Simpson Strong-Tie, the industry leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, announced the opening of the Simpson Strong-Tie Research and Testing Lab at Washington State University (WSU). The lab is located in the new LEED Gold Certified PACCAR Environmental Technology Building (PETB) on the WSU campus in Pullman, Wash., where a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on May 5.

The lab is part of an agreement between Simpson Strong-Tie and WSU for an annual $100,000 donation over the next eight years to support Washington State University construction and engineering research. The Simpson Strong-Tie Research and Testing Lab is one of the most visible spaces in the PETB and includes capabilities for mock-ups of new building systems, structural testing and advanced digital manufacturing. It supports research in areas such as concrete durability, repair and retrofit, tall timber buildings, deck safety, post-frame buildings, and seismic retrofit.

The lab includes a high-capacity reaction floor and wall, central hydraulic pump, overhead crane and concrete mixing station. Adjoining the lab is an outdoor reaction slab that allows for project display and natural weather exposure testing. The lab is part of the Composite Materials and Engineering Center, an International Code Council-accredited testing facility.

“We’re excited about the research and testing that students and faculty will conduct in the Simpson Strong-Tie Research and Testing Lab, along with the ability to collaborate with them on structural engineering projects. We’re also looking forward to the innovations that will help ensure safer, stronger, more efficient and more sustainable structures throughout the world,” said Simpson Strong-Tie Vice President of Engineering Jeremy Gilstrap.

WSU faculty have conducted research with Simpson Strong-Tie for more than 20 years in a number of areas, including new product testing, deck safety, and seismic risk mitigation.