Simpson Strong-Tie Research and Testing Laboratory at WSU

Words: Monica AltieriIn 2016, Simpson Strong-Tie established the Simpson Strong-Tie Excellence Fund at the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture at Washington State University (WSU). The fund provides an annual gift of $100,000 per year over the next eight years and will be used to establish the new Simpson Strong-Tie® Research and Testing Laboratory in the PACCAR Environmental Technology Building (PETB) on the WSU Pullman campus.

The Simpson Strong-Tie® Research and Testing Lab includes high-capacity reaction floor and wall, central hydraulic pump, overhead crate and concrete mixing station. Adjoining the lab is an outdoor reaction slab that allows for project display and natural weather exposure testing. The lab is part of the Composite Materials and Engineering Center (CMEC), an International Code Council accredited testing facility.

Simpson Strong-Tie and WSU have a longstanding, productive partnership dating over 20 years. The two institutions have worked together in a number of areas, including new product testing, deck safety, seismic risk mitigation and other projects.

“We believe this partnership will drive our research innovations and lead to safer and more cost-effective buildings and structures,’’ said Candis Claiborn, dean of the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. “We are so grateful to Simpson Strong-Tie for their generous support that will help us discover these next-generation engineering practices while educating our future design and construction leaders.’’

In addition to the lab, the Excellence Fund will be used to support fellowships for professors and graduate students to present research findings, brainstorm about future research and conduct continuing education training.
Contractor Tip of the Month: Get Used to the Pain
April 2026

Pain isn’t just negative; it’s a natural part of growing and improving. Instead of seeing pain as a reason to quit, recognize it as a sign you’re making progress. What sets successful people apart is their ability to stay calm and keep going when things g

Damian Lang
Contractor Tip of the Month
Read More
Fechino Files: Diesels Below 32 Degrees
April 2026

I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you experienced the cold, late-January spell that took over most of the country. The cold weather has many effects on the operations of a masonry contractor, from job shutdowns to equipment starting issues,

Steven Fechino
Fechino Files
Read More
Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Conner Birdsong
Outreach Outlook
Read More
Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie
April 2026

Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.

Cass Stern
Marvelous Masonry
Read More