Built Environment Technology Application

BETA Lab

Advancing Intelligent and Resilient Built Environments
Explore Our Research

Who We Are

The Built Environment Technology Application (BETA) Research Lab at Washington State University explores how emerging technologies can transform the planning, design, construction, and operation of the built environment.

Our research integrates artificial intelligence, digital twins, BIM/VDC, extended reality, robotics, automation, sensing, and data analytics to improve decision-making, productivity, safety, resilience, and sustainability across buildings and civil infrastructure.

Connecting people, technology, and the built environment to create smarter and more resilient communities.

BETA Research Lab
Carpenter Hall 121B
Washington State University, Pullman, WA

Research Frontiers

BETA integrates emerging technologies and human-centered research across buildings, construction, and civil infrastructure to advance intelligent, safe, resilient, and sustainable built environments.

Artificial Intelligence & Spatial Intelligence

AI, agentic systems, machine learning, computer vision, and spatial reasoning for decision-making across buildings, construction, and civil infrastructure.

Digital Twins & Digital Delivery

Digital twins, BIM/VDC, interoperability, and lifecycle information integration for buildings, transportation infrastructure, and construction systems.

Human–Technology Interaction & Safety

Human factors, psychological safety, construction safety, extended reality, training, and human–technology interaction for safer and more effective work environments.

Automation, Robotics & Reality Capture

Robotics, drones, sensing, laser scanning, photogrammetry, and automated physical-to-digital workflows for buildings, construction sites, and infrastructure systems.

Featured Research

BETA translates emerging technologies and interdisciplinary research into practical solutions for buildings, construction, transportation, and civil infrastructure.

Surveying & Mapping for Transportation Digital Delivery

Developing a national guide for consistent surveying and mapping practices that support geospatial interoperability, advanced digital construction, BIM, and digital twins for transportation projects.

Intelligent Building Energy & Performance

Advancing data-driven building modeling and energy analysis to support intelligent, efficient, and resilient building operation.

Psychological Safety in Construction

Developing evidence-based approaches and training to strengthen psychological safety, communication, and workplace culture while supporting safer construction environments.

BETA at a Glance

Research, education, and partnerships creating impact across the built environment.

2.12M Sponsored Research (PI & Co-PI)
1.11M PI-Led Sponsored Research
25+ Peer-Reviewed Papers
16 Student Researchers & Alumni

Latest News & Impact

Follow the latest research, awards, publications, presentations, student achievements, and partnerships from the BETA Research Lab.

Dr. Dang featured in Mass Timber Webinar

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Dr. Dang is named the ASC Region 7 Director

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Partners & Collaborators

BETA collaborates with government agencies, academic institutions, industry partners, and technology providers to advance research and translate emerging technologies into real-world built-environment solutions.

Work With BETA

Join BETA in advancing intelligent, safe, resilient, and sustainable built environments through research, education, and collaboration.

Join Our Research Team

Undergraduate and graduate students can engage in interdisciplinary research spanning AI, digital twins, safety, XR, robotics, automation, and civil infrastructure.

Collaborate With Us

BETA welcomes interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty and researchers across engineering, architecture, construction, computing, human factors, transportation, and related fields.

Partner With BETA

Industry organizations and public agencies can collaborate with BETA on sponsored research, technology evaluation, pilot projects, workforce development, and real-world implementation.

Visit & Contact BETA

BETA Research Lab

Built Environment Technology Application Research Lab
Washington State University
Carpenter Hall 121B
Pullman, WA

School of Design and Construction
Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture

Interested in research collaboration, student opportunities, sponsored projects, technology demonstrations, or visiting the BETA Research Lab? We would be glad to connect.