Welcome to the Large-Scale Testing Laboratory

Advancing Engineering Through Full-Scale Innovation

The Large-Scale Testing Laboratory (LSTL) is a premier facility dedicated to pushing the boundaries of structural and materials research. Designed to support full-scale testing and experimental evaluation, the lab provides the space, equipment, and expertise needed to bring complex engineering concepts into real-world applications.

Dynamic visuals highlight ongoing testing, including structural loading, specimen failures, and large-scale experiments—offering a glimpse into the lab’s real-world impact and capabilities.

Aerial view of the Large-Scale Testing Laboratory
Bird's eye view of the Large-Scale Testing Laboratory

Inside the Large-Scale Testing Laboratory

This video highlights research and testing activities conducted within the Large-Scale Testing Lab, showcasing how advanced instrumentation and the Civil Infrastructure Vision (CIV) system are used to measure structural behavior, monitor deformation, and support experimental bridge and structural engineering studies.
Large-Scale Testing Laboratory

Explore the Gallery

Explore photos and videos of full-scale structural testing, specialized equipment, research facilities, and ongoing engineering projects.

View Photos & Videos

Research & Projects

Explore ongoing research and testing initiatives conducted within the lab.

View current projects

Advanced Data Acquisition & Structural Monitoring

High-frequency instrumentation and vision-based monitoring systems supporting full-scale structural testing and infrastructure research.

50 kHz+

High-speed data acquisition systems capable of recording large-scale structural response in real time

2021

AASHTO Sweet 16 Award recipient for innovative Civil Infrastructure Vision (CIV) technology

Full-Scale

Vision-based monitoring capable of measuring deformations from material specimens to bridges

CIV monitoring shear response of a concrete member strengthened with CFRP strips
CIV monitoring shear response of a concrete member strengthened with anchored CFRP strips.
CIV monitoring bridge deflections during load testing
CIV monitoring bridge deflections during load testing.

Lab Capabilities

15,000

Square Foot Facility

38' × 80'

Reaction Floor

4,000 kip

Floor Loading Capacity

30 ft

Strong Wall Height

Facility & Handling Equipment
  • High-bay testing area with 42' overhead clearance
  • Two 30-ton overhead cranes
  • 10-ton auxiliary crane
  • 45' and 20' scissor lifts
  • 2,500 lb capacity forklift
  • 3,000 PSI hydraulic system (180 gpm)
Structural Testing Infrastructure
  • Strong wall and strong floor systems
  • Unique high-load capabilities
  • Dynamic loading capabilities
  • Custom formwork and concrete casting capabilities
  • Advanced instrumentation

Testing Equipment

MTS Actuators
  • 22 kip × 2 (one dynamic)
  • 55 kip
  • 110 kip × 2 (dynamic)
  • 220 kip × 2
MTS Load Frames
  • 11 kip
  • 55 kip — axial-torsion
  • 270 kip — dynamic
MTS Controllers
  • FlexTest 40
  • FlexTest 60
  • DIC in-the-loop control