EXPERIMENTAL CAPABILITY FOR

THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION

The Prefab Lab is the experimental testing arm of the ASSET Group. Our mission is to generate the evidence needed to advance innovative building systems through rigorous experimental testing and advanced simulation. The laboratory focuses on large-scale testing of structural components, connections, and building subassemblies, with particular emphasis on prefabricated construction, seismic resilience, and emerging building technologies. From connection-level testing to large-scale multi-axis experiments, the Prefab Lab provides a unique environment where innovative ideas can be tested, validated, and improved. We use Facilities across both UBC Campuses to do our work.

UBC Okanagan Structural Testing Facility

The UBC Okanagan structural testing facility supports component-level and large-scale experimental research on structural materials, connections, and assemblies. The lab includes 5,000 sq. ft. of testing space, 1,200 sq. ft. of strong floor, a 15 ft strong wall, a 5 ton overhead crane, and a range of actuators, reaction columns, and custom test frames. The facility is equipped with a 110 kip MTS universal testing machine, a 450 kip Instron concrete compression machine, several smaller load frames, and a climate-controlled concrete curing room.

UBC Vancouver Structural Testing Facility (Collaboration)

Through collaboration with Dr. Perry Adebar, our team is currently utilizing the UBC Vancouver structural testing facility, which supports large-scale experimental research on structural components and assemblies. The lab includes 4,840 sq. ft. of testing space, 2,160 sq. ft. of strong floor, a 16 ft strong wall, a 10 ton overhead crane, and a broad range of actuators, reaction columns, and custom test frames. The facility provides the reaction infrastructure, lifting capacity, and technical support needed to test large structural specimens under controlled loading conditions.

Multi-Axial Sub-Assemblage Testing System (MAST)

MAST enables large-scale testing of structural assemblies under combined horizontal and vertical loading. It is designed to study realistic seismic behaviour where connections, components, and boundary conditions interact. Key Specifications:

Test setup dimensions

0m × 0m × 0m

Four vertical actuators, each with a capacity of

±0 kN

Four horizontal actuators, each with a capacity of

±0 kN

Shear Testing System (STS)

The STS is used to test structural connections and interfaces under large shear forces while minimizing unintended axial restraint. It is especially useful for studying force transfer in prefabricated concrete systems. Key Specifications:

Test setup dimensions

0m × 0m × 0m

Three synchronized actuators, each with a shear force capacity of up to

±0 kN

Uniaxial Cyclic Testing System

This system tests structural components and precast connection details under repeated tension and compression loading. It supports research on cyclic behaviour, strength degradation, and failure mechanisms.

Test setup dimensions

0m × 0m × 0m

Axial force capacity of

±0 kN

& fully reversed cyclic loading.