This podcast looks at how you can use seismic design category maps for International Residential Code to gain some insight into the earthquake hazard at your address so you can make informed decisions about retrofitting, earthquake insurance, and other preparedness actions. Dr. Mike Tong, a senior physical scientist at FEMA, and Kelly Cobeen, a registered civil and structural engineer, will explain what seismic design categories are, how you can find your category, and what you can learn from it.

Mai (Mike) Tong

Dr. Mai (Mike) Tong is a senior physical scientist at FEMA, where he oversees FEMA National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program projects that produce technical guidance and code resources for new buildings. He served as the FEMA project officer on the development team that produced the seismic design category maps for 2024 International Residential Code and International Building Code.

Kelly Cobeen

Kelly Cobeen is a registered civil and structural engineer and Principal of Wiss Janney Elstner Associates in their San Francisco area office. Her interests include the earthquake resistance of both new and retrofitted light-frame construction. Among her many code development, research, and educational activities, she participated in the development of the seismic design category maps and their adoption into the International Residential Code and International Building Code.  (link to bio)

Episode 9 Transcript Link – View full Show Notes here.