Structures Laboratory

A 41 ft by 132 ft strong floor is capable of testing structures ranging from full scale prototypes to small scale models.  The Laboratory is fitted with more than a dozen computer controlled electro-hydraulic actuators for imposing loads up to 500 tons and multiple computer based data acquisition systems.  Computers and control equipment have been installed to perform on-line computer control experiments to study seismic response and active control.  Extensive machine and electronics shop facilities are available to support research.

Structural Dynamics Laboratory

This laboratory is equipped with several small shaking tables (ranging up to 3 x 4 ft in dimension), dynamic actuators, high speed universal testing machines, forced and ambient vibration monitoring apparatus for laboratory and field investigations, and other equipment.

Experimental Mechanics Laboratory

This laboratory is equipped with a variety of devices for characterizing the physical properties of materials.  Six universal testing machines ranging from 60- to 600-kip capacities are available.  In addition, an axial load-torsion machine and Charpy impact testing device are available.

Experimental Models Laboratory

A small scale tie down floor (20 by 40 ft) is utilized to test small scale models of structures.  The laboratory is equipped with appropriate loading devices, data acquisition systems and instrumentation for static and dynamic measurements.

Condition Assessment Laboratory

This new laboratory is devoted to non-destructive evaluation of structures.  Techniques available include those based on acoustic emission, ultrasonic sensing, magnetic and fluorescent particle detection, eddy current and dye penetrants.  Tomography and other assessment equipment are available elsewhere on campus.

Structural Materials Laboratory

The materials laboratory contains facilities for studies on civil engineering materials such as cement and concrete, steel, wood and plastics.  Physical-chemical facilities include well-equipped laboratories for chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy including a system for micro-analysis and advanced digital imaging, and pore size distribution in cement pastes.  Laboratory furnaces are available for processing pozzolans, light-weight aggregates, and special cements.  A wide variety of testing equipment and instrumentation together with several available temperature-humidity controlled rooms provide facilities for studying the mechanical behavior of materials under a wide range of loading and environmental conditions.