What Is FEMA P-154 Rapid Visual Screening?

FEMA P-154 is a practical visual screening method used to obtain preliminary information about the seismic risk of existing buildings in a short time. It can be used in the first assessment of alternative buildings in leasing and acquisition decisions, or in reviewing large building portfolios. Characteristics such as building type, period of construction, structural irregularities and soil conditions are evaluated within a scoring system. Developed from past earthquake observations, statistical relationships and analytical models, this approach provides approximate information about the probability of partial or total collapse of the building when subjected to the very rare and severe ground motion the method is based on.

The advantage of the method is that it offers a rapid assessment without detailed material testing or structural analysis. In return, characteristics that cannot be seen, such as concrete strength and reinforcement details, remain uncertain. The result is not a definite prediction of a specific future earthquake; it is an approximate indicator obtained under the earthquake level and assumptions defined in the method. It should therefore be used for initial screening and for identifying the need for further investigation in a leasing or acquisition process. It does not replace a detailed seismic performance assessment.