DDA Forensics Director of Engineering Shares Wind Damage Expertise
OTTAWA, Ontario — Dr. Ziad Azzi, Director of Engineering at DDA Forensics, presented at the National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE) Summer Conference, held July 11-13 in Ottawa. His presentation, “Discerning Wind-Related Damage to Residential Roofs: A Case Study of Shingle and Tile Roofs,” provided attendees a deep dive into the forensic evaluation of storm-related damage in residential roofing systems.
“It was an honor to meet fellow industry professionals and peers that push the boundaries of Forensic Engineering in terms of science, precision and investigation of the facts. I was delighted to be a guest speaker. I’m looking forward to the winter event!” said Azzi.
The presentation covered wind science, wind engineering, wind flow around buildings, as well as insightful field observations. It also reviewed simulation of wind damage from wind tunnel testing.
“As one of my university mentors used to say, ‘Our codes and standards are the limits of our ignorance, not of our knowledge.’ There isn’t much to learn from a building that performs as intended and lasts its full life expectancy. But there’s a great deal to learn from one that doesn’t perform as intended or fails prematurely,” said Azzi.
NAFE seminars are built to maximize opportunities for learning and cross-pollination among technical disciplines. The organization provides continuing education, conferences, and the Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers peer reviewed journal.
“Dr. Azzi brings an exceptional combination of academic depth and hands-on field expertise to the forensic evaluation of roofing systems. He is committed to ongoing education and sharing that knowledge with his peers, our clients, and the industry as a whole. His ability to simplify complex wind engineering concepts and apply them to real-world investigations truly sets him apart. He continues to lead the industry by advancing best practices,” said Jonathon Diego, Managing Partner, DDA Forensics.
With more than a decade of applied and academic experience, Azzi brings specialized expertise in wind engineering, structural dynamics, and building enclosure systems to his role at DDA Forensics. His technical competencies span structural and geotechnical engineering, wind and seismic modeling, aeroelasticity, and the forensic evaluation of structural damage. He has conducted numerous origin-and-cause investigations related to wind-induced failures, envelope performance, and roofing system behavior under dynamic loading.
Azzi is a licensed professional engineer and holds both certified general contractor (CGC) and certified roofing contractor (CCC) licenses in Florida. He is a diplomate in forensic engineering (DFE) and holds multiple HAAG certifications, including residential, commercial, wind damage, and master-level inspector. In addition to his fieldwork, Dr. Azzi is a contributing author to several peer-reviewed journals and technical publications in the areas of wind-structure interaction and damage assessment methodologies. His most recent book, Forensic Evaluation of Wind Damage to Building Envelopes, offers a comprehensive framework for identifying and documenting wind-related failures in residential and commercial construction.
An active member of the forensic engineering community, Azzi continues to bridge theory and practice, delivering clarity in complex cases and advancing best practices through education and research.
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 National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE)
The National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE) and its members are committed to serving the public by advancing the ethical and professional practice of forensic engineering. The organization serves the jurisprudential system by certifying individuals having achieved expertise in forensic engineering. We’re committed to furthering the development of forensic engineers through education and the publication of peer-reviewed technical literature. Learn more at https://www.nafe.org/.
Media Inquiries:
Angela Delmedico
Elev8 Consulting Group
Ph: 386-243-5388
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