Advancing Structural Performance Through Testing and Analysis
What is the STAR Facility?
Operated by ERDC's Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Structural Testing and Analysis Research (STAR) Facility is a specialized structural testing center designed to evaluate how structures and materials perform under real-world loading conditions.
The facility combines a large-scale structural strong floor, a configurable impact-testing drop tower, advanced data acquisition systems, and sophisticated computational modeling capabilities to support both fundamental and applied research. Custom reaction frames and fixtures can also be designed to accommodate unique testing orientations, geometries, and research requirements.
Unlike most structural testing facilities that operate within a single loading regime, STAR enables researchers to evaluate structural behavior across multiple strain-rate environments, ranging from slow, quasi-static loading to rapid impact events, all within the same facility. This capability allows for more comprehensive characterization of materials and structures while accelerating the pace of research and development.
Mission
The STAR Facility supports the U.S. Department of War and other federal agencies by providing advanced structural testing, analysis, and modeling capabilities that improve infrastructure resilience, enhance warfighter protection, and advance engineering innovation. The facility enables researchers and partners to:
- Evaluate structural systems, components, and materials under realistic loading conditions
- Validate and improve computational models and engineering design methodologies
- Advance military and civil infrastructure technologies
- Generate high-quality experimental data to support informed engineering decisions
Capabilities
Full-Scale Structural Testing
Evaluation of structural systems and components using a configurable strong floor capable of supporting customized loading scenarios
Fatigue, Durability, & Quasi-Static Testing
Investigation of long-term structural behavior, durability, and performance under controlled loading conditions
Computational Modeling & Structural Analysis
Development and validation of high-fidelity finite element models and numerical simulations to predict structural behavior and optimize testing
Impact & High-Strain-Rate Testing
Assessment of material and structural performance under rapid loading conditions using a configurable drop tower system
Advanced Data Acquisition & Instrumentation
Real-time collection, monitoring, and storage of high-resolution test data using advanced sensing systems to capture structural response
Custom Test Design & Engineering Support
Collaborative design with sponsors and partners of specialized testing programs, fixtures, instrumentation, and loading configurations
Equipment
A 120-foot by 40-foot reinforced concrete strong floor designed for full-scale structural testing. The two-foot-thick floor features tie-down points spaced every three feet on center (1.5 foot on center at certain locations). The modular design allows researchers to evaluate structural systems and components under customized loading scenarios with the ability to push and/or pull on test articles in any single direction.
Structural Strong Floor
Partnership & Collaboration
Inquiries from interested parties will be received directly by the ERDCWERX team. Following initial discussions, ERDC will determine which agreement mechanism is the most appropriate.
Potential Partnership Pathways
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)-
Testing Service Agreement (TSA)
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Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) (Government)
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Interagency Agreement (IAA) (Government)
Learn more about the available pathways to work with ERDC.
Request Information Form
Organizations interested in funding reimbursable services may submit the form below to inquire about collaboration opportunities. Parties interested in submitting solutions for potential funding consideration may visit ERDCWERX.org.
