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VIE Engineers

(801) 671-8108
  • Services
    • Seismic Bracing Design
    • Equipment Anchorage Design
    • Equipment Seismic Certification
    • Seismic Assessment Reports
    • Grant Writing, Benefit Cost Analysis, and Grant Management
    • Risk Analysis / Management Planning
  • Projects
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SEISMIC BRACING TO ENHANCE THE LIFE SAFETY CONDITION OF BUILDINGS, LIFELINE SYSTEMS, AND FACILITIES.

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INNOVATIVE VALUE-BASED SCIENTIFIC AND ECONOMIC PRINCIPALS TO HELP CLIENTS MANAGE RISKS POSED BY NATURAL AND HUMAN CAUSED HAZARDS.

  • seismic-bracing

    SEISMIC BRACING DESIGN

    SEISMIC BRACING DESIGN

    Seismic bracing mitigates the potential of collapse and damage in a seismic event. Most earthquake damage results not from the quake itself, but from improperly supported non-structural systems – necessitating code-compliant seismic bracing to achieve facility damage limitation and operability objectives. VIE’s project-specific designs consider both the seismic impact on the structure and on the MEP systems in order to provide clients with higher levels of protection. Nonstructural components are both more vulnerable to earthquake damage than structural elements and have higher cost implications. VIE’s seismic bracing services provide highly effective solutions to preserve facilities’ life safety and stabilize costs for clients.

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    Equipment Anchorage Design

    Equipment Anchorage Design

    VIE’s equipment anchorage designs enable MEP equipment to remain secure, stable, and operational in buildings throughout seismic events. Earthquake damage to inadequately restrained MEP equipment can threaten the safety of people and wreak havoc on property. Anchoring equipment so that it is not knocked off of supporting structures is an insignificant cost compared to the costs associated with replacing and repairing damage resulting from a seismic event. VIE’s equipment anchorage designs reduce threat to life and minimize long-term costs by preventing nonstructural components from moving during an earthquake.

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  • equipment seismic certification

    EQUIPMENT SEISMIC CERTIFICATION

    EQUIPMENT SEISMIC CERTIFICATION

    VIE is one of the few engineering firms in the United States to provide seismic certification for equipment suppliers and contractors with analysis methods rather than shake-table testing. Through certifying with experience data, VIE has saved our clients hundreds of thousands of dollars. The capacities are verified as being greater than required minimum response spectrum and are approved by multiple review authorities, such as the IBC, UFC, ASCE 7, and more. We provide seismic certifications for electrical equipment, mechanical equipment, and instrumentation and controls.

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    SEISMIC ASSESSMENT REPORTS

    SEISMIC ASSESSMENT REPORTS

    Seismic assessment reports, also known as probable maximum loss assessments (PMLs), provide statistical estimates of building damage to a property in a seismic event. VIE has conducted hundreds of PMLs for property assessment consulting companies, financial institutions, facility owners, investors, and government entities throughout the western United States, as well as in other areas with moderate seismicity. These reports are performed in a variety of techniques, such as ATC 13, ASCE 41, FEMA P-58, and Thiel/Zsutty methods. We use the appropriate method for client needs, such as for government facilities to conform to project-specific criteria and multi-family housing to conform to HUD requirements.

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    GRANT WRITING

    GRANT WRITING

    Successful grant writing is a crucial component of projects moving forward, rather than being delayed or canceled. VIE provides grant writing services, benefit cost analysis, and grant management for public and private sector projects. Our grant-win rate exceeds 90%. We study all aspects of a project to determine if grant funds are available beyond natural hazard mitigation, such as funding for improved environmental efficiency or project-related equipment. VIE also assists clients in other aspects of project funding, such as serving as an advocate for public funds for land acquisition and facility construction.

