Ashtarout Ammar

Role and Background

Dr. Ashtarout Ammar serves as an Assistant Professor for Construction Engineering and Management in the Myers-Lawson School of Construction. She joined Virginia Tech in 2023.

Dr. Ammar's research centers on applying digital twins to revolutionize construction asset management. She is exploring using machine learning within digital twins to predict and prevent maintenance issues. By utilizing digital data to understand the value of assets, she aims to optimize asset performance, facilitate long-term planning, and develop resilient strategies to mitigate risks. This will empower organizations to make informed decisions about resource allocation considering multiple goals and the interconnectedness of various assets. Beyond this, she is also investigating how Construction 4.0 technologies can improve construction practices, enhance digital delivery, and contribute to advancements in construction safety.

Dr. Ammar teaches Construction Site Analysis, which combines classroom instruction with laboratory (field) assignments to introduce students to surveying applications in the construction industry. The course is intended to expose students to surveying equipment, procedures, data collection, and statistical analysis used in professional practice.

Education

Dr. Ammar holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with emphasis on Construction Engineering and Project Management from the University of Kentucky, a Masters's degree in Civil Engineering with emphasis on Geotechnical Engineering from the American University of Beirut, and a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Lebanese University. She is registered in the order of engineers and architects in Beirut, Lebanon.