Iowa State now has one of the most sophisticated soils mechanics laboratories in the nation, thanks to a $175,000 grant the university received from alumni.

Gerald Olson and his wife Audrey, both alumni of Iowa State and founders of Terracon, Inc., an employee-owned consulting firm of engineers and scientists, donated the money. In recognition of the Olsons’ gift, the laboratory, located in the Town Engineering Building, was dedicated as the Olson Soils Mechanics Laboratory on Friday.

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy spoke at the dedication ceremony and presented the Olsons with a recognition plaque.

“The gift [the Olsons] made will literally impact hundreds and hundreds of students for years to come,” Geoffroy said.

Gerald Olson received his masters of science degree in civil engineering from Iowa State in 1958. He is the retired founder, president and CEO of Terracon, Inc., one of the largest geotechnical firms in the United States.

Lowell Greimann, chair of civil, construction and environmental engineering, said Olson proposed the geotechnical laboratory in 2001.

“Gerald and Audrey Olson came into my office and said they’d like to do something for Iowa State, because Iowa State had done so much for them,” Greimann said.

He said the Olson laboratory is mainly for graduate student research, and many of the projects are funded by the Iowa Department of Transportation.

“For the first time in many years, we have state-of-the-art equipment that students can use,” he said.

Geotechnical and materials engineering students study the nature of soils, concrete, rocks, asphaltic materials, fly ash and other bulk solids. Engineers in this field investigate and plan the most efficient support systems for buildings, bridges, dams and pavements.

“Iowa State’s geotechnical engineers are researching ways to support these structures, making them stronger, safer and more durable,” said James Melsa, dean of the College of Engineering.

Melsa explained that the Olson Soils Mechanics Laboratory is unique because of the amount of advanced soil mechanics testing equipment it houses.

“This complete suite of equipment is represented nowhere else,” Melsa said.

Geotechnical engineering at Iowa State has a deep history. In 1906, Anson Marston, the first dean of the College of Engineering, initiated the program when he researched underground conduits and the characterizations of soil pressures on retaining walls.

“We want to continue the strong tradition in geotechnical advancement at Iowa State dating back to Marston,” said David White, assistant professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering.

White said the laboratory has expanded Iowa State’s research capabilities so this advancement can occur.

“There is still a lot of unanswered questions in our field of research,” White said. “Having this technology in our lab can provide answers to these questions.”