The Multi-Axial Subassemblage Testing (MAST) Laboratory, located on the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota, comprises one node of the George E. Brown, Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES). NEES is a national, networked, simulation resource that includes geographically-distributed, shared-use, next-generation experimental research Equipment Sites built and operated to advance earthquake engineering research and education. The MAST Laboratory is open for use as a national laboratory for researchers and for contract testing by private companies across the country who are interested in conducting large-scale testing and simulations on the integrity of structures subjected to earthquakes, wind, and other extreme loadings.

    The goal of NEES is to accelerate progress in earthquake engineering research and to improve the seismic design and performance of civil and mechanical infrastructure systems. Read More About NEES

    The MAST system specializes in three-dimensional, quasi-static, cyclic testing of large-scale structural test specimens. The six degrees-of-freedom of the MAST system may be controlled in any combination of displacement or load control modes. Master-slave relations may be used to link degrees-of-freedom, and four ancillary actuators may be positioned anywhere within the testing area. The MAST Laboratory includes extensive computational and archiving facilities, and the Laboratory supports interactive remote teleparticipation of experimental research as part of the NEESgrid system. Read More About MAST