Connector Laboratory, Pleasanton, California

Housed at Simpson Strong-Tie's home office, the Connector Lab is accredited in more than 20 international construction standards. The lab routinely tests product prototypes and construction code criteria. Engineers in the lab use a variety of equipment to test not only individual connectors, but entire structural systems. In addition to testing products, the lab also focuses its research on corrosion, wood assemblies, and concrete and masonry. The lab's state-of-the-art computer system is used to test prototypes and can respond to requests from customers in the field.

Anchor Systems Research and Development Facility, Addison, Illinois

The main function of the Addison facility is to test the structural integrity of concrete structures. On-site equipment can simulate earthquakes and other forces that can cause concrete to crack. Research from the Addison lab is used primarily to develop new anchor and adhesive products for commercial and industrial construction. It is one of only a few labs in the U.S. accredited for this type of testing.

Branch Laboratories, North America and Europe

Simpson houses research facilities at its branches across the globe. In Tamworth, UK, engineers test prototypes and code criteria for the European construction market. Its other North America branch laboratories (Texas, Ohio, southern California and Canada) address regional construction issues to service local customers. For example, customers frequently ask Simpson to perform tests to help resolve installation issues that arise on the jobsite. These labs also help Simpson's engineers to identify regional trends and create solutions that are geographic specific.

Next: New Product Testing in a Virtual Environment

Also in this section:

• Research, Testing, Engineering and Innovation
• New Product Testing in a Virtual Environment
• Collaboration with Academia
• Industry Innovation
• Educational Events
• World's Largest Earthquake Shake Table Test in Japan
• Research Overview Video