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The High-Bay Structural and Materials Testing Laboratory complex contains a high-bay structural laboratory with a total floor area of 4,000 sq.ft. (40 ft. x 100 ft.) with a ceiling height of 39 ft. The high-bay area contains a 2 ft thick heavily reinforced concrete strong floor suitable for large scale testing. Tie-down holes throughout the floor are on 3 ft. centers. Each tie-down hole can withstand a service load of 100 kips exerted either upward or downward. The area has temperature and humidity controls, and a 20 ton overhead crane.
The facility accommodates a variety of structural specimens, and has several computer-controlled dynamic or static (tension or compression) actuators: two each with capacities of 200 kips, 100 kips, 50 kips, and 20 kips. Three 600 kip static loading jacks are also available. The laboratory has two permanently installed high force test systems rated at 1,500 kips and 500 kips (tension or compression), dynamic or static. A central hydraulic pump facility with two 70 gpm pumps and one 40 gpm pump services all test equipment in the laboratory at 3000 psi.
Individual automated consoles control all test actuators or machines as closed-loop systems. PC-based data acquisition systems with signal filtering and conditioning capabilities are used to record experimental data from extensive measurement devices, including a wide array of LVDT’s, accelerometers, and load cells. Data acquisition capabilities include automated strain gage bridge completion circuitry as well as analog inputs.Also associated with the structural engineering area is The Center for Building Design and Construction, directed by Dr. Joe Bracci. The Center for Building Design and Construction brings together expertise within civil engineering from structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, and construction engineering, along with the College of Architecture.
