Welcome From the FSEL Director

Welcome to the Ferguson Structural Engineering Laboratory Website. The laboratory, named after Professor Phil M. Ferguson who was an inspirational teacher and meticulous researcher, is housed on the Pickle Research Campus of The University of Texas at Austin.

The laboratory consists of a large structural test facility covering over 45,000 square feet, with a complement of loading equipment enabling large tests of structures and structural components.

The Ferguson Laboratory is an integral part of the Civil Engineering Department. The variety of research at FSEL stimulates the faculty and students—and broadens their horizons. The research performed in the laboratory spans the breadth of structural engineering. The research results are translated into practice by the active participation of the faculty in code and specification committees.

Each year, FSEL employs approximately 50 graduate and undergraduate research assistants. Practical lab experience is an important part of the graduate student education. Research assistants at FSEL are trained in the performance of structural research and in structural behavior obtained by viewing specimen behavior.

We hope that you will enjoy learning about the FSEL facility, its history, and take the online tour of our laboratory.

Sharon Wood,
FSEL Director