Engineering Laboratory
Build. Test. Discover. Repeat.
Engineer the Future, Today!
There are many pieces of equipment housed in the Engineering Lab which are used for classes, labs, and projects in our department.
Check out the various research topics and student or faculty projects that are in progress. If you would like to schedule time on any of our equipment for your research project, feel free to reach out to lab personnel.
Lab Principle Investigator (P.I.)
Daniel P. Hindman is an associate professor in the SBIO department where his research program focuses upon the efficient use of low carbon, biological based materials for construction. Dr. Hindman's research philosophy revolves around three principles related to wood materials: structure, safety, and sustainability.
Dr. Hindman is a member of several professional organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Forest Products Society and the National Frame Building Association. Dr. Hindman holds a Professional Engineering license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Areas of Expertise
- Wood Building Design
- Mechanical Properties of Wood
- Stability of Wood I-joists
- Torsional Stiffness of Wood Members
- Safety of Wood Structures During Construction
Many research projects take advantage of the equipment available in the Engineering Lab. Click the links below to learn more about the current projects being conducted.
Cross-Laminated Timber Research
Our faculty are advancing the science and application of cross-laminated timber (CLT) as a high-performance building material for modern construction. CLT delivers exceptional structural strength, dimensional stability, and fire resistance — rivaling traditional concrete and steel at a fraction of the carbon footprint. Current research examines CLT's structural behavior under real-world conditions, its performance in multi-story and long-span applications, and its potential to transform sustainable construction in both residential and commercial sectors. As the built environment seeks greener solutions, CLT stands at the intersection of ancient materials and cutting-edge engineering.
Wool Research
Our faculty are exploring the remarkable potential of wool as a sustainable biomaterial for next-generation applications. Naturally renewable, biodegradable, and rich in keratin protein, wool offers a unique combination of mechanical flexibility, moisture management, and biocompatibility. Current research investigates wool's use in many different industries — harnessing what nature perfected over millennia to solve tomorrow's engineering challenges.
Many classes have labs attached which use the Engineering Lab for their hands-on activities. Check back to learn more about which classes use this lab and what sort of projects are being done!
MTS 322: Test Suite Elite MPE Software
Force Rating: 50,000lbs
Speed: 20″ per minute
Load Cells: 5,000lbs and 10,000lbs
Type of Mechanical Tests: tension, compression, cyclic, and fracture
MTS 7940: Test Suite Elite MPE Software
Force Rating: 20,000lbs
Speed: 20″ per minute
Load Cells: 1,000lbs, 5,000lbs, 20,000lbs
Type of Mechanical Tests: tension, compression, cyclic, and fracture
MTS 10/GL: Test Suite Elite TWE Software
Force Rating: 10,000lbs
Speed: 20″ per minute
Load Cells: 200lbs, 1,000lbs, 10,000lbs
Type of Mechanical Tests: tension, compression, and fracture
