Tests to optimize procedures, equipment and behavior under the most adverse conditions.

Extreme altitude affects human performance, even more so when combined with adverse weather conditions. When this happens, rescue operations are compromised, and human lives at stake – both those of the people to be rescued and the rescuers themselves.

In the Large Cube, rescue teams can train for rescue missions at simulated extreme altitudes and in extreme weather conditions such as freezing cold, snow and gale-force winds.

Under conditions such as these, rescue teams can practice resuscitation techniques and optimize equipment, procedures and modify reactions to extreme situations. Mountaineers and extreme athletes can train in the simulated conditions of their planned expeditions and challenges and prepare for upcoming challenges.

In the simulated conditions of the terraXcube, it is also possible to observe decline in physical performance due to altitude and the associated physiological reactions.

In addition to simulating extreme altitudes of up to 9000 meters as well as extreme weather phenomena, long-term tests are also possible in the Large Cube. The maximum number of participants for tests is 15.

© © Schirra/Giraldi | © Schirra/Giraldi

The test in a nutshell:

snow

wind

precipitation

sun

ice

hight altitude

humidity

size big cube

Measures:

The interior dimensions of the Large Cube are 12 m x 6 m x 5 m (L x W x H). The total available area is 137 m² plus 100 m² for test set-up. The entrance to the test chamber is formed by a wing gate with the dimensions: 3.6 m x 4 m (W x H). The maximum size of the test object can be 10 m x 3.6 m x 4 m (L x W x H).

Accredited tests:

Tests accredited by Accredia according to the following standards:
CEI EN 60068-2-1:2007, IEC 60068-2-1:2007
Environmental testing: Cold
CEI EN 60068-2-2:2008, IEC 60068-2-2:2007
Environmental testing: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-13:2021
Environmental testing: Low air pressure
IEC 60068-2-39:2015, CEI EN 60068-2-39:2016
Environmental testing: Temperature and low air pressure

Technical data:

Temperature: -40...+60°C
Relative humidity: 10 % – 90 %rH
Maximum simulated altitude: 9000 m
Air pressure: 95 kPa – 33 kPa
Wind: 0 m/s – 30 m/s

© Eurac Research | Annelie Bortolotti