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    HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING

    HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING

    VIE provides risk analysis and management planning reports for natural hazards, including FEMA hazard mitigations plans, as well as owner-specific hazard mitigation plans. VIE Engineers’ personnel have been responsible for natural hazard analyses for hundreds of facilities throughout the United States over the past 40 years. VIE works directly with clients to assess seismic hazard risk, quantify the effects of pertinent hazards, and develop strategies to mitigate effects of hazards. Implementation of hazard mitigation plans attenuates seismic vulnerabilities. There is often a large benefit-cost ratio to seismic retrofitting in advance, as it reduces business loss and increases asset value protection, compared to dealing with the aftermath of a seismic event and trying to repair damage done.

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Making Structures Safer Since 2006

VIE was founded in 2006 after the founder’s previous 25 years of experience in the seismic engineering realm and has since become recognized experts in seismic engineering across the United States. From seismic bracing design and detailing for nonstructural components to issuing seismic certifications to risk assessments and more, VIE Engineers is here to provide Value Innovative Engineering services that either meet or exceed the code requirements of client projects.

VIE developed innovative analysis and design techniques for non-structural building utility systems that substantially reduce the number and size of seismic bracing through implementation of advanced concepts. Our completed seismic bracing design, equipment seismic restraint design, and seismic equipment support/bracing design projects have a total construction value approaching $10 billion in the past 7 years alone.

We take pride in enabling clients to be ready for the future with services that mitigate risk and preserve safety of people and property alike.

Blogs

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  • seismic bracing
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  • By John Masek
  • On September 27, 2023

Protecting Data Centers From Seismic Activity With VIE

Data centers must be continuously operational during and after natural hazards. One of the natural hazards that could potentially affect data centers the most are seismic events. Seismic bracing for data centers safeguard security and operations to maintain high levels of protection, providing service reliability even in a seismic event. VIE has designed seismic measures for MEP equipment, computer systems, structural ceilings, specialized containment structures for HVAC systems, and many other such facilities.
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hud housing seismic safety
  • seismic bracing,
  • seismic assessments
  • -
  • By John Masek
  • On June 20, 2024

Improving HUD Housing Seismic Safety With Minimal Disruptions To Occupants

As those who use HUD housing are disadvantaged, it is especially important to ensure that seismic reviews can be completed with minimal disruption to the occupants. Those in federally-assisted housing are some of the most vulnerable people with the fewest resources, with the least ability to prepare for disaster and recovery. Improving seismic safety is crucial for all in seismically hazardous areas, as HUD housing often is.
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local economies engineering firms
  • seismic bracing
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  • By John Masek
  • On July 29, 2024

Supporting Local Economies: How Engineering Firms Can Make A Difference

While using resources from other countries can be convenient, it’s important to support local economies and strengthen communities. When engineering firms make the effort to use US-sourced products, use local contractors, and support local infrastructure, they’re improving their community. 
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  • seismic bracing
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  • By John Masek
  • On September 16, 2024

Seismic Certification Without Shake-Table Testing: What You Need To Know

Seismic certification is the crucial aspect of ensuring that non-structural equipment is capable of withstanding seismic events while maintaining functionality. Critical needs facilities, such as hospitals, data centers, emergency operations centers, police and fire stations, and more need to be able to provide services 24/7, especially in the event of an emergency. The equipment in […]
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fire stations grants
  • seismic bracing
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  • By John Masek
  • On October 9, 2024

Grants for Fire Stations: Obtaining Necessary Seismic Retrofits

In the event of an emergency, communities rely on first responders for aid. However, if crucial public buildings, like fire stations, aren’t up to current seismic code, the first responders themselves are in danger and may be unable to serve the needs of their communities. Federal grants provide the necessary funding to obtain seismic retrofits to keep such facilities safer.
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PML HUD VIE
  • seismic bracing
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  • By John Masek
  • On November 11, 2024

