MERL has the facilities to test concrete, concrete reinforcement, selected metals testing, plastics, geotextiles, selected miscellaneous materials, and coatings. Torsion can be applied in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and can be reversed during a test. Rotating speed is infinitely variable, ranging from 0 to 30 revolutions per minute.
Space is also available for storage.
Large concrete cores and cylinders are regularly tested in this machine. It is one of two such machines in the world. The test machine is capable of testing specimens in compression or tension, and is used to test large and high strength concrete cylinders, structural components, and many different metal configurations. Two other smaller machines are available for testing smaller specimens. They are the 400,000 pound capacity universal testing machine and the 100,000 pound capacity universal testing machine.