Civil Engineering Labs

Students work in The Bollier Center's Structures Lab.

Structures & Construction Materials Lab

Students interact with real-world and real-scale materials. During their coursework, students test and study concrete, masonry, steel, wood and glass. Material testing systems include:
  • Two small-scale MTS machines test strength, stability, and compaction in multiple materials, including soils, and rigging systems.
  • Five Enerpac test frames measure material strength and durability.
  • A GASP measures stress in glass.
  • Concrete mixers, drying ovens and test sieves.
Students work in The Bollier Center's Environmental Engineering Lab.

Environmental Engineering Lab

In this dynamic learning space, students get hands-on experience with:

  • Simulating water treatment plants from the water source to the faucet
  • Testing the efficiency of treatment technologies to remove contaminants from emerging environmental disasters such as wildfires
  • Practicing environmental sampling and field tests in the Spokane River
  • Implementing practical environmental monitoring techniques including total organic carbon (TOC) analysis and biological oxygen demand (BOD)

Students may also apply to do research under Dr. Shimabuku

soils lab

Soil Mechanics Lab

Students study the properties and behavior of soils (sand, gravel, silt and clay) under various environmental conditions. The study includes weight-volume relations, soil classifications, soil compaction, seepage through porous media, consolidation, shear strength, lateral pressures and slope stability. Laboratory and field methods for evaluation of pertinent properties that are used in analysis and design of structures and foundations are discussed.
surveying

Geomatics Lab

Students use this lab and its equipment to understand the principles of surveying data collection, analysis, and application. Surveying data is applied to engineering design using GIS and 3D models.
flume

Water Resources Lab

This lab provides students an opportunity to study hydrologic features such as precipitation, infiltration and runoff in the lab, in addition to using local watersheds. Hydraulic behaviors are investigated using pumps, flow of water in pipes, flumes, natural open channels, and common engineered structures.