the event of an earthquake.
Since Japan's 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has renewed its focus on seismic risks to U.S. nuclear power plants. Exponent considers the proximity of existing faults near structures as well as structure strength, construction, and retrofitting plans to identify potential risk from earthquakes.
Our engineers have developed several analytical methods for estimating the performance of older non-ductile concrete frame buildings when subjected to earthquake ground motions. In addition to non-ductile concrete frames, we also assess buildings with unreinforced bearing walls, wood structures with soft stories, and buildings lifted with tilt-up panels.
services
For 50+ years, we’ve thrived on solving unstructured problems that require bespoke solutions. Some of our services include:
• Developing conceptual designs and feasibility studies
• Detailed structural analysis, including:
- Developing suites of ground motion records
- Assembling three-dimensional nonlinear models to capture structural system strength and stiffness
- Selecting and scaling ground motion records
- Developing detailed, high-fidelity nonlinear finite element models
- Assisting with probabilistic risk assessments of structures to evaluate the relative reliability of various design approaches
• Creating protocols for seismic protection device testing
• Peer review
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.
Structural & Geotechnical Quantitative Risk Assessment
Innovative, quantitative risk assessments to support climate-change planning that helps protect buildings, infrastructure, and other valuable assets.
Structural & Geotechnical Design Support
Complex structural health and design support, with effective strategies to mitigate environmental impacts and degradation.
Design & Construction Defects
Rigorous design and construction defect assessments, including building components and standard-of-care evaluations.
Testing & Analysis of Construction & Building Materials
Cutting-edge technical construction engineering and materials testing.
Construction Accidents
Accident investigation informed by 50+ years of failure analysis, including falls, equipment-related incidents, impacts and collapses.
Specialty Structures
From airports to green buildings, construction consulting for specialty structures requiring wide-ranging expertise to improve safety and performance.
![[BS] Buildings & Structures - Structural Failures - [ME] Failure & Root Cause Analaysis - construction professional examine exterior wall](/sites/default/files/styles/cards_home_card/public/media/images/GettyImages-522675447.jpg.webp?itok=7IgcrhSZ)
Structural Failures
Understand why buildings and structures fail, and how to prevent similar failures in the future.
Emergency Response
Rapid, data-driven engineering response to natural disasters, accidents, and human-made catastrophes.
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.
Corporate Vice President and Principal Engineer
Senior Fellow and Principal Engineer
Practice Director and Principal Engineer
