Laboratories
More than 30 experimental and computer laboratories are utilized within the academic programs. This number includes some laboratories that are primarily used for undergraduate teaching, but are also available for routine measurements in support of graduate teaching and research, other labs that are primarily used for graduate teaching, and a number of specialized facilities that have been developed specifically to support research in particular areas.
Advanced Characterization of Infrastructure Materials Laboratory
In our materials research program, we interact with and share the resources of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), and several university-based national centers of expertise, including the International Center for Aggregates Research, the South Central Superpave Center and the Center for Asphalt Materials and Chemistry. These centers offer the opportunity to provide funding for outstanding students and to demonstrate the application of engineering principles and research on a field scale.
TTI provides faculty, researchers and graduate students in the materials area of the department access to its expertise, resources and state-of-the-art research tools. The research facilities include state-of-the-art equipment for mechanical testing, nondestructive evaluation and microstructure characterization techniques such as optical imaging systems, X-ray computed tomography and scanning electron microscopes.
Environmental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
The Environmental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (EFDL) is used for coastal/ocean engineering and environmental fluid dynamics teaching and research. The lab is designed to provide tanks, wave making and testing equipment for the study of fluid dynamics problems in the environment. The lab has sophisticated optical instruments for flow measurement and visualization, including four lasers and three high-speed cameras for planar, stereoscopic and tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements in both air and water.
High Bay Structural & Materials Testing Laboratory
The High-Bay Structural and Materials Testing Laboratory primarily serves the researchers of the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Texas A&M University College of Engineering and the Texas Transportation Institute. The testing equipment, instrumentation and shop equipment contained within the High-Bay Structural and Materials Testing Laboratory represent an investment of several million dollars and is one of the largest, most modern and best-equipped facilities of its kind located in the South and Southwest.
Facilities & Equipment
The Center for Infrastructure Renewal
Texas and the United States have significant infrastructure needs requiring innovative solutions to upgrade aging roadways and pipelines as well as the national power grid.
The Center for Infrastructure Renewal (CIR) houses researchers developing advanced and sustainable materials and structural systems that will reduce cost and extend infrastructure life, safety, resiliency and durability.
Take a virtual tour of the CIR!
Technology and new materials developed in the CIR lower infrastructure construction costs, increase the lifespan of these materials and perform the repairs in a shorter timeframe across the state and nation. The testing facility is one of the largest in the world, connecting researchers and experts from the field so that they can work together to find solutions to challenging infrastructure needs. See a video of the center's construction below: