What testing facilities does BRE have?
BRE conducts specialist testing and investigations into the real-world performance of structures, systems, and products.
Our testing facilities are at the BRE Science Park near Watford, and consist of:
Structures laboratory
Wind tunnel
Environmental test chamber
Anechoic chamber
Burn hall
Structures laboratoryThe structures laboratory is big enough to test a full-scale building. It can fit a four-storey structure inside and regularly takes loads from 1kN to 10,000kN in its testing machines and across its floor. This unique, world-class facility can simulate everything from a flood to an earthquake and allows BRE to offer a wide range of tests, from model-scale to large-scale load tests on structural elements right through to complete systems. BRE’s specialist teams also test steel, concrete and timber construction here, plus dynamic loading. The testing capability is complemented by our expertise in the analysis and design of structures using all materials. Wind TunnelIn the two atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnels, natural wind can be simulated for environments ranging from open countryside to city centres. BRE will make a model of your development and surrounding area, typically at a scale of 1:200 to 1:300 that tests and predicts:
Environmental Test ChamberIndoor climate and equipment tests can be carried out in BRE’s environmental test chamber. This versatile facility provides qualitative and quantitative data on indoor air movement, thermal energy and HVAC equipment testing. The large size of the chamber allows all types of model to be built. BRE also has HVAC laboratory facilities for standard performance tests and specialist one-off R&D testing. Anechoic ChamberBRE’s anechoic chamber can be used to measure the sound output from fire, smoke and CO alarms. It may also be used for measuring the sound power of small, domestic appliances (typically up to 1m3) and loudspeaker directivity. The chamber benefits from integrated uni-stru supports, permanent turntable support and wide access doors. Read more about BRE’s testing and certification work.
|
Sign up to our newsletters
Get the latest updates and offers on our products, events, standards and qualifications.
Sign up