What the facility does
Tests the structural response of systems, components, and materials, including masonry, concrete, steel, wood, pavement, and equipment.
Areas of expertise
McMaster University’s Applied Dynamics Laboratory (ADL) is a leader in bringing structural concepts to reality. Boasting equipment that includes three shake tables, static and dynamic actuators up to 3500 kN, and a range of equipment for testing the properties of various materials (e.g. masonry, concrete, pavement), the ADL continues to be the site of tests that illuminate how structures and materials respond to load.
Research services
Testing plans are developed in collaboration between clients, ADL staff, and McMaster faculty.
Sectors of application
- Construction (including building, civil engineering, specialty trades)
- Defence and security industries
- Energy
- Professional and technical services (including legal services, architecture, engineering)
- Transportation
Specialized labs and equipment
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| 300 m2 of 100 MPa strong floor with bolt holes on 3’x3’ grid, all serviced by a 10-tonne crane | |
| 1000 kN universal tester | |
| 2200 kN compression tester | |
| 250 kN single axis shake table | |
| 250 kN two-axis shake table | |
| 100 kN 6-axis shake table | |
| Shock tube | |
| Planetary concrete mixer | |
| Cured concrete testing equipment | Includes compression testers, permeability, porosity, and freeze/thaw testing. |
| Wet concrete testing equipment | For rheology, flow. |
| Ancillary tools, equipment and supplies to custom-build test equipment | To construct test equipment capable of applying up to 3500kN loads. |
Private and public sector research partners
- Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association (CCMPA)
- Canada Masonry Design Centre
- Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC)
- Motioneering
- Global Affairs Canada
- Ministry of Labour (Ontario)
- ArcelorMittal
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| Lydell Wiebe presented with the HA Krentz award by the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. | https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/civil/news/lydell-wiebe-presented-ha-krentz-award-canadian-institute-st… |
| Shady Salem wins the 2019 TMS Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award. | https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/civil/news/shady-salem-wins-2019-tms-outstanding-doctoral-dissertation-… |