Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings For Potential Seismic Hazards - Part II

This online engineering PDH course provides essential guidance and instruction on how to complete the optional level 2 data collection form. Furthermore, this part presents the results of using rapid visual screening procedure.

The focus presented in this course is meant to be on the optional level 2 screening. Level 2 screening should only be performed by a civil or structural engineering professional, architect, or graduate student with a background in seismic evaluation or design of buildings. The statements on the Level 2 form have been designed assuming this level of training.It is assumed that the Level 1 form has already been completed, either by the current screener or previously during an earlier screening. If the Level 1 form was completed by a different screener, the Level 2 screener should repeat the Level 1 screening, or at least verify the information on the Level 1 form.

The same seismicity region used for the Level 1 screening applies to the Level 2 screening. If the Level 1 screening was performed using the High seismicity Level 1 form, the Level 2 screening should be performed using the High seismicity Level 2 form. Like the Level 1 form, the screener fills out the Level 2 form beginning at the top. The screener notes the name of the building, its Level 1 score, and the irregularity Score Modifiers used on Level 1. The screener then responds to a series of statements about the building, applying Score Modifiers where applicable. The Very High, High, Moderately High, Moderate, and Low seismicity forms differ in the Score Modifier values and in the pounding criteria. The screener calculates a Level 2 score and transfers this score to the Level 1 form. At the bottom of the Level 2 form is a limited nonstructural screening section. The screener replies to a series of statements regarding common nonstructural hazards and then makes a judgment about the estimated nonstructural seismic performance of the building.

Finally, this part discusses: (1) interpretation and selection of the cut-off score; (2) prior uses of the FEMA 154 RVS procedure, including decisions regarding the cut-off score; (3) using the RVS program for seismic advocacy; and (4) other possible uses of the RVS procedure, including resources needed for the various possible uses.

This 2 PDH online course is relevant for civil or structural engineering professional, architect, or graduate student with a background in seismic evaluation or design of buildings. It is particularly useful for those responsible for planning and conducting preliminary assessments of building structures in regions with seismic activity.