Wind Damage vs. Storm Surge Damage: Case Studies from Hurricane Helene

Manuel Matus; Ziad Azzi; Krishna Sai Vutukuru

doi:10.51501/jotnafe.v43i1.999

Authors

Manuel Matus DDA Forensics https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0307-6732
Ziad Azzi DDA Forensics https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2620-4912
Krishna Sai Vutukuru DDA Forensics https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5587-5045

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51501/jotnafe.v43i1.999

Keywords:

Hurricane Season, Insurance Claims, Inspections, Wind Damage, Storm Surge Damage, Site Assessment, Forensic Engineering

Abstract

Between 1980 and 2024, natural hazards have resulted in approximately $2.9 trillion in economic losses across the United States. Tropical cyclones represent the most damaging hazard type, accounting for approximately 53% of total losses, and are classified as multi-hazard events due to the combined impacts of wind loading and storm surge inundation. In the contiguous United States, coastal regions comprise only 10% of the total land area yet contain approximately 40% of the population, making these communities particularly susceptible to damage from hurricane-induced wind as well as storm surge-related forces. Following major events, post-disaster damage assessments conducted by federal agencies (such as FEMA) and by private-sector entities (including insurance carriers) are tasked with distinguishing between wind-related and storm surge-related damage. This forensic differentiation is critical for structural failure analysis, accurate insurance claims adjudication, and equitable allocation of recovery resources. Misattribution can lead to substantial disputes and financial discrepancies. This paper presents a case study for 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 methodology described in this document integrates civil engineering principles and forensic investigation techniques to provide guidance for improving damage attribution accuracy and post-disaster decision-making.

Author Biography

Ziad Azzi, DDA Forensics

Ziad Azzi, PhD, MBA, PE, DFE, CGC, CCC, PMP, is the Director of Engineering at DDA Forensics. With his extensive work and educational background, Dr. Azzi’s expertise encompasses an exceptional mix of capabilities in structural and geotechnical engineering, structural analysis, structural dynamics, earthquake and wind analysis of structures, aeroelasticity, vibration and inspection, as well as evaluation of existing residential and commercial structures.
As Director of Engineering at DDA Forensics, Dr. Azzi oversees all aspects of the engineering department. Dr. Azzi has published numerous articles and conference papers in prestigious journals as well as delivered lectures and presentations on the wind flow and wind effects on structures. He currently is a Lecturer at the University of Miami (UM) teaching undergraduate and graduate-level design courses. Prior to that, Dr. Azzi also taught as an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University (FIU) in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Last but not least, Dr. Azzi also serves as an Expert Consultant for two companies: (i) Windtech Consultants, certifying their wind engineering reports pertaining to wind loads on tall buildings and facades obtained from wind tunnel testing, and (ii) National Consulting Engineers (NCE) performing engineering and structural analysis, calculations, as well as providing recommendations for the design and development of plans and specifications including unique designs, remedial designs, and condition assessments.
Committed to ongoing education and maintaining industry leading accreditations, Dr. Azzi is a registered PE in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. He is also a licensed Certified General Contractor (CGC) and Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC) in the state of Florida. He holds a MBA from the University of Miami (UM) and graduated as the Valedictorian of his cohort. He has a MS and a PhD in Civil Engineering from Florida International University (FIU) with an emphasis on Wind Engineering, Structural Engineering, and Building Enclosure. He also holds a MS and BE in Civil Engineering from the Lebanese American University (LAU) with an emphasis on Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. He proudly holds Diplomate in Forensic Engineering (DFE), HAAG Residential, HAAG Commercial, HAAG Wind Damage, and HAAG Master Level Inspector certifications, in addition to industry-leading memberships.

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