MSU’S new Force Load Analyzer gives civil engineering students more hands-on opportunities in the classroom

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Civil Engineering students at MSU Mankato got to start the 2026-27 school year with a new tool for hands on learning, a Force Load Analyzer.

The university’s civil engineering department has been trying to get a machine installed since 2010, and after raising almost one million dollars in department funds and private donations, that dream is now a reality.

Professor Farhad Reza says that the machine can be used to stress test materials like steel beams and concrete.

He says this can help students learn about concepts that are hard to visualize such as the benefits of high reinforced beams vs low reinforced beams or the stability of different structures.

“It’s hard to actually grasp, but it’s an important concept in steel design,” Reza said.

Tanner Kendall, a junior majoring in civil engineering, says he thinks the machine will be a great way to help students collect more data they can use in class projects and co-curricular competitions.

Kendall says that the machine is also fun to use.

“I love breaking things for class, it’s amazing,” Kendall said.

His classmate Melayna Marshman, another junior in civil engineering, shared his excitement.

‘I just think this is really great that we have it and it’s kinda cool to see what we can do with it," Marshman said.

Professor Reza says now that the university has the device, the hope is that it can start using it in more classes and collaborations with community partners and private customers, to give students more opportunities to test materials they’ll be working with after graduation.

Click here to download the KEYC News Now app or our KEYC First Alert weather app.