Hosam Olimat, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
- Milwaukee WI UNITED STATES
Dr. Olimat develops data-driven frameworks to improve safety performance and decision-making.
Education, Licensure and Certification
Ph.D.
Civil and Construction Engineering
Western Michigan University
2026
M.S.
Civil Engineering
Western Michigan University
2022
B.S.
Civic Engineering
The Hashemite University
2019
Biography
Olimat’s research examines safety performance across construction activities and develops evaluation frameworks that incorporate leading and lagging indicators. His work has addressed workers’ compensation decision support, safety modification metrics, construction risk factors and the limitations of traditional experience modification ratings.
His research also explores emerging technologies in the built environment, including blockchain, building information modeling, the Internet of Things, digital twins and artificial intelligence. These technologies are studied as tools for strengthening information management, transparency, monitoring and operational decision-making in construction and facilities management.
Olimat earned a Doctor of Philosophy in civil and construction engineering and a Master of Science in engineering with a civil engineering concentration from Western Michigan University. His publications have appeared in journals including Buildings, the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management and the Journal of Management in Engineering.
Areas of Expertise
Affiliations
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
- Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
- Jordan Engineers Association
Languages
- English
- Arabic
Social
Event and Speaking Appearances
Highway Construction Cost Index: A Comparison Between Two Prevalent Methodologies Under the U.S. Pandemic-Era Inflation
Construction Research Congress 2026
2026-03-19
Selected Publications
A performance-based safety evaluation model for workers’ compensation decision support in offsite construction
Construction InnovationHosam Olimat, Osama Y. Abudayyeh, Hexu Liu, Ying Thaviphoke
2026-09-22
This paper aims to develop a performance-based safety modification rate (SMR) framework designed to address selected structural limitations associated with using the experience modification rating (EMR) alone for offsite safety-performance assessment. The framework integrates phase-sensitive leading and lagging indicators across fabrication, transportation and assembly within a multidimensional relative-benchmarking structure.
Safety Performance Evaluation Model for Off-Site Construction through the Integration of Key Leading and Lagging Factors
Journal of Construction Engineering and ManagementHosam Olimat, Osama Y. Abudayyeh, Hexu Liu, Zaid Alwashah
2026-04-16
Off-site construction, a growing alternative to traditional building methods, offers advantages such as reduced environmental impact, improved productivity, and cost efficiency. However, off-site construction introduces new and unique safety challenges across its multiple phases of fabrication, transportation, and assembly. The Experience Modification Rating (EMR), a widely used insurance metric in traditional construction, remains the primary factor used by insurance carriers to adjust workers’ compensation premiums for off-site firms.
Regional Highway Construction Cost Index Variation: Structural Disparities, Temporal Drivers, and Mechanistic Insights across the Pandemic Period
Journal of Management in EngineeringZaid Alwashah, Hexu Liu, Osama Y. Abudayyeh, Valerian Kwigizile, Kristi Kirkpatrick, Hosam Olimat
2026-01-30
Comparing the highway construction cost index (HCCI) across different regions highlights how regional construction costs fluctuate differently over time, revealing regional disparities that statewide averages can mask. These regional differences influence cost projections, budget planning, and resource allocation, underscoring the need for tailored cost management strategies. While prior research has focused on statewide cost indices, limited attention has been given to regional disparities and their underlying drivers, leaving a gap in understanding cost variability and the differences in relative cost fluctuations over time at finer geographic scales.
Data-Driven Analysis of Construction Safety Dynamics: Regulatory Frameworks, Evolutionary Patterns, and Technological Innovations
BuildingsHosam Olimat, Zaid Alwashah, Osama Y. Abudayyeh, Hexu Liu
2025-05-16
Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries, consistently reporting high rates of workplace injuries and fatalities. Despite advancements in safety regulations and technologies, significant risks persist due to hazardous tasks, including working at heights, operating heavy machinery, and exposure to harmful materials. The establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 1971 marked a significant turning point in construction safety, resulting in a decline in workplace fatalities. However, evolving construction methodologies and digital transformations demand continuous research to enhance worker protection and mitigate emerging risks. This study conducts a longitudinal bibliometric analysis to examine the evolution of construction safety research from 1972 to 2025.
Enabling Technologies and Recent Advancements of Smart Facility Management
BuildingsHosam Olimat, Hexu Liu, Osama Y. Abudayyeh
2023-06-09
Abstract
With various emerging technologies and integration possibilities, smart facility management has gained wide interest in recent years. Several technologies were introduced to support facilities management and improve decision-making, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twin (DT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain. Yet, facility managers still face challenges related to data handling and the actual implementation of these technologies. Thus, this paper explores the trends and integration possibilities of smart facilities management technologies to provide a deeper understanding of the current research state and the areas for future exploration.
