The University of Texas plans to build a three-story, 80,857-square foot addition to its Applied Research Laboratories complex located on the J.J. Pickle Research Campus at 10000 Burnet Road, Austin.

The UT system board of regents approved the $40.4 million building project Feb. 26. The ARL, which conducts research in partnership with the Department of Defense regarding national security, has become constrained by the amount of space it has, according to UT President Gregory Fenves.

The expansion will be funded through the university’s federal research grants. 512-835-3200. www.arlut.utexas.edu