DDA Forensics Director of Engineering Shares Published Research Studies for Evaluating Residential Roof Damage
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Dr. Ziad Azzi, Director of Engineering at DDA Forensics, presented “Discerning Wind-Related Damage to Residential Roofs” at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Florida Section Annual Conference, held July 21–23 in Fort Lauderdale.
The technical session examined the scientific and engineering principles used to evaluate residential roofing systems following hurricanes and other severe wind events. Azzi discussed hurricane formation, wind behavior, structural and wind engineering concepts, bluff-body aerodynamics and field observations gathered during property inspections throughout Florida.
Azzi addressed the importance of distinguishing wind-related damage from conditions caused by aging, installation deficiencies, material deterioration, mechanical impacts and other nonwind-related factors. Accurate damage attribution is critical to forensic investigations, structural assessments and the equitable evaluation of property insurance claims.
“Florida’s severe wind environment makes disciplined roof-damage evaluations especially important,” Azzi said. “By connecting wind science and structural engineering with observations from the field, we can better distinguish storm-related damage from aging, installation deficiencies and other nonwind conditions.”
The presentation builds upon research conducted by Azzi and fellow DDA Forensics engineers Dr. Krishna Sai Vutukuru and Dr. Manuel Matus. Their peer-reviewed manuscript, “Discerning Wind-Related Damage to Residential Roofs,” was published in the Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers. The research explores objective indicators, material behavior and scientifically supported investigative methods for evaluating wind- and nonwind-related damage to shingle and tile roofing systems.
“Our engineers lead the way in technical research and professional education. Sharing these findings with the engineering community helps strengthen investigative practices and supports conclusions that are clear, concise and conclusive,” said Jonathon Diego, Managing Partner, DDA Forensics.
The ASCE Florida annual conference provides civil engineering professionals with opportunities to exchange technical knowledge, discuss emerging industry challenges and support the continued advancement of engineering practice throughout the state.
About DDA Forensics
DDA Forensics provides forensic engineering, building consulting and expert witness services for attorneys and insurance carriers throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. We specialize in evaluating and determining the cause of property damage and failures for residential and commercial structures. With over 20 years of experience, the most advanced education, certifications, and technologies, we provide objective and accurate forensic investigations that yield clear, concise, conclusive results. Learn more at www.DDAForensics.com.
About the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 150,000 members worldwide and is America’s oldest national engineering society. Through the expertise of its active membership, ASCE is a leading provider of technical and professional conferences and continuing education, the world’s largest publisher of civil engineering content and an authoritative source for codes and standards that protect the public. ASCE works to raise awareness of the need to maintain and modernize the nation’s infrastructure using sustainable and resilient practices, advocates for infrastructure investment and provides professional and technical resources for the civil engineering profession. Learn more at www.asce.org.
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