Level 0 inputs present the minimum data required to perform an analysis. These inquiries consist of, but are not limited to, occupancy type, age of the structure, number of stories and location. The inputs are simple and easy to identify from photographs or site visits. The resulting calculations are based on the soil maps and hazard and fragility curves developed by our teams of experts. The uncertainties associated with this level of analysis are the highest allowed by the program..

The location of the building is the most basic input of the hazard module. At this time, six of the most populated cities in Puerto Rico are included in our software. These are San Juan, Carolina, Bayamon, Ponce, Arecibo and Mayagüez. Each city is divided into barrios (neighborhoods). Once a barrio is selected, the user is given a map to mark the location. Location of a building is used to assign hazard levels for earthquakes and hurricanes under various analysis modes in the program. It is also used to assign default soil types, wind exposure and topographic effects.

The classification of buildings is used to set the default values for construction types. The user will be shown photographs of various occupancy types to help identify the structure in question. Residential buildings are classified into four categories: single family urbanization house, single family stand alone house, apartments and walk ups. The list of commercial buildings includes 25 specific types in 5 groups. Institutional buildings are divided into four general categories and 14 specific uses. Finally, Industrial buildings are divided in two groups based on the ownership. A large number of industrial buildings in Puerto Rico are owned by government and are leased to various companies as part of continuing effort to bring industries to the Island. These buildings share common characteristics which are helpful in assigning the fragility curves.

In deciding on Level 0 input as the minimum to run an analysis, the emphasis was placed on accommodating the users by requiring only such data that can be obtained from typical insurance files. It was then become necessary that on some levels, default parameters based on user input are assigned internally by the program to complete the analysis.

To define the default settings for Puerto Rico, detailed studies on soil types and wind exposure characteristics were augmented by a building classification survey. The survey included field visits, plans reviews, and gathering of expert opinions. It revealed the more common building exposure characteristics by occupancies including construction class and building size.


Level I, Level II

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