Exclusive Educational Session Combines Advanced Wind Research with Evidence-Based Forensic Investigation Insights
MIAMI — DDA Forensics and Florida International University’s (FIU) Extreme Events Institute (EEI) hosted an exclusive Wall of Wind (WOW) tour and continuing education course on Oct. 22, combining hurricane research and forensic engineering insights for claims professionals. The event was held from 1 to 5 p.m. at FIU’s Engineering and Computing Center located at 10555 W. Flagler St., Room 2300 in Miami.
Meteorologist Hall of Fame inductee Erik Salna opened the program with a recap of the 2026 hurricane season and a look ahead. Salna serves as Associate Director of Education and Outreach for the FIU EEI and International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC). He brings 35 years of broadcast meteorology experience, including live coverage of hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding. His presentation was held from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by a tour of the Wall of Wind research facility from 2 to 3 p.m.
During the tour, participants obtained a close look at the WOW facility, powered by a 12-fan system capable of repeatable testing at wind speeds up to 157 mph. With a water spray system, researchers study the combined effects of wind and wind-driven rain on structures at scales ranging from full size to approximately 1:50, including simulations at high Reynolds numbers. The facility’s 16,000-square-foot secure testing area accommodates essential research and destructive experiments under simulated Category 5 hurricane wind conditions. The WOW is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, instrumentation and experimental simulation protocols, supported by a team of distinguished faculty and staff delivering world-class research. Learn more at https://youtu.be/7yUYVHud0b0.
“The Wall of Wind tour gives participants a unique chance to see the science behind hurricane forces and the impact of those forces on structures. That connection between research and field evidence is what makes this program so valuable for professionals handling complex property losses,” said Jonathon Diego, Managing Partner, DDA Forensics.
After the tour, Dr. Ziad Azzi, DDA Forensics’ Director of Engineering, presented the two-hour continuing education course, “Wind vs. Storm Surge Damage: Case Studies from Helene” from 3 to 5 p.m. The course was created from Azzi’s extensive research findings after Hurricane Helene and was first presented earlier this year to engineers throughout the globe at the National Academy of Forensic Engineering Winter Conference. Azz shared these key findings on both pre-event vulnerability assessments and post-event forensic evaluations aimed at identifying and differentiating wind-induced versus storm surge-induced damage to residential buildings. The proposed methodology integrates civil engineering principles, forensic investigation techniques and building codes and standards to improve damage attribution accuracy and post-disaster decision-making. Attendees earn 2 CE/CLE.
“Accuracy in forensic investigations is absolutely essential for fair recovery outcomes and equitable allocation of resources,” said Azzi.
Azzi oversees the DDA Forensics engineering department throughout Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas. He also provides forensic investigations and delivers lectures, continuing education courses and presentations on forensic engineering throughout the globe. He has published numerous articles and conference papers in scientific and engineering journals.
“Determining what caused the damage has consequences well beyond the engineering report,” Azzi said. “A sound, evidence-based assessment helps resolve claims fairly and directs recovery resources where they belong. This course gives attendees a practical way to evaluate wind and storm surge damage.”
About DDA Forensics
DDA Forensics specializes in Forensic Engineering, Building Consulting, and Expert Witness services for the insurance and legal industries throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. Our Licensed Forensic Engineers investigate complex property damage claims involving wind, water, fire, structural failures, construction defects, premises liability and other losses to determine cause, origin, and extent of damage. Headquartered in Miami, our Structural Engineering Division provides Milestone & Recertification Inspections, Property Condition Assessments, Developer Turnover Inspections, and Owner Representative services for Florida property owners, property managers, board members, condominium and homeowners associations. With more than 20 years of experience, DDA Forensics provides objective and accurate forensic investigations backed by advanced education, real-world field experience, and research-driven methodology. Our multidisciplinary team delivers clear, concise, conclusive results on every project we undertake. Learn more at www.DDAForensics.com.
About the Wall of Wind (WOW) Facility
The NHERI Wall of Wind (WOW) Experimental Facility (EF) at Florida State University (FIU) is a state-of-the-art research facility funded by the National Science Foundation. It allows researchers to better understand the wind effects on civil infrastructure systems and helps prevent wind hazards from turning into community disasters. This world-class facility provides an exceptional opportunity for professionals in the insurance and legal sectors to learn how scientific advancements can shape the way property claims and litigation are managed in the aftermath of natural hazards. Learn more at https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/.
Media Inquiries:
Angela Delmedico
Elev8 Consulting Group
Ph: 386-243-5388
Em: info@elev8cg.com
Web: www.elev8cg.com
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