Seismology Members

The Seismology Committee is responsible for the Structural Standards Committee's activities related to the provisions of building codes and national standards related to design, materials and construction requirements associated with seismic resistance and performance of new construction, including collaboration with and review of activities and positions of the Evaluation Service Committee related to seismic performance of products and systems.

The Seismology Committee is responsible for the SEAOC Blue Book, a globally recognized set of seismic design recommendations. The Blue Book has shaped earthquake engineering practice since 1959, giving the committee an outsized influence on how seismic safety is approached statewide and internationally. This long-standing impact makes the committee symbolically important, almost a “hallmark” of California seismic engineering.

The Seismology Committee is essential to the association’s mission of developing design philosophies, supporting continuing education, and collaborating with building officials on code development and hazard mitigation.

The Seismology Committee participates actively in the review process of code revisions and updates and provides support to the structural engineering community for code interpretations.