Seismic Design & Analysis

JAMA is unique in its seismic design and analysis capabilities. The firm has designed numerous high-rise and long-span structures in zones of high seismicity and routinely performs nonlinear, linear, static, and dynamic seismic analyses of complex structures. For many years, JAMA has been a leader in structural design for major base-isolated hospital buildings. Subsequently, JAMA has been selected by the California Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development (OSHPD) to perform plan checking for all types of hospital buildings throughout California.

JAMA provides seismic design and analysis of all types of buildings ranging in size and complexity and implements the appropriate use of sophisticated analysis software that results in the most cost-effective design solutions for building owners, architects, developers, and contractors. When combining our practical experience with our research expertise, we continue to provide the highest level of seismic design and analysis for new structures and the seismic upgrade of existing buildings.

JAMA's Research & Development department has been awarded grants by such diverse agencies as the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the County of Los Angeles, the California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for studying various damage characteristics of earthquakes and their impact on seismic design practice. In addition, the standard text for teaching seismic design in more than a dozen top universities, The Seismic Design Handbook, was authored by Farzad Naeim of our office.