Patent Document ID: 20060041406
Application ID: 11173054
Patent Flag: 0

Claim One:
1. A method for obtaining a risk analysis parameter using a data processing system having an input and an output, the method comprising acts of: a. querying a user to input at least one of the following input parameters into the input: i. location ô=({circumflex over (φ)},{circumflex over (λ)}), where ô denotes a longitude and latitude of a facility in question; ii. site classification ĉ, where the site classification reflects geological characteristics of soil at the facility in question; iii. period of interest {circumflex over (T)}, where {circumflex over (T)} denotes a user's estimate of the small-amplitude fundamental period of vibration of the facility in question; iv. damping ratio {circumflex over (ζ)} where the damping ration is a mathematical characteristic of an idealized structural system of the facility in question; v. loss-threshold shaking s NZ , where the loss-threshold shaking is a minimum level of shaking at which nonnegligible damage occurs; vi. planning period t EBE , where the planning period is the period an investor uses in a financial analysis for the facility in question; and vii. exceedance probability p EBE , where the exceedance probability is the probability that earthquake shaking of intensity s EBE or greater will occur during planning period t EBE ; b. calculating a risk analysis parameter based upon at least one of the input parameters; c. outputting the risk analysis parameter through the output, whereby through the risk analysis parameter, a user may calculate an expected annualized loss (EAL) according to the following: 
 EAL=H×PFL, wherein PFL represents a probable frequent loss, average loss conditioned on a seismic intensity associated with an economic-basis earthquake, and H represents an economic hazard coefficient.