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Engineering Laboratory
The Engineering Laboratory promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology for engineered systems in ways that enhance economic security and improve quality of life.
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News and Updates
NIST’s Glenn Bell Is Awarded Institution of Structural Engineers Gold Medal
Bell is the associate lead of NIST’s investigation into the 2021 partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium.
NIST Engineers Design 5 New Ways to Connect Concrete Pieces for More Resilient Buildings
One of the biggest challenges with precast concrete is connecting the concrete pieces at a job site.
Software
Tool for Evaluation of Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfection of N95 Masks in Small Rooms
This spreadsheet tool estimates the vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) concentration in air of rooms used for VHP mask disinfection systems. The tool employs a
FDS and Smokeview
Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) is a computational model for smoke and heat transport from fires. Smokeview visualizes the output from FDS and CFAST.
BEES
The BEES ( Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) software brings to your fingertips a powerful technique for selecting cost-effective
CONTAM
CONTAM is a multizone indoor air quality and ventilation analysis computer program designed to help you determine: (a) airflows: infiltration, exfiltration, and
STEP File Analyzer and Viewer
The free STEP File Viewer supports parts, assemblies, dimensions, tolerances, and more. The Analyzer generates a spreadsheet of all entity and attribute
EVAP-COND, Version 5.0
EVAP-COND is a software package that contains NIST's simulation models EVAP and COND for finned-tube evaporators and condensers. The “tube-by-tube” scheme in
Tools and Instruments
Residential Test Facility (RTF)
The Residential Test Facility (RTF) is a unique laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in Gaithersburg, Md. This facility
Additive Manufacturing Metrology Testbed (AMMT)
The NIST Additive Manufacturing Metrology Testbed is a fully custom, open-platform laser powder bed fusion (LBPF) system to advance monitoring, controls, and
Awards
Alexander Maranghides Recognized as 2025 IFSJ Influencer
For over 30 years of large-scale testing experience and two decades of Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fire reconstructions. He has led all
Terri McAllister Receives the ASCE Mujumdar Resilience Award
Dr. McAllister is being recognized for her contributions to the advancement of resilience.
Taking Measure Blog
How Thousands of Tiny Dots Can Save First Responders’ Lives
In an emergency, knowing exactly where a first responder is can mean the difference between life and death.
Disaster Preparedness: How Measurement Science Can Help Your Community
Firsthand experience with natural disasters inspired a NIST researcher to study how communities prepare for — and recover from — disasters.
NIST’s Most Popular Reference Materials and What They Tell Us About the Science of Measurement
NIST develops and sells more than 1,300 standard reference materials that are critical to supporting American industry and conducting research.
Taking Measure Celebrates 10 Years of Science and Stories
We take a look back at 10 years of the Taking Measure blog.
AI in the Doctor’s Office: How Standards Can Support Trustworthiness
If AI will be used in health care (or any other field), specific and useful standards are needed to make sure it’s reliable.
Calling All (Tired) Parents! Count Down to the New Year Early With Your Kids — and Professor Second
Kids (or yourself) too tired to stay up to ring in the new year? Count down with our video instead!
Count on NIST to Provide Well-Measured Holiday Cheer
Just how bright are the holiday lights? How much does Santa eat on Christmas Eve? These are some of the big holiday measurement questions we’ve put to the test
Tap for ID: Your Next Driver’s License Might Also Live on Your Phone
You’ve probably tapped your phone to pay, but have you ever used it to show your ID? It’s coming, and NIST experts are working on standards to make it work.
Software Library Helps Law Enforcement Catch Dangerous Criminals
NIST’s software reference library creates digital fingerprints of software — including many older pieces of software that are no longer available.
Using Experiments and Stories to Inspire the Next Generation of STEM Professionals
A love of science led a NIST researcher to her career. Now she’s working to encourage children to embrace science.
Science-Backed Standards Keep You Safer in the Skies
A NIST researcher’s expertise in physics helps ensure that airport security machines are tested effectively, keeping you safer in the skies.
From the Machine Shop to Cutting-Edge Technology: How NIST Helps Grow American Manufacturing
For more than a decade, Manufacturing USA has worked to grow and improve the U.S. manufacturing sector.
From the Steel City to the Lab: Strengthening the U.S. Steel Industry Through Science
A NIST researcher from Pittsburgh — known as the Steel City — is working to understand how we can better make steel right here in the U.S.
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Contacts
- Engineering Laboratory(301) 975-5900100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8600
Gaithersburg, MD 20899