2026 Post-Disaster Building Assessment Training Workshop
April 23 @ 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
The AIBC is hosting the 2026 Spring Post-Disaster Building Assessment (PDBA) Training Workshop virtually on April 23 and 30, 2026.
AIBC Registrants, architectural students, and those with building construction expertise who are interested in participating in Post-Disaster Building Assessment are required to take training that aligns with the provincial and international protocols and standards. Upon completion of the course, participants will be eligible to register with BC Housing as a volunteer post-disaster building assessor.
The deadline to register for the workshop is April 14, 2026.
PDBA Training Workshop Overview
Taking place over two half-days, the workshop will prepare participants to perform rapid post-disaster building assessments. Workshop content includes an overview of the following:
- Earthquake hazards, building types, and common forms of construction in British Columbia
- Structural basics, in the context of post-disaster building assessments, with a focus on seismic risk
- Different levels of response, including the regional context of the Lower Mainland
- The ATC-20 and BC Housing Field Guides
Attendees will also learn about relevant case studies and hear from field experts about their experiences with PDBA. Representatives from BC Housing and City of Vancouver will provide updates on preparedness initiatives and anticipated response strategies.
A series of exercises will be part of the training to help participants apply the concepts to case studies and prepare for their role as a PDBA assessor. Be prepared to share and contribute your thoughts, have your cameras and mics on when needed, and collaborate with others during group work. Registration cost includes hard copies of the ATC-20 and ATC-45 manuals.
PDBA Training Workshop
Date: Thursday, April 23 and 30, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.– 1 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: $385 + GST
Learning Units: 8 Core
Registration: Register online by April 14, 2026
This session will be presented by members of Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd: Adam Lubell, PhD, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., Associate; and James Munro, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., PE (CA), Principal.
Additional presenters include Robyn Fenton Architect AIBC, AIBC Post-Disaster Liaison; Kelly Anderson, P.Eng., CP, Manager, Operational Readiness, Vancouver Emergency Management Agency; Saul Schwebs Architect AIBC, CBO and Director of Building Policy, Inspections & Bylaw Services of the City of Vancouver; and Pat Cullen, Manager of Security and Emergency Services, BC Housing.