This laboratory is equipped with a 20-ton overhead crane. This structural floor permits the testing of large-scale specimens by load application from either above or below the floor. An area below the floor is available for instrumentation and test apparatus. This space requires the use of self-contained loading frames. A fork lift truck is used to move and position the loading frames and test specimens.
Some actuators are push only and others are push-pull.
Both solid and hollow core models are available for use. Instrumentation that is available for both laboratories include many electronic deflection devices that have measurement ranges from 0-20 inches and sensitivities to 0.0001inches. The Town Engineering Laboratory contains a number of general purpose test frames. A second frame has the capability of applying a 200,000-pound force to a shear wall. All of the test frames can be adjusted to accommodate specimens of various sizes.