BREAKOUT SESSION

Engineering Assessments of Natural Disaster Damage

This course is designed for professionals involved in the claims process who want to deepen their understanding of structural damage assessments following natural disasters. Participants will explore how various disasters—such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes—impact different types of structures. The course provides insight into the principles of structural engineering, including how materials and structures behave under extreme conditions. Attendees will become familiar with commonly used assessment techniques, from visual inspections to emerging technologies like drones, thermal imaging, and non-destructive testing methods. Additional topics include advancements in damage analysis, regulatory and safety considerations, and strategies to improve collaboration among engineers, insurers, and other claim stakeholders. Real-life case studies will offer practical context to support applied learning in the field.