Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Seismic Engineering & Risk Assessment Services
For over 50 years, LFZ Group has been a trusted leader in seismic engineering and structural assessment services. Founded in 1975, our firm specializes in seismic risk analysis, retrofit design, and property condition evaluations for commercial, residential, and industrial properties across the United States. Our proprietary Automated Earthquake Risk Analysis (AERA) software enables precise probabilistic loss estimations for individual buildings and portfolios. We provide comprehensive due diligence services for real estate investors and lenders, including structural peer reviews, post-earthquake damage investigations, and seismic upgrade solutions. Our team combines advanced finite element modeling techniques with practical field experience to address seismic and wind dynamics challenges. With expertise in historical building preservation and modern retrofit technologies like fluid viscous dampers, we deliver cost-effective solutions that balance safety and functionality. Our sister companies, Seismic Engineering Associates Ltd. and Lord, Ficks, Zayed & Associates Inc., work collaboratively to meet diverse client needs while maintaining industry-leading technical standards.We serve major metropolitan areas in seismically active regions, supporting clients through all project phases from initial assessment to construction monitoring. Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through continuous development of seismic underwriting criteria and performance-based design methodologies. This long-standing dedication to technical excellence and client partnership has established LFZ Group as a recognized authority in earthquake engineering and risk management.
Services
Seismic Risk Assessment
Retrofit Design
Structural Engineering
Portfolio Analysis
Post-Earthquake Evaluation
Property Condition Assessment
Finite Element Modeling
Seismic Upgrade Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of specialized seismic engineering experience
- Our proprietary AERA software enables precise earthquake loss modeling
- We provide comprehensive due diligence for major real estate transactions
- Our team pioneers innovative retrofit solutions like fluid viscous damper systems
- We maintain technical excellence through continuous ASTM standard compliance
Services
Seismic Risk Assessment
Our seismic risk assessments utilize proprietary AERA software to estimate earthquake damage probabilities and business interruption losses. We analyze individual buildings or portfolios using ASTM standards, providing probabilistic and scenario-based evaluations. Our deterministic approach considers site-specific factors to deliver accurate loss estimations for risk management decisions.
Retrofit Design
We develop cost-effective retrofit solutions for pre-Northridge steel frames, non-ductile concrete buildings, and wood-frame structures. Our designs incorporate fluid viscous dampers and moment frames while maintaining building functionality. Each solution balances safety improvements with operational continuity during construction phases.
Structural Engineering
Our structural engineering services cover seismic and wind-sensitive buildings, bridges, and special structures. We employ finite element modeling for dynamic response analysis and provide full-service design from concept through construction documentation. This includes peer reviews and field monitoring for major projects.
Portfolio Analysis
Portfolio assessments use AERA software to evaluate geographically dispersed facilities with fault-based scenario analysis. We prioritize risk mitigation strategies based on aggregate loss expectations and provide customized underwriting criteria for institutional clients managing multi-property seismic exposure.
Post-Earthquake Evaluation
Our teams conduct post-earthquake investigations to determine damage extent, recommend repairs, and estimate downtime losses. We analyze recorded ground motions against simulated responses to validate structural performance and develop retrofit strategies for improved future resilience.
Questions
What seismic risk assessment services do you provide?
We offer probabilistic and scenario-based earthquake loss estimations using our proprietary AERA software for individual properties and portfolios.
Do you handle historical building seismic retrofits?
Yes, we specialize in preserving historical buildings while implementing modern seismic upgrades that maintain architectural integrity.
What retrofit solutions are most cost-effective?
Fluid viscous damper systems and cantilevered moment frames typically provide optimal cost-performance balance for common structural deficiencies.
Do you provide post-earthquake damage analysis?
Yes, our team conducts field investigations, recommends repairs, and provides retrofit designs following seismic events.
What property types do you assess?
We evaluate high-rise offices, multi-family residential buildings, retail centers, industrial facilities, and special structures.
Can you assess entire property portfolios?
Our AERA software enables comprehensive portfolio risk analysis across geographically dispersed facilities using fault-based scenarios.
