Learn from the Wind Doctors: How Cutting-Edge Wind Science is Shaping Property Damage Claims
MIAMI — DDA Forensics (DDA) is excited to announce a unique tour and continuing education class at Florida International University’s (FIU) Wall of Wind (WOW) Experimental Facility (EF) on Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the FIU engineering department, Room EC2300, 10555 West Flagler St., Miami.
The event, designed for insurance adjusters and attorneys, will showcase the latest research on wind and hurricane forces and their impact on property structures. This exclusive opportunity helps industry professionals stay ahead of the curve in understanding hurricane science and its relevance to property damage claims and litigation. Attendees may earn one CE or CLE credit. RSVP is required at https://www.ddaforensics.com/class-wind-science-applications/.
“We’re thrilled to present at this event at FIU’s Wall of Wind facility. This is an invaluable opportunity for attorneys and insurance adjusters to see firsthand the latest advancements in wind science and structural engineering. Understanding these forces is crucial for assessing property damage claims, and we’re excited to share this cutting-edge research with professionals in the field,” said Dr. Manuel Matus, civil and structural engineer, DDA Forensics.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. with a networking breakfast. At 9:30 a.m., the event starts with a Wall of Wind orientation, tour, and a hurricane season retrospective led by Erik Salna, meteorologist and associate director at FIU’s Extreme Events Institute. At 11 a.m., DDA civil and structural engineers Dr. Manuel Matus and Dr. Sai Vutukuru, who both hold PhDs in wind science, will present the continuing education class, “Harnessing the Storm: Advanced Wind Science Applications in Structural Engineering.”
“It is important to collaborate with our industry partners on wind engineering education and highlight the important research of the NHERI Wall of Wind at FIU,” said Erik Salna, associate director & meteorologist, FIU Extreme Events Institute.
Insurance adjusters and attorneys will gain insights into wind science and its implications for property damage claims. The course will cover hurricane dynamics and wind-driven rain, emphasizing their effects on structural integrity. Attendees will also learn about experimental testing methods, the impact of vibration on curtain wall systems, and the importance of aerodynamic testing and atmospheric boundary layer exposure. Other topics include wind tunnel scaling, rigid model testing, and pressure testing—key areas for understanding irregularly shaped buildings and their role in insurance assessments and litigation.
“Our goal with this event is to provide practical, science-backed knowledge that professionals can apply in their day-to-day work. By offering a deep dive into the impacts of hurricanes and high winds, we’re helping the industry build stronger, more resilient claims processes, while also advancing their understanding of complex structural damage,” said Dr. Krishna Sai Vutukuru, civil and structural engineer, DDA Forensics.
The NHERI WOW EF is powered by a 12-fan system capable of repeatable testing at wind speeds up to 157 mph through its flow management system. The unique advantage of the NHERI WOW EF is its multi-scale (full-scale to ~1:50) and high Reynolds number simulation of wind and wind-driven rain effects, achieved through the 12 fans and a water spray system. In addition, the 16,000-square-foot secure area allows researchers to conduct destructive tests simulating Category 5 hurricane wind speeds. The NHERI WOW EF 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.
About DDA Forensics
DDA Forensics (DDA) 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, and conclusive results. 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 disasters. Learn more at https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/.
Media Inquiries:
Alexis Bott
Elev8 Consulting Group
Ph: 386-243-5388
Em: info@elev8cg.com
Web: www.elev8cg.com
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