Constructed Facilities Lab Tour

One of Dr. Paul Zia’s most-notable accomplishments was the construction and implementation of NC State’s Constructed Facilities Lab (CFL), a large-scale structural engineering laboratory. The CFL enables faculty and students to perform advanced research and testing of construction materials, structural systems, and processes that enhance the sustainability and economy of civil infrastructure through innovation and vision.

The CFL, a joint investment by the National Science Foundation and the State of North Carolina, was established in 1996 and was one of the first facilities of its kind in the U.S.

“Certainly it was unique in the Southeast U.S.,” Zia explained at the time. “There were maybe one or two other universities that have similar facilities, large laboratory facilities up north. But not all major research universities had such facilities.”
On the day of the lecture, sponsors have the opportunity to tour the CFL to learn about the current research projects being conducted. During this one-hour tour, visitors will have the chance to learn about ongoing projects, experiments, and latest innovations while engaging in scholarly discussions with graduate students.