What We Do


The Laboratory of Technology of Structures and Materials (LATEM) "Lluís Agulló" carries out research activity, consultancy and transfer of technology to construction industry.

After more than 25 years of experience, it is a national and international reference in innovation and experimentation in structures and materials.

The laboratory is equipped with the most modern facilities and technologies that make it a center of excellence for construction materials characterization (e.g. concrete, masonry, steel, wood, composites as well as innovative materials), materials chemistry, testing of large-scale structures and structural monitoring.

The laboratory of Technology of Structures and Materials also promotes innovation and sustainability in the construction. Among the noteworthy studies are those related to environmental impact of materials and reuse of residues as construction materials.

The present schedule of the facilities is available in the following link

Our Equipment


Our Fees


Mechanical characterisation of materials and structures
  • 230 m² strong floor with maximum test span of 20 m
  • Biaxial reaction walls made of modular FRC blocks
  • Two travelling cranes with maximum capacity of 100 kN
  • Load frame with a pseudo-dynamic actuator with maximum capacity of 1000 KN in compression and 650 KN in tension
  • Dynamic axial test machine INSTRON 8803 with 2 column frame and ±500 KN actuator
  • Dynamic axial test machine INSTRON 8805 with 4 column frame and ±1000 KN actuator
  • Compression test machines with max capacities of 3000 kN, 200 kN and 10 kN
  • Compression test machine with 4500 KN actuator and 4 column load frame
  • Frames for creep tests with 620 kN jack
  • Automatic concrete batching plant with a capacity of 250 liters
  • Concrete mixer with a capacity of 40 liters
  • Mortar mixers with a capacity of 5 liters and of 20 liters
  • Viscosimeter for measuring rheological parameters of concrete and mortar
  • Humid chamber of 20ºC and 100% RH
  • Climate chamber of 20º C and 50% RH
  • Accessible test chamber at controlled and programmable environment with -15 ºC /+50 ºC and 30%-80% RH
Chemical Characterisation of Materials
  • Percolation columns for leaching tests
  • Agitation leaching test
  • Tank leaching test
  • Rapid chloride permeability test equipment
  • High-performance liquid chromatography system (HPLC)
  • Equipment for diffusion test
  • Stereo microscope and optical microscope
  • System for test of water penetration under pressure
  • Muffle Furnace
  • Curing Tank
  • Autoclave
  • Potentiometer/Conductometer
  • Proctor compaction test device
  • Disc mills and jaw crushers
  • Equipment to spray cement pastes and mortars to test admixtures
In-situ testing and sampling
  • Screw (helix) pull-out load test unit for mortar and bricks
  • Windsor Pin penetrometer for concrete, mortar and bricks
  • Stud driving method to assess the compressive strength
  • Ultrasound testing equipment
  • Concrete rebound test hammer
  • Inductive method to assess fibre content and orientation in fibre reinforced concrete
  • Core drilling machine for in-situ sampling of masonry and concrete
Digital Fabrication
  • Digital Fabrication Experimental tools (Microcontrollers, Sensors and Actuators)
LATEM Lluis Agullo Fees:
  • High-performance liquid chromatography system (HPLC): 22.43 €/h
  • X-ray diffraction: 18.44 €/h
  • Testing with Instron 8803: 22.40 €/h
  • Testing with Instron 8505: 24.85 €/h
  • Testing with load frame: 41.72 €/h
  • Additional technician for the preparation of the test: 18.40 €/h
  • Remark: The costs of adapting the laboratory to develop the service depend on the customer's need and requirements, and will be charged separately.

LAB DRONE VIEW