This proposal is for the acquisition of 1) a hydraulic structural testing system, 2) a modular loading steel frame, 3) a post-tensioning system, 4) load cells, and 5) miscellaneous tools. The instrumentation will provide South Dakota with much needed opportunities in research, outreach, and education. A host of emerging technologies and design philosophies can be researched and developed using the new testing facility at SDSU. For example, strength and fatigue of high performance concrete prestressed girders, performance-based design of structures, and behavior of flared bridge columns under biaxial bending are some of the research topics that can be initiated in the immediate future. Availability of research support will enable South Dakota to attract and support qualified graduate students and to provide training and research experience to undergraduate students. . If equipped, the Lohr Structures Laboratory will be a unique testing facility of its kind and capacity in the state of South Dakota and some neighboring states. The goal is to establish an excellent structures testing facility that will be used for research, education, and outreach activities. The main objectives are to : 1) enable researchers at SDSU to conduct research in their field of expertise, 2) enhance the competitiveness of researchers at SDSU to pursue national research projects, 3) establish collaborative research projects with SDSM&T and out-of-state institutions , 4) meet the research needs of regional government agencies and private industry, 5) provide research experience to graduate and undergraduate students at SDSU, and 6) enrich the learning experience of students by using experimental simulation. The Laboratory can also be used effectively in outreach activities by providing experimental demonstrations and hands-on workshops. Integrating research and teaching will also have positive influence on undergraduate education. The Lohr Structures Laboratory can be used effectively in the instruction of CEE 311 (Structural Material Laboratory) and other design courses that incorporate experimental simulation. Potential sponsors for research and educational activities include Federal Highway Administration, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, state departments of transportation, and local and national private industries.
