Salford Advanced Laboratory for Testing and Engineering Consultancy
Materials and structural testing laboratories.
The Salford Advanced Laboratory for Testing and Engineering Consultancy (SALTEC) is a central hub for Civil and Structural Engineering testing at the University of Salford.
Our laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities capable of performing a vast range of tests. More than just a testing hub, we are driven by a team of highly experienced researchers and chartered engineers with extensive industry backgrounds, boasting over a century of combined expertise. By combining advanced technology with academic excellence, we tackle real-world engineering challenges, ensuring that critical infrastructure is built on a foundation of proven reliability. Our team plays a key role in developing cutting-edge products, pioneering testing methodologies, and shaping international design standards.
We have been pivotal in assisting Network Rail in determining the necessity of structural interventions for Victorian railway arches. Our work has also contributed to an innovative blast screen designed to safeguard offshore gas platform workers and has strengthened safety protocols for working at height by influencing the design rules and testing standards for scaffolding clips. Additionally, we have conducted large-scale tests on commercial roofing, racking systems, and 14-metre cantilevered gantries, reinforcing safety and reliability.
We actively support manufacturers and organisations in testing and refining products to meet evolving building regulations. Our academics are also respected experts, often serving as trusted witnesses in legal cases, leveraging their industry knowledge and hands-on testing expertise
Our state-of-the-art laboratories play a crucial role in both advancing research and educating the next generation of engineers. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-grade testing, working directly with chartered professionals who emphasize the importance of safety, precision, and commercial problem-solving.
Comprehensive materials testing facilities
The heavy civils test laboratory at the University of Salford is designed to meet the requirements of various measurement standards. As one of the most comprehensive materials testing facilities in the UK, it is available for use by commercial clients as well as university researchers and undergraduates.
Bespoke project consultation
Supported by the hands on expertise of specialist technical staff, academics in all disciplines across the university are available to consult on bespoke projects.
UKAS accredited tests
The lab supports a broad range of UKAS accredited tests in addition to bespoke testing and consultancy.
Heavy civils test laboratory equipment
Servo hydraulic actuators
Capable of exerting up to 600 kN in tension and compression controlled by either MTS five channels or Cat3 six channels Zwick software. Our 130m2 strong floor provides the base to react against.
Strong floor
The 130m² strong floor has 80 anchor points each with a SWL of 500kN to secure test samples and loading rigs. This provides us with a great deal of flexibility in how we arrange the testing of your sample.
ZwickRoell tensile and compression testing machines
Three machines featuring load ranges of 0 to 2.5 kN, 0 to 50 kN and 0 to 600 kN. Each machine features accurate control using extensometers to measure strain.
Concrete testing machines
One of the most commonly used materials in the construction industry, there are many variables that define the quality of concrete. Our machines can test concrete cubes, cylinders and blocks with loads up to 2800 kN.
Uniformly distributed load testing
We can produce large area uniformly distributed loads using air bags. This method works particularly well to simulate wind, suction and snow loads when testing composite panels, glazing and cladding systems.
Test frame
Built to BS 5234, this frame allows us to test partition systems and other walling products while being versatile enough for use in a variety of other consultancy and research projects.
HBM, Dewesoft and Physical Acoustics data loggers
These allow us to log over 150 active channels of information from the testing machines and export the findings quickly and easily into a usable file.
Various instrumentation
We have an array of instruments to measure load, strain, temperature, displacement, angle, acceleration and emission. With over 200 Linear Variable Displacement Transducers ranging from 0 to .25 mm range to 0 to 300mm we can easily measure all displacements required by your test with longer distances covered by wire pull units.
Preparatory works area
Extensive facilities to rapidly prepare test rigs and samples for bespoke tests. We have turning, milling, drilling, sawing and welding facilities for metal fabrication. Timber can be planed, cross cut, ripped, routed and spindle moulded.
Tools
A wide range of ancillary equipment from taps through to diamond drills for cutting concrete.
Concrete mixers
Used to prep small batches of concrete for testing with larger batches delivered by external suppliers.
Lifting equipment
Our 7.5 tonne crane and 1.8 tonne forklift truck allow us to easily relocate materials and test equipment.
Tension control bolt gun
Required when testing tension control bolts used in the steel and construction industry.
Climatic cabinet
Expose your test material to temperatures ranging from -40 to + 190 with humidity control in the 0 to 100 c range.
Equipment used solely for undergraduate teaching
- Teaching laboratory - featuring compression testing of forces up to 50 kN (five ton) this lab uses state of the art machinery by Zwick to teach students about the behaviour of materials and structures under various loads.
- Water resource laboratory - used to measure water flow, this lab allows students to learn how water flows and behaves at different velocities.
- Surveying laboratory - featuring state of the art, digital total stations this lab allows students to learn how to use industry standard tools and methods for surveying.
- Soils laboratory - used to help students learn about soil type and how the volume of water in it affects the ground conditions that a building may be placed upon.