When it was first published in 2012, FEMA P-58 (Seismic Performance Assessment of Buildings, Volume 1 – Methodology) represented a step change in the quantification of building seismic performance, expanding from engineering-based metrics like forces and displacements to ones that resonate more strongly with decision-makers and non-technical audiences. The methodology has been refined and improved significantly since its initial publication, but the typical risk metrics produced by a FEMA P-58 assessment (including injuries, fatalities, repair costs, repair times, downtime) have remained largely unchanged. 

Across a diverse range of stakeholders, there is widespread interest in exploring more resilient designs and investing in resilience. However, the typical risk metrics available to modelers are inadequate for building the necessary business case for this additional investment. 

This talk will present several case studies where additional risk metrics and analyses (using FEMA P-58 as a foundation) helped unlock more impactful insights to support decision-making and resilience investment. Case studies include: a university working to reduce the risk of earthquake-induced displacement and disruption; a global retailer working to strengthen its supply chains; and a datacenter operator working to ensure its facilities meet their required uptime targets.