The SPAR Lab was originated in 2014 as a result of extensive research collaborations over the last 15 years among the departments of civil engineering, electrical engineering, material science and engineering, computer science and chemistry.

Directed by Dr. Genda Chen, Professor and Robert W. Abbett Distinguished Chair in Civil Engineering, the SPAR Lab provides capability of exploring both scientifically intriguing and pragmatically challenging solutions to aging infrastructure problems, supporting conceptualization, development, experimentation and implementation of key measurement technologies.

The lab pioneers the “lab-on-sensor” concept and unique calibration of sensors to address a multitude of assessment and maintenance issues we face today both nationally and internationally.

The equipment in the SPAR Lab is particularly useful in condition assessment of structural and mechanical systems, including bridges, roads, pipelines, offshore platforms, nuclear reactors, and other large-scale civil infrastructure.