Resources

For Structural Engineers

Professional Practice and Standards

• SEAOC Publications and Products

  Access SEAOC Blue Book, Seismic/Wind Design Manuals, and practice guidelines.

• SEAOC Structural/Seismic Design Manual (2021 IBC series)

  Design examples that illustrate seismic provisions and ASCE 7 requirements.

• Vulnerable Buildings Fact Sheet — SEAOC 2025

  Fact Sheet on Vulnerable Buildings.

• SEAOC Seismic Design Tool

  Interactive reference for seismic design parameters and resources for practice in California.

• California Building Code (CBC) — 2025 (ICC Digital Codes)

  Official CBC text hosted by ICC. Effective January 1, 2026.

• California Building Standards Commission

  Title 24 access, rulemaking, errata, and supplements for California codes.

• CA License Lookup (BPELSG)

  Verify California engineers, land surveyors, and geologists.

• NCSEA Resources

  National tools and references across technical topics and practice areas.

• NCSEA Online Learning

  Live and recorded webinars with continuing education certificates.

• NCSEA SE GPT

  AI-assisted search over trusted structural engineering resources.

Technical and Research

• EERI Digital Library

  Reports, proceedings, and Learning From Earthquakes resources.

• Earthquake Spectra (EERI Journal)

  Peer‑reviewed research on earthquake engineering practice and policy.

• PEER Reports

  Free PDF reports on performance‑based engineering and related topics.

• USGS Earthquake Hazard and Fault Maps

  Interactive hazard layers, fault maps, and recent earthquakes.

• California EQ Zapp (CGS)

  Check if a property lies within an earthquake hazard zone.

For the Public

Understanding Structural Engineering

• What is a Structural Engineer?

  A plain‑language overview of how structural engineers protect life and property. Information courtesy of SEAONC.

• Verify a Licensed Engineer

  Search California’s licensing database before you hire.

• Structural Engineering Terms

  Definitions and terms commonly used in structural engineering. Information courtesy of SEAONC.

Earthquake Safety and Preparedness

• Great California ShakeOut

  Join the statewide earthquake drill and learn Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

• Cal OES Earthquake Preparedness

  California‑specific steps to prepare your home, family, and workplace.

• Ready.gov — Earthquakes

  Federal guidance with checklists and family plan templates.

• California Seismic Hazards (Cal OES)

  Learn about earthquake early warning and hazard programs in California.

• EQ Zapp Hazard Zone Map

  Find out if your property is in a fault or liquefaction zone.

Community and Education

• SEAOC

  Statewide community of structural engineers advancing safety and practice.

• SEAONC

  Northern California Member Organization.

• SEAOSC

  Southern California Member Organization.

• SEAOCC

  Central California Member Organization.

• SEAOSD

  San Diego Member Organization.

• SEAOC Foundation

  Scholarships, research support, and public education initiatives.