Leslie Nan Ransbottom

US Patent:

58421483, Nov 24, 1998

Filed:

Oct 7, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/726693

Inventors:

James C. Prendergast - Saratoga CA
Leslie N. Ransbottom - Redwood City CA
Walter E. Dibble - Palo Alto CA

Assignee:

JCP Geologists, Inc. - Cupertino CA

International Classification:

G01L 126

US Classification:

702 34

Abstract:

Residential wood home structures are evaluated and classified according to a defined risk level relative to damage likely to be caused by earthquake shaking or wind forces. Susceptibility to damage is evaluated and predicted by a probabilistic software engine based on existing databases of geologic and/or wind data coupled with specific structural characteristics information obtained by an onsite inspection of the structure. The software engine combines these data sets, and produces a report with a reliable, quantified risk rating that can be used by insurance companies to make decisions regarding offering of insurance and rates of insurance. The report is also used by homeowners as an evaluation factor in deciding to strengthen the structure against earthquake and/or wind storm damage. Because of its high volume capability and affordability, this inventive process makes assessment of a home's risk relative to damage induced by earthquake shaking and/or wind forces available to a larger segment of the general market, including home owning and home buying persons.