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.
Advancement Strategies for Building a Strong Work Environment and Company Culture
October 2025

A company’s greatest asset is its people. While technology, systems, and capital drive operations, it is the human element that fuels innovation, collaboration, and growth. Building a strong work environment and fostering a resilient company culture are n

Alex Hogan
Business Management
Read More
Chairman's Message: TALENTED NEXT GENERATION SPARKS ENERGY AND GROWTH
October 2025

A common need in any venture is the importance of staying open to new strategies, ideas, or risks, as there is a tendency to get too comfortable with the status quo. We witness how an industry or entity is most successful if it makes efforts to keep ope

Dick Dentinger
Chairman’s Message
Read More
Vibing Masonry #9 - The History of Milwaukee's Third Ward: A Haven for Ornate Brick Masonry
October 2025

Living near Chicago, one of my family’s favorite day trips is to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a one-hour drive north. Among our other activities, including visiting the Calatrava-designed Milwaukee Art Museum, kayaking the river, and enjoying traditional German

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
2026 World of Concrete Registration Is Now Open
October 2025

Registration for the 2026 World of Concrete Convention is now Open! Don't miss your opportunity to attend the industry biggest event of the year. Multiple classes, competitions, and exhibits will be taking place. All in an effort to push the industry for

Justin Stengel
News and Events
Read More