Peer-Reviewed Research Explores Advanced Wind Simulation Methods for Evaluating Tall Building Response to Wind Loading
MIAMI — Civil & Structural engineer, Haitham A. Ibrahim, PhD, an expert “Wind Doctor” at DDA Forensics, was published in the peer-reviewed journal, Engineering Structures, a leading international publication focused on structural engineering research.
The research, “Real-time multi-directional aeroelastic hybrid simulation for tall building response under wind loading,” introduces a new framework for analyzing how tall buildings respond to wind forces using real-time aeroelastic hybrid simulation methods.
“Wind engineering is rapidly evolving as buildings become taller and more complex. Research like this strengthens the industry’s ability to understand structural performance under extreme loading conditions and supports more accurate engineering analysis in both design and forensic investigations. This research presents a real-time, multi-directional aeroelastic hybrid simulation framework for tall buildings under wind loading, developed through a close collaboration between FIU NHERI Wall of Wind and NHERI Lehigh. I’m grateful to all the collaborators for the effort and persistence throughout the process,” says Ibrahim.
The study explores how advanced simulation techniques can better capture wind–structure interaction and the dynamic relationship between structural motion and surrounding airflow. This plays a critical role in predicting building performance during high-wind events. The research integrates numerical modeling with wind-tunnel testing to evaluate structural response and the performance of damping systems in tall buildings.
“This publication reflects the type of research-based engineering that drives our data-driven approach at DDA Forensics. Haitham’s contributions demonstrate how advanced engineering science and real-world forensic investigation intersect to better understand building performance under extreme loading conditions,” says Jonathon Diego, Managing Partner, DDA Forensics.
Ibrahim contributed to the study’s conceptualization, investigation, formal analysis, methodology, validation, and data curation, helping advance the application of real-time hybrid simulation in wind engineering research. Co-authors include Faisal Nissar Malik, Liang Cao, James Ricles, Amal Elawady, and Arindam Gan Chowdhury.
The authors shared how multi-directional aeroelastic testing can improve the accuracy of predicting wind-induced forces on tall structures, offering engineers and researchers more realistic tools for evaluating structural behavior and resilience.
“We’re proud to recognize Dr. Haitham Ibrahim. His continued contributions to academic research enhance the technical foundation behind every forensic investigation we conduct,” says Brian Peterson, Managing Partner, DDA Forensics.
At DDA Forensics, Ibrahim applies this research-based perspective to forensic engineering investigations involving structural performance, building failures, and wind-related damage assessments. He also leads the company’s Milestone Inspection and Recertification division where he manages structural condition assessments, restoration initiatives, and building recertification programs throughout Florida, ensuring full compliance with evolving state and local requirements.
Ibrahim’s academic and research experience integrates large-scale experimental testing, computational modeling, and field reconnaissance data to improve structural resilience and inform modern building codes and standards. He is a Postdoctoral Associate at Florida International University (FIU) and an active member of the Structural Extreme Events Reconnaissance (StEER) Network.
View the full article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141029626000982.
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 Engineering Structures Journal
Engineering Structures provides a forum for a broad blend of scientific and technical papers to reflect the evolving needs of the structural engineering and structural mechanics communities. The publication highlights contributions that focus on new developments or innovative applications of structural and mechanical principles and digital technologies for the analysis and design of engineering structures. The journal aspires to a broad and integrated coverage of these principles and technologies to structures and structural components, including all classes of engineering structural materials (steel, steel and fiber-reinforced concrete, composite, masonry, glass, wood, novel (smart) materials such as nanomaterials and bio-inspired materials). Learn more at https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/engineering-structures.
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