| ASTM E2026 | ASTM E2557 (current edition) | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Standard Guide for Seismic Risk Assessment of Buildings | Standard Practice for Probable Maximum Loss (PML) Evaluations for Earthquake Due-Diligence Assessments |
| Document type | Guide — defines terminology, investigation levels, and methods | Practice — sets minimum scope and reporting for a due-diligence PML evaluation |
| Key outputs | SEL, SUL, building stability, site stability | Loss estimate for lender due diligence, reported using E2026 terminology |
| Current edition | E2026-24 | ASTM E2557 (current edition) |
Why "PML" is a legacy term
"Probable Maximum Loss" was used inconsistently across the industry. ASTM E2026 replaced it with defined measures: SEL (Scenario Expected Loss) and SUL (Scenario Upper Loss), usually reported for the 475-year (10% in 50 years) ground motion. Lenders still say "PML report" when they mean an SRA. For the agency thresholds, see the 20% and 40% SEL lines explained, and for insurance-driven orders, PML reports for earthquake insurance.
Which one does my lender want?
Often both. Fannie Mae, for example, requires the Level 1 SRA to meet ASTM E2026 and E2557 (Multifamily Guide 505.02). Your lender's scope letter states the required standard and edition.
How we report
We prepare our reports to ASTM E2026-24 and, where the lender requires it, ASTM E2557. Every report we deliver states SEL and SUL and is PE-reviewed and stamped.
Related: Level 0, Level 1, and Level 2 assessments · Fannie Mae seismic requirements