The Structural Engineering Lab at UWM provides a place for physical testing of structural materials. Much of this work has moved to computer models but there is still a need for physical testing to confirm these theoretical results and to develop these models. The lab has equipment to perform testing and research on almost any scale project from small mechanical parts to very large structural components. There are a large range of test machines and areas within the lab to create fixtures and test for a project of almost any size.

Our most recent projects have been testing the performance of new and innovative materials and techniques. This allows the lab to contribute to innovation and also to provide lab certified physical test data for these products. Our lab can also be used as an independent study to certify test results obtained in another lab or a company’s private facility.

The Structures Lab is one of the largest such facilities in the state of Wisconsin and is an ISO/IEC 17025 certified testing laboratory. This allows our facility to accept projects and perform research that would not be possible at other locations. This certification means that our instruments and test machines are calibrated on a regular basis and the results from the testing is certified and can be published as such. The lab can also certify load capacities on components and verify equipment load capacities.

In addition to performing testing the Structural Engineering Lab provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain real world experience in the field of civil engineering. This is crucial for students developing their engineering skills and to gain experience in a field relative to their major. By businesses performing testing in our facility they are helping the college as well as the students to produce the engineers of the future locally.

Safety is of the utmost importance in the facility and there are strict guidelines to ensure this. Proper safety equipment is provided and in use at all times when necessary in the lab. Policies are in place to ensure the safety of students and professionals in the lab and it also provides an opportunity for students to learn the correct and safe way to work in a lab setting.