Subjecting full-scale structures to real-world loading poses enormous challenges for civil engineering test labs. Working with MTS, the University of Minnesota built and maintains one of the world's highest capacity seismic test systems, capable of applying massive forces to very large specimens in six degrees of freedom.
Professor Catherine French, PhD, PE - Laboratory Director explores the unique capabilities of the University of Minnesota Multi-Axial Subassemblage Test (MAST) Lab, used by researchers worldwide for applying realistic loads to large-scale specimens, such as core walls, beam-column frame systems, wind turbine tower bases, and more. Results from these test are used to verify design codes, analyze new materials and systems, and optimize civil project safety and cost-effectiveness.
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One of ten original NEES (Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation) sites, the University of Minnesota MAST Lab integrates state-of-the-art MTS testing technologies, including 6 Degree-of-Freedom (6DOF) Control, ultra-low friction hydrostatic bearings, and advanced quasi-static and real-time hybrid simulation.
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- Capable of testing full-scale civil structures and components up to 8.7m tall and 6m x 6m in plan
- Highly stiff steel cruciform crosshead design
- MTS Linear Hydraulic Actuators: 4 Vertical, 2 Longitudinal, 2 Lateral
- Vertical Force Capacity: 5.8MN
- Vertical Displacement: +/- 500mm
- Horizontal Force Capacity: 3.9MN (longitudinal & lateral)
- Horizontal Displacement: +/- 400mm
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Compact Model 353.10 MAST systems are engineered for testing payloads up to 500 kg on a 1 meter round table at up to 500 Hz, and are well suited for environmental and anechoic chamber integration.
Model 353.20 MAST systems are designed for testing payloads up to 1000 kg on 2 meter round or 2.2 meter square tables at up to 200 Hz, and are well-suited for environmental and anechoic chamber integration.
Professor Catherine French, PhD, PE - Laboratory Director explores the unique capabilities of the University of Minnesota Multi-Axial Subassemblage Test (MAST) Lab, used by researchers worldwide for applying realistic loads to large-scale specimens, such as core walls, beam-column frame systems, wind turbine tower bases, and more. Results from these test are used to verify design codes, analyze new materials and systems, and optimize civil project safety and cost-effectiveness.
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One of ten original NEES (Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation) sites, the University of Minnesota MAST Lab integrates state-of-the-art MTS testing technologies, including 6 Degree-of-Freedom (6DOF) Control, ultra-low friction hydrostatic bearings, and advanced quasi-static and real-time hybrid simulation.
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- Capable of testing full-scale civil structures and components up to 8.7m tall and 6m x 6m in plan
- Highly stiff steel cruciform crosshead design
- MTS Linear Hydraulic Actuators: 4 Vertical, 2 Longitudinal, 2 Lateral
- Vertical Force Capacity: 5.8MN
- Vertical Displacement: +/- 500mm
- Horizontal Force Capacity: 3.9MN (longitudinal & lateral)
- Horizontal Displacement: +/- 400mm
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Versatile FlexTest® Controllers, featuring a field-upgradable modular architecture, advanced compensation toolkit, and industry-leading application software, provide CTAG the agility needed to meet evolving customer requirements and expanding test missions.
Leading-edge RPC® Software equips CTAG with a complete suite of simulation control, analysis and information management tools for accurately and efficiently reproducing field-measured loading on laboratory-based test stands.
Full-featured MultiPurpose TestWare® (MPT) Software features a comprehensive test design environment and industry-proven application tool set for conducting a full spectrum of uni- and multi-axial component and subassembly testing.
Engineered to deliver high fidelity force and motion, CTAG’s arsenal of fatigue-rated MTS DuraGlide® Actuators are well suited for a wide range of automotive test applications, including vehicle durability testing, dynamic fatigue testing of components and subsystems, structural resonance searching, and modal analysis.
Modular, precision-engineered TestLine™ bell cranks, levers, struts, bearings, and reaction frames enable CTAG to fabricate tightly integrated, high-performance test stands that can be quickly reconfigured to meet customers' ever-changing component and subsystem fatigue and durability testing requirements.
CTAG's hydraulic test stands are driven by a reliable SilentFlo™ Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU), which features an array of next-generation energy efficiency, health monitoring, and system integration options. MTS Hydraulic Service Manifolds (HSMs) provide smooth, controlled pressure transitions between the HPU and test stands to enhance lab safety and ensure predictable test control.
