From its first years of operation, Simpson Strong-Tie has led the industry in structural connector design. Today, Simpson holds more patents than all other connector companies combined and has 40 engineers on staff. The work Simpson does in its labs not only helps with new product development, but also with new technology and ideas on how structures are designed and built.

Tyrell Gilb Research Laboratory, Stockton, California

The Tyrell Gilb Research Lab is the hub of Simpson's research and development activities. The lab's highly specialized equipment tests a structure's ability to resist earthquakes, high winds and other natural disasters. Full-scale structural components are tested using the lab's seismic shake table and cyclic/static test frame. The shake table re-creates ground motion, moving back and forth horizontally at the foundation level. The cyclic static test rig applies force laterally to the top of a wall structure. Together, the two types of testing provide an accurate measurement of a structure's resistance capabilities. In addition, the lab's three-dimensional testing of full-scale buildings is used to help clarify issues regarding allowable resistances of bracing methods under various load conditions. (click here for recent 2D and 3D testing)

The lab is named in memory of Tyrell (Tye) Gilb, a former professor of architecture who led Simpson's research and development efforts for 35 years. "Tye's legacy of innovative product development will live on through the work done here," say Tom Fitzmyers, CEO of Simpson Strong-Tie. "The laboratory's testing capabilities will allow us to advance our structural design technology, which will improve building safety and ultimately help save lives. That would have made Tye very proud."

Next: Branch Laboratories

Also in this section:

• Branch Laboratories
• 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