Civil Engineering Research Center “Dream Come True” Says Harvell
The Civil Engineering Department and the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas celebrated the completion of the Grady E. Harvell Civil Engineering Research and Education Center, or CEREC, in July 2021.
The 37,400-square-foot state of the art facility provides space for 15 faculty members and 75 students to conduct research and for teaching laboratories capable of full-scale material testing.
Grady E. Harvell, president and COO of W & W|AFCO Steel and a College of Engineering alumnus, said during his ribbon-cutting speech, “Practical research is one of the essential elements of a good engineering education. The research done here will develop more efficient and cost-effective construction methods for steel, concrete and timber in Arkansas as well as the nation. It’s a dream come true to know that this facility will stand for decades to come.”
This facility was named in honor of Harvell for his contributions and his driving force bringing CEREC into reality.
The first phase of CEREC, now open, includes a structural high-bay with strong floor and lay-down yard, concrete and steel materials labs, and a fabrication shop. Phase two will include geotechnical and asphalt testing labs, laboratory, classroom and certification spaces for the Center for Training Transportation Professionals.