It is impossible to predict precisely the damage a building will experience in a future earthquake, because each earthquake is unique, and building simulations only model approximate responses to shaking. Losses due to earthquakes are even more unpredictable because they depend on the post-eartahquake actions of individual owners, insurers, design professionals, building officials, and contractors. Nevertheless, property investors need to understand the risk associated with property investments. Seismic risk assessment reports have become standard practice in financial due diligence.
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