New testing to start on controversial guard rails at center of lawsuit

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- New testing on controversial guardrails that experts say become like deadly spears when hit is set to start Wednesday in San Antonio.

In October, we told you about the ET-plus guardrail system manufactured by Trinity Industries of Dallas. Thousands remain along Texas roads.

An East Texas jury found the company defrauded the government by making un-approved and potentially deadly changes. Trinity was ordered to pay up to $525 million.

After the judgment, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requested new tests. There will be a series of eight tests over two months. Eyewitness News visited Southwest Research Institute, the facility in San Antonio where the tests will be conducted, for an exclusive look at what they do.

Inside over two million square feet of office space on a sprawling 1200-acre campus, ideas come alive. From satellites that can better measure hurricane winds to vessels that can test innovative deep sea equipment, Southwest Research Institute helps develop new concepts and solve problems.

"That's what they pay us to do, discover the facts," Tim Martin, executive director for corporate communications, told Eyewitness News.

Scientist Kristin Favela is working to see if chemicals inside shed baby teeth can help pinpoint in-utero environmental triggers for developmental disorders. A massive machine extracts the chemicals.

"We start with baby teeth and we pulverize them," Favela explained as she showed sample teeth.

At the ocean simulation lab, Engineer Joe Crouch can simulate the deepest ocean environment. The lab has been busier testing off shore drilling equipment ever since the deep water horizon explosion.

"People realize it's a harsh environment. They want to make sure this will work," said Crouch

A $150 million NASA-funded satellite project that's in the prototype stage will eventually better measure hurricane winds. Eight micro-satellites are set to launch in October 2016.

"That way we can track small changes and that's what helps us improve the forecast models," said professor of atmospheric science at the University of Michigan Chris Ruf.

There were self-driving vehicles and more energy efficient ones. Southwest Research Institute, a non-profit that enters into contractual agreements with clients and re-invests profits in new research and development projects, employs 2800 people in 10 different divisions.

"We like to say from deep sea to deep space, Southwest Research Institute is working on those areas," added Martin.

The work, according to several employees we spoke with, is satisfying.

"I think I have, from a technical perspective, the world's best job," said Randy Rose, a project system engineer.