Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Seismic Engineering Solutions
The LFZ Group has been a trusted leader in seismic engineering and structural consulting since 1975. Our firm specializes in seismic risk assessment, property condition evaluations, and retrofit design, serving real estate investors and construction clients nationwide. With proprietary tools like our Automated Earthquake Risk Analysis (AERA) software, we deliver precise loss estimations and cost-effective solutions tailored to each client's needs. Our expertise spans high-rise offices, residential complexes, industrial facilities, and historical buildings, ensuring safety and compliance across diverse projects. We prioritize long-term client relationships, leveraging over five decades of experience and advanced technologies to address seismic and structural challenges. Our sister companies, Lord Ficks Zayed & Associates Inc. and Seismic Engineering Associates Ltd., collaborate under the LFZ banner to provide comprehensive engineering services.From portfolio risk assessments to post-earthquake damage investigations, we combine technical rigor with practical insights to mitigate risks and enhance building performance. Our team's deep understanding of ASTM standards and seismic retrofit methodologies ensures clients receive actionable, code-compliant recommendations. With a focus on innovation and client-centric service, we remain committed to advancing seismic safety and structural integrity in both new and existing constructions.
Services
Seismic Risk Assessment
Seismic Retrofits
Property Condition Assessments
Structural Engineering
Construction Monitoring
Post-Earthquake Assessments
Seismic Design Criteria
Peer Review
Portfolio Risk Assessment
Wind Dynamics Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in seismic engineering.
- We utilize proprietary AERA software for accurate risk assessments.
- We provide cost-effective seismic retrofit solutions.
- Our team offers comprehensive property condition assessments.
- We focus on long-term client relationships and tailored services.
Services
Seismic Risk Assessment
Our seismic risk assessments utilize proprietary AERA software to estimate earthquake damage probabilities for individual or portfolio properties. We analyze site-specific factors and adhere to ASTM standards, providing probabilistic and scenario-based loss expectations. Clients receive actionable insights to guide retrofit decisions and risk management strategies.
Seismic Retrofits
We design cost-effective seismic retrofit solutions for steel moment frames, non-ductile concrete, and wood-framed structures. Our methods include fluid viscous dampers and shear walls to enhance structural resilience while minimizing tenant disruption and preserving architectural integrity.
Property Condition Assessments
Our multidisciplinary assessments evaluate building systems, site improvements, and seismic vulnerabilities. Conducted per ASTM standards, these assessments support due diligence for acquisitions, financing, or compliance, detailing repair needs and lifecycle cost projections.
Structural Engineering
We provide full-service structural engineering for new constructions and renovations. Specializing in seismic- and wind-sensitive structures, we employ finite element modeling to optimize designs for safety, functionality, and code compliance across high-rises, bridges, and industrial facilities.
Post-Earthquake Assessments
Our teams conduct rapid post-earthquake evaluations to determine structural safety and repair scope. We assess damage extent, recommend reoccupation protocols, and design retrofit measures to enhance future resilience while minimizing downtime for property owners.
Questions
What industries do you serve?
We specialize in commercial real estate, including high-rise offices, residential complexes, industrial facilities, and historical buildings nationwide.
How do you assess seismic risk?
We use proprietary AERA software and ASTM standards to analyze probabilistic loss scenarios, incorporating site-specific geotechnical data and building characteristics.
Do you handle national projects?
Yes, we've completed assessments and retrofits across the U.S., including Alaska, California, Washington, and Puerto Rico.
What retrofit methods do you recommend?
We prioritize cost-effective solutions like fluid viscous dampers for steel frames and plywood shear walls for wood structures while preserving building functionality.
Can you assist with portfolio-level risk management?
Yes, our AERA software enables comprehensive portfolio analysis, identifying high-risk assets and prioritizing mitigation investments across geographically dispersed properties.