4 Reasons To Use VIE For PML / HUD Studies

VIE has performed seismic assessment reports and probable maximum loss studies for hundreds of buildings throughout the United States, many HUD properties included. Here is what you need to know about what working with us for your probable maximum loss studies for your HUD properties can offer you. 
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seismic bracing design oregon washington
  • seismic bracing
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  • By John Masek
  • On December 12, 2024

The Importance Of Seismic Bracing Design For Buildings In Oregon And Washington

In the Pacific Northwest, there are significant seismic hazards along the Cascadia Subduction Zone. This 600-mile-long fault increases the likelihood of an intraplate earthquake, which could result in devastating damage and fatalities. VIE provides seismic bracing design services in Oregon and Washington in order to help clients prepare for natural disasters and mitigate the damage they cause. 
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earthquake resistant design airport safety
  • seismic bracing
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  • By John Masek
  • On February 10, 2025

How Earthquake-Resistant Design Enhances Airport Safety

Throughout the world, seismic activity presents a major threat to transportation networks, like airports. In our previous blog, Seismic Safety For Airports: Crucial Concerns, Impacts, And Mitigating Risks, we did an overview of some of the key factors involved in airport seismic safety. Here, we’ll go further into how earthquake-resistant design enhances airport safety.
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business running earthquake
  • seismic bracing
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  • By John Masek
  • On April 9, 2025

Keep Your Business Running After An Earthquake With Seismic Bracing

Earthquakes not only pose a significant threat to life safety, but also to economics. They can severely damage equipment, buildings, and infrastructure, as well as disrupt production. When you’re operating a business in an area with seismic hazards, advance planning will improve the likelihood that your business will still be able to operate with functional systems in place. 
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seismic bracing bim models
  • seismic bracing
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  • By John Masek
  • On March 13, 2025

Coordination Of Seismic Bracing Within BIM Models

Through coordination of seismic bracing within BIM models, it is possible to construct earthquake-resistant structures that prioritize life-safety and mitigate losses in a seismic event.
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Areas we serve

  • Utah
  • washington
  • oregon
  • california
  • texas
  • nevada
  • who-we-are-scaled-1-e1705602454778

    Who We Are

    VIE Engineers is an engineering consulting company based in Northern Utah and provides services throughout the United States. VIE serves government facilities, public utilities, industrial facilities, and more.

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    Our Mission

    At VIE, seismic bracing, risk assessment, risk management consulting, and disaster resistant design are much more than just a job or even a business. These are services that we believe in and are privileged to help you with.

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    What We Do

    VIE Engineers has over 4 decades of experience and has worked on several hundred facilities around the world. Services include: seismic bracing, risk analysis for hazards, structural engineering, design and construction phase services, and much more.

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Seismic Risk Assessments For High-To-Moderate Risk Seismic Zones

Earthquake analysis is more than just a “does it meet code?” assessment. Effective seismic evaluations and designs necessitate practical understandings of seismicity and the response of structural and non-structural components to the ground motion. The severity of earthquake damage largely comes down to how well prepared structures and systems are for a seismic event. Seismic bracing, restraint, planning, and retrofitting are crucial components in order to reduce potential loss-of-life, property damage, and costs associated with natural disasters.

VIE Engineers is equipped with decades of seismic engineering experience. We implement knowledge from past natural hazards, including hands-on experience in disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, in order to address factors that impact seismic performance to achieve the desired response. Working with VIE means working with committed experts who use sophisticated, innovative methods to improve seismic performance while reducing cost to the specifications of clients’ risk tolerance and budget.

VIE not only provides seismic retrofit design, but can also provide complete seismic bracing, anchorage, and structural steel product components for the project in a turn-key solution. We don’t just do the design and send it to someone else. We work with CFC to provide the whole package, making us a one-stop solution for providing everything that you need. With an eye to the future, VIE’s passionate, driven approach delivers the custom process your project requires while enabling you to prepare for services you may grow to need. We’re proud to be an engineering firm that clients return to time and time again.

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VIE ENGINEERS

968 Chambers St
STE 1
South Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 671-8108
Monday 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

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