FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.(Q) Is earthquake analysis just a “does it meet code?’ issue?

2.(Q) Why is first hand natural disaster investigation experience important;

can’t engineers get the same knowledge from reading reports?

3.(Q) Were personnel at VIE doing security investigations before 9/11?

4.(Q) Why is VIE so passionate about life safety protection?

5.(Q) Is VIE another expensive consulting company?

6.(Q) Is VIE insured?

7.(Q) Have VIE personnel investigated disasters other than earthquakes?

8.(Q) For grant writing, what is one major success factor?

ANSWERS

1.(Q) Is earthquake analysis just a “does it meet code?’ issue?

(A) NO, definitely not! Earthquake analysis is highly complex; however, the bottom line is that “code” conformance is the minimum legal standard for new construction only. For retrofit construction, codes still apply; however, owners are often allowed to select a design performance level. For example, FEMA voluntary retrofit standards list 4 different earthquake levels and 4 different level of performance, leading to 16 possible design levels. Selection of appropriate levels should consider building occupancy, building use, and benefit/cost analyses. top of page

2.(Q) Why is first hand natural disaster investigation experience important; can’t engineers get the same knowledge from reading reports?

(A) Certainly, study of written reports summarizing past events is critical. In fact this is necessarily the only way to review the findings from some historical events. However, there is no substitute for first hand experience. First hand investigations allow engineers to observe both effective and ineffective design methods along side each other. Older historical systems can be observed (some of which perform well). The emergency response issues are best observed on the ground. Social issues and the effects of displaced occupants and buildings can be seen directly. Interviews of persons at damaged sites may be done. top of page

3.(Q) Were personnel at VIE doing security investigations before 9/11?

(A) Yes, Mr. Masek has more than 8 years of experience in this area.

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4.(Q) Why is VIE so passionate about life safety protection?

(A) Well, there are the obvious reasons, it is just morally right. However, there are less obvious reasons. When any retrofit or renovation is done, an opportunity to protect life presents itself at a relatively small additional cost. Also, a strengthened building will often withstand the test of weather effects for a longer period of time. The building will also not have a negative mark concerning earthquake issues upon resale. In other words enormous “value added” results have been achieved. top of page

5.(Q) Is VIE just another expensive consulting company?

(A) NO, the founder of VIE is committed to providing top quality, innovative services at a reasonable cost. It’s just another aspect of VALUE. top of page

6.(Q) Is VIE insured?

(A) Yes, VIE carries $1.0 million PP&L insurance, and has access to higher levels. top of page

7.(Q) Have VIE personnel investigated disasters other than earthquakes?

(A) Yes, Examples include the Katrina Hurricane and Flood, and the Andaman Microbar Tsunami. top of page

8.(Q) For grant writing, what is one major success factor?

(A) Many factors are important, however if one stands out, it is to thoroughly understand the grant source goals and to match the applicant project to these goals. Another is to provide thorough supporting need data. top of page

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ANSWERS

Value Innovation Engineering Consultants, Inc.

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