The BEAST is the world's first accelerated testing facility for full-scale bridge decks and superstructures.

Created by CAIT and its partners, the Bridge Evaluation and Accelerated Structural Testing lab induces and accelerates deterioration by inflicting extreme traffic and environmental loading.

In the BEAST's controlled environment, researchers can condense 15 to 20 years of bridge wear and tear to about six months.

Data from the BEAST will allow bridge owners, engineers, and builders to project future performance and longevity of bridge materials, components, and preservation/rehabilitation practices.

The BEAST subjects full-scale bridge specimens to rapid-cycling environmental changes and extreme traffic loading to induce and speed up deterioration as much as 30 times, making it possible to simulate 15 to 20 years of wear-and-tear in just a few months.

Click below to see a video on what the BEAST is: