Power of ERDC

On the modern battlefield, supplying essential power and water in austere environments is a major logistical challenge. The effort to quickly develop and deploy essential technologies to provide these “liquid logistics” is at the forefront of several ERDC research programs and projects. Leading that effort are the world-class research teams at ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL). Leveraging the laboratory’s unique capabilities and facilities, these teams are accelerating the development, testing and deployment of transformative technologies.  Their work is reshaping the logistical landscape for our military, while enhancing Soldier safety and the ability of U.S. forces to operate and dominate in any environment. Dr. Andy Nelson, director of CERL, provides a high-level perspective on the operational energy and water programs currently underway.  In the discussion, he explains operational energy and water (1:33), how CERL became a world-leader in these research areas (3:34), and how some of CERL’s unique facilities provide critical Soldier touchpoints for new technologies (7:41). He also covers how interconnected water and energy are in combat environments (9:55) and why there is a strong push for these critical solutions now (11:39). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/53-Liquid-Logistics_video.

Mike Forte, a research physical scientist at ERDC’s Field Research Facility (FRF) in Duck, North Carolina, calls himself and his team “custodians” of the data continuously collected at the research facility. The team’s care for the data, collection methods and validation and preparation efforts have made this data a national treasure. Decades of data sets from constant observation of the coastline through sensors, cameras, surveys and more have shaped and advanced coastal engineering, supported the development of new ocean and storm models, and given our military a decisive edge in coastal, littoral and amphibious operations. Forte pulls back the curtain on the scope of the facility’s data collection, the partnerships with national and global research organizations, and the effort to document and best tell the scientific stories of massive storms along our nation’s Atlantic Coast. Topics discussed include how the team responded to and captured data from a record-setting nor’easter in January (02:16); the FRF’s suite of data collection techniques and technologies for capturing coastal processes (5:14); and the critical role the facility’s unique pier plays in collecting, validating and verifying that data (9:22). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/52-FRF-data-is-a-national-treasure_video. You can also see additional resources at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/52-FRF-data-is-a-national-treasure_resources.

Preparing the Army to solve tomorrow’s challenges is an incredibly complex endeavor. For ERDC researchers striving to provide answers to questions that aren’t yet known, gaming techniques have proven to be a useful tool. Gamification provides a method to digest vast information into usable outcomes with infinite possibilities, while also collaborating with and learning from other subject matter experts. We explore how ERDC research is strengthened by gaming techniques combined with nearly a century of engineering and scientific expertise. Our guests are Dr. Mihan House McKenna Taylor, Josh Church and Jared Brock. Taylor is Army Senior Research Scientist for Near Surface Phenomenology; Church leads the Scientific Software Branch at ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory (ITL); and Brock is a computer scientist in ITL’s Scientific Software Branch. Topics include ERDC’s experience in using gaming and game theory to help build out capabilities and support the Army mission (4:05), what makes gamification an effective method to plan for unknown future scenarios (11:53) and the unique capabilities ERDC offers in this space (15:29). We also discuss how gaming techniques can help inform future acquisitions and lead to better investments (18:34), how they can improve the development of new technology (23:58) and how Artificial Intelligence can change the way these strategic exercises are conducted (28:51). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/51-gaming-the-future_video. You can also see additional resources at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/51-gaming-the-future_resources.

ERDC researchers recently discovered 26 new species of microorganisms frozen in permafrost that was approximately 40,000 years old. Studying the properties of these new species could unlock capabilities with the potential to support U.S. military operations in extreme cold regions. We discuss this discovery with Dr. Robyn Barbato, a senior research microbiologist and the leader of the soil microbiology team at the ERDC Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. Topics include how studying microorganisms and finding new species can help the U.S. Army (1:20), potential technologies or applications that could emerge from this research (4:20) and how the team made its discovery (8:00). We also talk about the unique process for extracting these samples (13:01), Barbato’s work on a U.S. Department of War community of interest that examines biotechnology (21:33) and the capabilities offered by ERDC’s ICE COLD library of permafrost microbes (29:18). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/50-permafrost-microorganisms_video. You can also see additional resources at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/50-permafrost-microorganisms_resources.

Even in the age of supercomputing, engineers still demand tangible models to fully understand the complex interaction between coastal infrastructure and dynamic ocean forces. ERDC has nearly a century of expertise in building scaled representations of real-world systems and testing them to evaluate civil works and military project designs. We discuss ERDC’s coastal physical modeling capabilities with Dr. Duncan Bryant, a senior research hydraulic engineer with ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory. Topics include the need for physical modeling and its role alongside other coastal engineering tools (4:05), how ERDC improves Joint Force readiness by testing ship-to-shore logistics (8:24) and how models help engineers design better coastal defenses for improved resilience (12:00). We also discuss how ERDC’s facilities (16:20), capabilities (23:26) and master craftsmen (21:28) enable this work; how it is collaborating with industry and academia (26:50); and how ERDC is working to solve tomorrow’s coastal challenges (28:25). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/49-coastal-physical-modeling_video. You can also see additional resources at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/49-coastal-physical-modeling_resources.

Built on Automatic Identification System vessel broadcasts and supported by a nationwide network of fixed receiver sites and mobile trailer deployments, the Lock Operations Management Application (LOMA) helps lock operators and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers districts better understand vessel traffic, anticipate delays and communicate changing conditions to mariners. Dr. Marin Kress of ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory explains how LOMA provides real-time situational awareness across the nation’s inland waterways. Topics include what LOMA is and why it’s more than “just locks” (:48), how AIS works and what the system receives (2:51), and why mobile trailers matter (4:29). We also discuss a success story involving emergency shoaling response and virtual ATONs (5:45); the impact of lock reliability and traffic awareness (13:38); partnerships that power LOMA (14:43); and what’s next in R&D, including weather and water condition sensing (18:00). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/48-LOMA_video. Explore additional resources at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/48-LOMA_resources.

What if a tool designed for combat could become a lifeline in the wake of natural disasters? The Battlefield Damage Assessment Tool, a system that provides rapid analysis in combat environments, has been deployed to help first responders allocate key resources more efficiently following wildfires and hurricanes. We discuss the technology and its development with ERDC’s Nikki Wayant and Charlotte Ellison, researchers from the Geospatial Research Laboratory. Topics include how the technology was first used by emergency officials following the 2023 Hawaii wildfires (2:52), how the information helps emergency management officials (5:42), and some of the key data sources the system uses to provide its assessment (7:30). We also discuss how the team’s interdisciplinary makeup enabled a better product (14:35), the tool’s future capabilities (16:28), and the team being named an Innovation of the Year in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (19:58). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/47-battlefield-damage-assessment_video.

We are exploring a pair of unsung teams whose efforts magnify ERDC’s research capabilities. That includes three fabrication shops where master craftsmen – welders, machinists and model makers – turn research concepts into a tangible reality. Meanwhile, ERDC’s Directorate of Public Works, or DPW, is responsible for maintaining the organization’s facilities and infrastructure – including the massive demands for power and water to accommodate large-scale research projects. Together, these teams enable ERDC to execute world-class R&D. Joining us to discuss these unique capabilities are ERDC DPW chief Jonathan Howell and Zach Smith, program manager of ERDC’s R&D fabrication group. Topics include the types of projects supported by ERDC’s master craftsmen (4:25), the unique infrastructure and utility demands at an R&D organization (10:40), and the capabilities found on both teams (19:27). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/46-building-capacity-discovery_video. You can also see additional resources at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/46-building-capacity-discovery_resources.

Bird strikes are a persistent and costly threat to aviation safety. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, more than 13,000 strikes are reported in the U.S. each year, costing hundreds of millions in damages and endangering both civilian and military aircraft. We are joined by ERDC’s Dr. Jake Jung and Dr. Brian Washburn with the U.S. Department of Agriculture – both research wildlife biologists – to discuss how these two organizations are working to develop innovative tools and techniques to address this complex problem. Among the innovations discussed is the “robot coyote,” a ground-based drone that has shown tremendous potential in helping manage the vast spaces of civilian and military airfields, keeping people and aircraft safe. During this episode, we explore the natural factors that attract birds and other wildlife to airfields (1:34), current techniques and technologies being used to deter them (3:52), and the genesis for the idea that led to the development of the Robot Coyote system (09:16). We also discuss early prototypes and testing of the system (14:03), how the platforms could be deployed on military and civilian airfields across the country (17:29), what capabilities the upgraded version of the Robot Coyotes may have (25:21), and how the story of the Robot Coyotes became a viral sensation during the summer of 2025 (32:01). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/45-robot-coyote_video. You can also see additional resources at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/45-robot-coyote_resources.

Combat engineers perform some of the military’s most dangerous duties, from breaching obstacles and clearing minefields to constructing front-line defensive positions while under enemy assault. ERDC’s Robotics for Engineer Operations – or REO – program is helping them do so safely. REO develops robotic capabilities that allow combat engineers to operate from safe standoff distances. These wide-ranging autonomous and teleoperated systems reduce risk while also multiplying force capacity and providing autonomous reconnaissance. We discuss REO with Dr. Ahmet Soylemezoglu, systems engineer at ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory and REO project lead. Topics include how REO began and its evolution (1:05), the challenges of incorporating autonomy in a combat environment (11:43) and how the effort benefits from the diverse skillsets of its team members (14:58). We also talk about industry and academic partnerships (20:48), lessons learned from field demonstrations (24:48), emergency response applications (28:31) and efforts to incorporate multi-machine teaming (31:52). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/44-REO_video. You can also see additional resources at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/44-REO_resources. For inquiries about REO, email [email protected].

When most people think about the military being ready for the fight, they picture aircraft and vehicles, not the pavements beneath them. We talk with Dr. Jeremy Stache, a research civil engineer at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, about why pavement science is essential to military mobility and power projection. Topics include the direct connection between pavement science and Army mobility (:52), the shift to mechanics-based models for pavement design (9:25), and the ability to model buried structures and risk (11:10). We also discuss how the research translates into helping commanders understand whether a runway is safe to use (17:43), how it supported the Army 250th Birthday parade (19:53), and how sensors and artificial intelligence will support next-generation decision making (24:51). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCpodcast.org/43-pavement-research_video. For additional information, visit PowerofERDCpodcast.org/43-pavement-research_resources.

Artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction. Today, AI is powering critical processes across the Department of War and serving as a force multiplier throughout the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ military and civil works portfolios. In this episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, Dr. Robert Moser, director of ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory, discusses how ERDC is developing AI tools, techniques and technologies into tangible, mission-ready solutions for the nation. Moser also provides an inside look at AI in action — from practical applications like the AI model Jobsite Assisted Quality Intelligence, or JAQI, used for construction management to the visionary concept of an “AI wingman” for the modern Warfighter. Watch the video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCpodcast.org/42-artificial-intelligence_video. For additional information, visit PowerofERDCpodcast.org/42-artifical-intelligence_resources.

George Blaisdell’s career is one for the record books. His contributions to engineering in one of the world’s most inhospitable environments are legendary, but for a man with more than 30 trips to Antarctica, the work is far from over. Today’s guest is Blaisdell, a research civil engineer with ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. We discuss the importance of a constant engineering and research presence in the Antarctic and Blaisdell’s lasting impact on that continent through a variety of leadership roles for ERDC and the National Science Foundation. Among his many recognitions, Blaisdell was recently accepted into the prestigious Explorers Club, whose members include Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, the first to reach the top of Mount Everest, and Neil Armstrong, the first to walk on the moon. Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCpodcast.org/41-antarctic-expertise_video. For additional information, visit PowerofERDCpodcast.org/41-antarctic-expertise_resources.

Dr. Gaurav Savant, Senior Scientific Technical Manager at the ERDC Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, discusses how ERDC is transforming military and civil operations through advanced modeling, AI and autonomous systems. From ensuring safe wet gap crossings for Warfighters to revolutionizing water resource management, these innovations are reshaping the future of defense and engineering. Topics include Savant’s role as a Fulbright Specialist and how that program fosters global collaboration (:42), the ConAer project for expeditionary logistics and last-mile tactical delivery (4:29), and technologies that enhance safety and effectiveness in wet gap crossings (11:44). We also talk about ERDC’s role in developing autonomous resupply and low-profile vessels (14:45), the evolving role computational fluid dynamics (CFD) plays with AI and quantum computing (17:35), and how industry and academic collaborations are driving innovation (22:04). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCpodcast.org/40-engineering-waters-edge_video. For additional information, visit PowerofERDCpodcast.org/40-engineering-waters-edge_resources.

Forests cover nearly a third of the Earth’s land surface and present multiple challenges to military forces. Dense trees restrict mobility, limit surveillance, impede air support and degrade communication. But not all forests are the same. To best counter these difficulties, leaders need detailed information about vegetation attributes, such as canopy cover, stem diameter and stem spacing. However, the available data for much of the planet’s forested regions is limited in coverage or detail, or both. To fill this gap, ERDC developed the Global Forest Modeling Toolkit, which supports the Warfighter with mission-critical intelligence about vegetation around the world. We discuss this toolkit with Dr. Nathan Beane, a senior research forester at ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory and lead of ERDC’s Forest Ecosystem Dynamics team. Topics include why the military needs vegetation data (3:55), what the Global Forest Modeling Toolkit is (1:44) and how the team built the capacity to estimate vegetation across the Earth (5:17). We also talked about converting the data into information that is useful for the Warfighter (12:35), how the toolkit can help the Army with environmental sensing and vehicle autonomy (14:02), and lessons learned from having Warfighters use the toolkit (21:10). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCpodcast.org/39-global-forest-modeling_video. For additional information, visit PowerofERDCpodcast.org/39-global-forest-modeling_resources.

Roughly the distance from New York to Miami – or 1,806 miles. That’s how far a vehicle, developed in part by ERDC, drove on one tank of hydrogen fuel to not only set a mark honored by the Guinness Book of World Records, but also to advance new and existing hydrogen-powered technologies. In this episode, we discuss the development, testing and performance of the H2Rescue vehicle with Nick Josefik, an industrial engineer at ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory. We also talk about the impact it can have in supporting emergency response efforts to natural and man-made disasters. Created to address many of the logistical challenges involved in any response, the H2Rescue vehicle – a 33,000-pound power plant on wheels – went from idea to reality in a few short years, becoming a world-class example of what power-providing emergency systems – powered by hydrogen – can deliver. Topics include the idea and mission behind the development of the H2Rescue Vehicle (02:39), details on the amount of power the vehicle can generate (04:37) and how this vehicle’s capabilities best fit in an emergency response scenario (05:59). We also discuss why hydrogen was the fuel of choice in the vehicle’s development (07:55); the federal, military and industry partners who worked together on the vehicle (11:21); and the behind-the-scenes details on how the team earned Guiness Book of World Records recognition (18:08). Watch the video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCpodcast.org/38-h2-rescue-vehicle_video. For additional information, visit PowerofERDCpodcast.org/38-h2-rescue-vehicle_resources.

When the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing needed to find a suitable location to land its massive LC-130 Hercules cargo plane during an Arctic exercise in March 2025, it turned to ERDC for help. Although the nearby sea ice was not thick enough to support the maneuver, ERDC devised a plan to land the plane on a nearby freshwater lake, a novel approach that required less ice. Leaning into ERDC’s deep expertise in developing ice and snow runways, the 109th completed the landing at Parsons Lake in Canda’s Northwest Territories – the first time the U.S. military has landed an LC-130 on a frozen freshwater surface. We discuss this feat with T.J. Melendy, a research civil engineer at ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. Topics include Melendy’s experience with ice and snow runways (5:02), how the idea to land on a freshwater lake originated (11:44) and the differences between freshwater ice and saltwater ice (3:53). We also discussed the process of testing the potential freshwater ice landing (13:30), why this achievement was significant for the U.S. military (24:20) and what is next for this effort (27:01). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCpodcast.org/37-lc130-landing_video. For additional information, including photos from the landing, visit PowerofERDCpodcast.org/37-lc130-landing_resources.

For several sweltering weeks along the North Carolina coastline, an ERDC teampushed a quadruped robot with a suite of advanced sensors to its limit to test its abilityto conduct critical beach landscape surveys. The research – known as the SandHound Project – is working to validate whether thequadruped can operate at all levels of the coastal landscape and collect critical data thatone day can support emergency response and military landing operations. We visit with Jacob Stasiewicz, a master’s student at the University of Delaware whohas worked with ERDC for the past two years, to discuss the technology, its capabilitiesand its future impact on advancing coastal engineering and sciences. Topics discussed include the genesis behind the SandHound Project and early lessonslearned (5:22); the experience of testing this robot platform on a busy, public beach(7:18); and the future of this type of system for use across the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers and emergency management operations (10:14). We also discussed thetypes of sensors that were deployed during testing and their capabilities (12:07), thecapabilities and the expertise of ERDC’s Field Research Facility where the testing wasconducted (15:54), and the future of robotic platforms in further supporting andadvancing costal engineering and sciences (22:11). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCpodcast.org/36-sandhound_video. For additional resources about the SandHound Project, visitPowerofERDCpodcast.org/36-sandhound_resources.

ERDCWERX and ERDC’s Office of Research and Technology Transfer (ORTT) are accelerating innovation for the Warfighter and the nation. Through its collaboration with ERDCWERX, ERDC is expanding the Army’s ability to quickly adopt, adapt and deliver technologies that enhance readiness, strengthen protection, and provide dual-use solutions for both military and civilian applications. We explore how ERDC accelerates innovation from the lab to the marketplace with Paul Sumrall, Director of ERDCWERX, and Tisa Webb, Chief for Technology, Knowledge and Outreach with ERDC’s ORTT. From simplifying the front door for business to developing dual-use technologies that protect both warfighters and communities, we discuss how ERDC turns breakthrough science into real-world solutions. Topics discussed include: What “technology transition” means at ERDC and how ERDCWERX and Technology Transfer team up to make it happen (0:59) How ERDCWERX serves as the “front door for business” (3:38) ERDC Tech Challenges—what they are, who should apply, and the outcomes they’ve produced for industry (6:52) The importance of dual-use technologies and examples with both defense and civilian applications (14:01) How ERDC and ERDCWERX partner to fill capability gaps (17:17) How ERDC is lowering barriers and increasing opportunities for businesses nationwide (18:59) Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/35-tech-transfer_video. You can also see additional information about ERDCWERX and ERDC’s technology transfer efforts at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/35-tech-transfer_resources. Learn more about ERDCWERX at ERDCWERX.org. For inquiries about ERDC’s technology transfer, contact [email protected].

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages hundreds of locks and dams, which are critical components of a complex navigation system that is central to our nation’s economy and security. Inspecting this aging aquatic infrastructure often requires costly and dangerous processes, such as deploying divers or dewatering structures, halting the flow of goods and materials. To help USACE districts perform these inspections in a safer and more cost-effective manner, and with higher quality, ERDC has been testing the use of an underwater remotely operated vehicle – or ROV. We visit with Shea Hammond, a wildlife biologist with ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory who leads a team taking commercially available technology and pushing it – and related science – to its limits, validating and developing systematic and best practices. Topics include how the ROV’s capabilities assist USACE engineers (:56), the types and scale of infrastructure components the ROV is being used to inspect (3:39), how deploying an ROV can improve cost and safety of infrastructure inspection (5:18), and how ERDC “stumbled upon” using the ROV in civil works missions (6:34). We also discuss how the ROV is supporting USACE dive teams (9:14) and how ERDC fosters programs that benefit both military engineering and civil works missions (20:04). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCpodcast.org/34-underwater-rov_video. For additional resources about ERDC’s underwater ROV research, visit PowerofERDCpodcast.org/34-underwater-rov_resources. For inquiries about the underwater ROV program, email [email protected]. For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

ERDC and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) collaborated in 2016 to develop a transportable ramp system that could be used to rapidly restore a damaged pier. The components from the Pier Over-Decking System (PODS) were later redeveloped into the Rapidly Available Interface for trans-Loading (RAIL) system, which can be used to load/unload armored vehicles from a train without the need for a fixed railyard facility. That system has since been repurposed for new uses, such as enabling gap crossings as a vehicle-launched bridge and serving as a foundation for Arctic infrastructure. We talk about the versatile PODS and RAIL system with ERDC’s Justin Strickler and August Johnson and GVSC’s Ashley Genna. Strickler, ERDC’s lead technical director for the Military Engineering Research and Development Area, and Johnson, a research mechanical engineer, are both based at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory. Genna is a project engineer with the bridging team at GVSC. Topics discussed include how the system began and how it has evolved (1:52), how its versatility is meeting a need for the Warfighter (5:01) and the collaboration between ERDC and GVSC (9:39). We also talked about the system’s use as a vehicle-launched bridge (24:13) and a foundation for Arctic infrastructure (16:30), as well as its recent deployment to the United States Indo-Pacific Command (21:28). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/33-pods-and-rail_video. You can also see additional resources about the system, including photos, at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/33-pods-and-rail_resources. For inquiries about the PODS/RAIL system, email [email protected]. For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

We would like to announce some exciting changes that are coming soon to the Power of ERDC podcast. Beginning in October, we will relaunch the Power of ERDC podcast as a combined video and audio product that will be available each week. Episodes will continue to feature in-depth interviews with ERDC researchers about the many ways they are solving the toughest challenges facing the nation and the Warfighter, with Tim Reeves, Shelley Tingle and Chris Kieffer rotating as hosts. Audio podcasts will continue to be available in all major podcast players, and you can also watch video of the interviews on ERDC’s LinkedIn page or at https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org. Look for new episodes each Tuesday at 10 a.m. Central, beginning Oct. 7.

A low-cost unmanned ground vehicle capable of producing 3D maps, the Muddy robot has solved a variety of mapping challenges since 2017. Developed by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Muddy is often used to test more expansive robotic platforms and to enable other projects. Its combination of autonomous navigation, affordability and flexibility makes it an ideal system to validate new technologies and to operate in dangerous, extreme or difficult to access environments – giving Warfighters superior situational awareness of the battlespace and a platform that can support missions across any domain. We discuss Muddy with Dr. Garry Glaspell, a research chemist at ERDC’s Geospatial Research Laboratory who has worked with the robot since its first days. We talk about Muddy’s creation and maturation (4:06), its capabilities (12:42) and the programs it has supported (15:04). We also discuss how Muddy got its name (24:52), the lessons learned from various field tests (33:14) and what modifications are on the wish list (36:29). For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

The nation’s levees and dams depend upon relief wells to alleviate underground pressure when water levels are high. However, microorganisms and natural chemicals in the water gradually leave a residue that clogs the wells’ porous screen walls, reducing their practical value and increasing the risk of dam or levee failure. Existing maintenance methods are costly, dangerous and labor intensive. To improve this process, ERDC has developed an autonomous system that can clean relief wells in a safer and more cost-effective manner. Wellbot uses ultraviolet light and an oscillating wire brush to remove biofilm and chemical scale from the well screen. Costing about $5,000, the reusable system can be programmed to treat a relief well in days and then deployed to treat another. We discuss Wellbot with Taylor Rycroft, a research environmental engineer at ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory. We talk about relief wells (2:51), the current challenges of maintaining them (6:57), and what led to the development of Wellbot (18:48). We also discuss Wellbot’s capabilities (10:30), the collaborative effort that launched it (19:49) and other ways this technology can be applied (26:43). For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

The environmental and economic toll of large-scale oil spills, such as the Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon incidents, can linger for decades. That’s why research into better techniques and technologies for rapidly responding to these disasters is critical. One aspect of oil spill response that requires particular attention is the effect of ice and frigid temperatures, which can change oil properties and make the substance more difficult to locate or extract. Through the world-class expertise and facilities at its Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), ERDC has developed a unique capability to enable in-depth research into mitigating oil spills on ice. As ERDC collaborates with partners to find these innovative solutions, first responders will be better equipped to have the greatest impact should a disaster occur. We discuss ERDC’s oil-on-ice research with Kate Trubac, a research general engineer at CRREL. We talk with Kate about the challenges of oil spill cleanup (3:34), how icy conditions make it even more difficult (4:26), and why it is important to study this topic (6:27). We also discuss ERDC’s role in this research (9:30, 10:52), how it supports a variety of strategies (18:01), its collaboration with partners (9:49), and what the future holds (35:12). For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

The ships calling upon U.S. ports have grown larger, and navigation channels must be dredged to greater depths to handle them. However, dredging is expensive, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) needs more data-driven tools to prioritize limited resources more efficiently. Responding to this need, ERDC developed Underkeel Clearance. Applying newly available ship location data and combining it with other data points, this metric directly measures how often ship keels approach the bottom of a channel. By analyzing how ships are using the dredging USACE already provides and highlighting the areas with the highest volume of ships with limited clearance, Underkeel Clearance gives USACE waterway managers new insight to better quantify channel maintenance requirements. The project falls under the USACE Coastal Inlets Research Program. We discuss Underkeel Clearance with Dr. David Young and Dr. Brandan Scully, research civil engineers at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory. Topics include how dredging decisions have traditionally been made (3:07), how Underkeel Clearance can improve this methodology (5:33) and surprises that have emerged as researchers began analyzing Underkeel Clearance data (14:46). We also talk about how this tool could change USACE dredging operations (17:23), other use cases of this data (21:32) and what the future holds for the effort (33:47). For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

As America’s civil works infrastructure facilities age beyond their initial design lives, so do the thousands of individual components that keep them functioning. These original components were often fabricated using vintage material and manufacturing methods, making them costly, burdensome and time-consuming to replicate. However, if one of these parts were to suddenly break, that failure could shut down a facility for months, causing significant national economic damage.  Faced with this challenge, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is studying how innovative techniques, such as additive manufacturing (large-scale 3D printing), advanced materials and design optimization can be used to replace vintage infrastructure components faster and at a lower cost while maintaining, and even improving, their properties. This research resulted in a recent collaboration with the USACE Detroit District and Lincoln Electric to manufacture the largest U.S. civil works infrastructure component produced by a 3D printer – a 12-foot-long, 6,000-pound metal part for the ship arrestor system on the Poe Lock, one of two active locks on the Soo Locks facility. We discuss ERDC’s advanced manufacturing research with Dr. Robert Moser and Dr. Zack McClelland from ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory. Moser is a Senior Scientific Technical Manager for Materials, Manufacturing and Structures, and McClelland is a research mechanical engineer. We talk about the existing state of aging infrastructure and the role additive manufacturing can play to meet this challenge (3:49), how ERDC became involved in 3D printing and how that capability has evolved (7:09), ERDC’s focus areas for advanced manufacturing R&D (11:36), and the project to manufacture the largest U.S. civil works infrastructure component produced by a 3D printer (18:40). We also discuss how ERDC is working to overcome some of the challenges of 3D-printing large infrastructure components (25:27), how ERDC’s high-performance computing capability boosts this effort (28:49), how it has benefitted from military research (39:02) and what the future holds (49:11). For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

Despite modern transportation advancements, rail remains a superior method for moving heavy military equipment over vast inland distances. However, transporting tanks by train requires railyard facilities with specialized equipment capable of moving the armored vehicles onto and off of the rail cars. In response, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) developed the Rapidly Available Interface for trans-Loading (RAIL), a transportable ramp system that allows military vehicles to be onloaded or offloaded anywhere along a rail line. A collaboration between ERDC and the Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), RAIL will provide greater operational flexibility to quickly transport armored vehicles where they are most needed. We talk about RAIL with Justin Strickler, chief of the Engineering Systems and Materials Division at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory. Topics discussed include the importance of trains to a modernized U.S. force (3:29) and how RAIL can improve current practice for loading and off-loading heavy armored vehicles (4:48) and enable more agile power projection for U.S. and Allied Forces (8:16). We also discuss the system’s versatility (16:50), how it was developed in collaboration with GVSC (21:12) by rapidly adapting technology for offloading battle tanks at damaged seaport facilities (11:18), and how the effort has leveraged ERDC’s deep expertise in force projection (30:32). For more information on RAIL, contact Strickler at Justin.S.Strickler (at) usace.army.mil. For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

When river levels rise, so does the threat of sand boils, which occur when water bubbles out of the ground near the base of a levee, surrounded by a mound of displaced soil. Caused by increased pressure, sand boils are a visible sign of erosion within a levee. And unless they are treated immediately, these sand boils will grow and more sediment will be displaced, escalating the risk of a catastrophic breach. However, the current method for fighting sand boils is difficult, expensive and dangerous, requiring hundreds of sandbags. To simplify this cumbersome process, ERDC researchers have developed a special lightweight filter that can be inserted into a sand boil to alleviate the pressure and stop the erosion. A single person could install it in about 15 minutes, allowing personnel to alleviate multiple sand boils more safely and efficiently – providing greater protection to our nation’s critical levee systems and the lives and livelihoods they defend. We discuss these Sand Boil Filter kits with Samantha Lucker, a research geologist with ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory. We talk about why sand boils must be promptly addressed (5:04), and how ERDC’s new filters will improve on the current process (7:56) and enable better levee management (9:04). We also discuss how this effort started (17:00), how it builds on ERDC’s deep expertise in studying the Mississippi River (22:54), and how researchers are improving the filter’s design (21:00) to increase its usage (25:23). For more information on these Sand Boil Filter kits, contact Lucker at Samantha.L.Lucker (at) usace.army.mil. For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

Monitoring large and constantly changing coastlines can be expensive, time consuming and dangerous. Traditional surveying methods are also limited because they only provide a single snapshot in time and don’t capture the full picture. As a result, coastal managers don’t always have the information they need to understand dynamic coastal conditions and plan projects that preserve our nation’s coasts, protect the environment, and support the economy. To overcome this knowledge gap, ERDC launched CorpsCam, which uses remote video technology to better monitor federal beach and other coastal projects. CorpsCam can rapidly analyze a variety of images, from cellphone pictures uploaded by citizen scientists to scientific-grade video captured by high-end cameras, to provide hourly data on beach state, erosion rates, bathymetry, wave parameters and more. It is enabling better project designs and more proactive coastal management. Joining us to talk about CorpsCam are Dr. Brittany Bruder, Dr. Ian Conery and Sean McGill from ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL). Bruder is a research coastal engineer based at CHL’s Field Research Facility (FRF) on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, and Conery is a research oceanographer based at the FRF. McGill is a research physical scientist at CHL’s Vicksburg location. Topics include what CorpsCam is and how it can improve coastal resilience (4:06), how it got started (18:50), and the types of locations the effort is targeting (12:48). We also talk about ERDC’s Field Research Facility and its capabilities (22:21) and growing military portfolio (26:36). And we discuss past CorpsCam projects (28:11) and what lies ahead for this effort (39:06). For more information on CorpsCam, visit https://coastalimaging.erdc.dren.mil/CorpsCam or email Bruder at Brittany.L.Bruder (at) usace.army.mil. For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

We talk with Dr. Ben Parsons, chief technology officer with the High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP), about how the program enables the Department of Defense (DOD) to solve its most critical mission challenges. Managed by ERDC, the HPCMP delivers world-class high-performance computing and expertise to DOD engineers and scientists. Its five DOD Supercomputing Resource Centers are spread throughout the country and deliver 7.8 billion processor hours of computing power each year to support some of the world’s largest computational projects. The program provides the DOD research and acquisition communities access to insight that would otherwise be too costly, dangerous, or time intensive to obtain through observation and experiment alone. We talk with Ben about why supercomputing is important to the DOD research community (4:14), ERDC’s role in the HPCMP (6:18), and how much combined computing power the program provides to DOD researchers (8:43). We also discuss specific projects that have been enabled by the HPCMP (13:44, 16:30), how it improves DOD acquisition efforts (15:25), how the team ensures the program remains on the cutting edge as computer technology continuously evolves (13:03) and what lies ahead on the HPCMP’s horizon (22:25). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

We talk with Dr. Orian Welling and Mr. Michael Parker from ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory about how ERDC’s cold weather mobility expertise will directly help the U.S. military better protect and defend the Arctic. As the Arctic grows in strategic importance to the United States, the region also presents unique challenges to military mobility. Heavy duty tires designed for rugged terrains don’t handle as well on cold, slick surfaces. And ice and snow aren’t the only challenges facing military vehicles in Arctic environments. In fact, mobility becomes even more difficult during the spring months when frozen ground begins to thaw, and the terrain is transformed into a muddy, swampy quagmire. ERDC’s research is enabling better cold weather tires and leading to robust cross-country mobility models that can forecast ice thickness, snow depth and thaw, and predict which vehicles can perform where in Arctic conditions. ERDC is also providing knowledge and developing algorithms and systems that will allow autonomous manned and unmanned systems to navigate in cold regions. We talk with Orian and Mike about how their unique backgrounds contribute to this research (6:41, 30:16), why the Army needs to study Arctic mobility (4:13), the unique challenges of the spring thaw (34:47), and how the expertise of CRREL’s mobility team (8:57) and the laboratory’s world-class specialized facilities (11:27) enable this capability. We also discuss specific projects, such as work on winter tires (16:54), mobility models (25:56) and cold weather autonomy (21:21). And we talk about how the effort benefits from ERDC’s cross-disciplinary research (38:07), as well as from partnerships and international collaboration (40:34). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

We talk with Jeremy Herring and Kelly Ervin from ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory about how ERDC is enabling next-generation engineering by applying augmented reality and virtual reality capabilities. These disruptive technologies can help solve a diverse range of current and future problems by immersing users in virtual scenes. As uses continue to grow, ERDC established the Dynamic Immersive Virtual Environment laboratory in December 2019 to study how to best apply augmented and virtual reality to help the Department of Defense, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies. Their research is producing tools that allow users to clearly visualize problems and proposed solutions, enabling more informed decisions. It will result in better facility and infrastructure planning, improved communication, enhanced construction practices, more robust training opportunities and more. We discuss with Jeremy and Kelly how ERDC’s augmented and virtual reality effort got started (17:48), the transformative benefits offered by these technologies (7:51), and how they can change the way we communicate (15:36). We also talk about ERDC’s unique capabilities (28:05) and past efforts in this space (19:18), how this research can help the military (33:12) and what lies ahead on the cutting edge (38:55). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Soldiers are often forced to operate using outdated geospatial data that may not accurately represent current ground conditions. This creates challenges when trying to find the best possible routes for troop maneuvers or when selecting helicopter landing zones. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is developing a series of tools to solve this problem. These tools enable Army geospatial engineers to rapidly process new remotely sensed imagery from a variety of sources and use it to analyze current terrain conditions. Processes that once took hours can now be completed in seconds or minutes, and with higher accuracy, giving the Warfighter superior situational awareness and knowledge of the operational environment. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we discuss this project with Nikki Wayant, research geographer at ERDC’s Geospatial Research Laboratory and task lead for the Enhanced Terrain Processing effort. We discuss the challenges caused by outdated geospatial data (3:17), the wide range of tools and terrain analysis products available through the Enhanced Terrain Processing effort (14:55), how these tools allow data to be combined in new ways (18:37, 23:32) and how they enable mission success (12:48). We also talk about the relationship with the Army Geospatial Center’s Military Support Team and how it enables better products (20:23), when the tools will be available to Soldiers (20:06), how the effort has evolved through machine learning (30:16), and what the future holds for it (31:58). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Military operations require large amounts of energy to train, move and sustain forces, as well as to power weapons platforms – and this is known as operational energy. Given the high human toll and financial cost of supplying this energy to frontline forces, new strategies are seeking to electrify the battlefield and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is on the leading edge of efforts to find new ways to power U.S. forces, including innovations in energy storage and power management. By reducing the reliance on fuel resupply, ERDC’s work will save lives and money and will give units more flexibility to extend their operational reach and increase freedom of maneuver, enabling more successful Multi-Domain Operations. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we discuss these efforts with Tom Decker, operational energy program manager at ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory. We talk about why operational energy is an ERDC priority (4:06), the electrified battlefield concept (4:31), how ERDC’s effort benefits from both the organization’s history (13:10) and Decker’s military background (11:12), and how these efforts have a broader impact than the U.S. Military (19:25, 26:17). We also discuss several ERDC initiatives in this area, including providing data that enables better-informed energy decisions (14:10), hybrid systems that allow tactical generators to provide more power with less fuel (17:46), and a flow battery can energize critical parts of an installation when needed (20:49). And we explore what lies in the art of the possible in terms of operational energy (29:27) and how this effort fits into Multi-Domain Operations and Army modernization concepts (31:03). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Managing a reservoir is a delicate balancing act. If you keep too much water, there may not be enough storage capacity when heavy rains hit, increasing the risk for catastrophic flooding. If you release too much water, there won’t be enough to supply nearby residents who depend upon the reservoir for their survival. For decades, this process has been guided by water control manuals that dictate when to retain and when to release based on ground conditions. But a new research and operations partnership called Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) uses modern weather and streamflow forecasting to better inform water management decisions. As climate change threatens to bring more extreme floods and droughts, FIRO allows water managers to be as precise and efficient as possible in carefully balancing flood risk management, water supply and environmental needs. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with two leaders of the FIRO effort – Dr. Cary Talbot and Dr. Marty Ralph. Talbot is a division chief at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory and FIRO program manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Ralph is director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at the University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. We talk about atmospheric rivers (4:19) and how better water management in the West depends on better understanding these unique storms (8:00), how the FIRO effort has improved weather forecasting skill in the West (6:53) and the nation (11:11), and how these improved forecasts will enable better water management (18:11). We also discuss how ERDC came to be involved in FIRO (13:01), how the effort has been strengthened by its many partnerships (19:42), and efforts to expand this methodology throughout the nation (31:03). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Knowing the size of sand grains on the nation’s beaches is important to many coastal management efforts. However, getting that information is labor intensive, and no nationwide database of sand grain size currently exists. To fill this void, ERDC has launched SandSnap, a collaborative effort to engage citizen scientists in a project that will build that database and directly make our coastlines more resilient to the effects of storms and changing climates. Participants are asked to take a photo of the sand on their next beach trip, with a U.S. coin placed in the photo as a point of reference. Those photos can be uploaded to https://sandsnap-erdcchl.hub.arcgis.com, where a deep learning neural network will analyze the grain size to begin building the database. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Dr. Brian McFall, research coastal engineer at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory and lead for the SandSnap program. We discuss what SandSnap is and why it matters (3:13), why people should take the time to upload a SandSnap and how their effort will benefit our beaches and our planet (4:46), how SandSnap can make us more resilient to future hurricanes (11:03), the process to take and upload a SandSnap (14:26), the partners that are contributing to this effort (35:07), and how it is energizing a future generation of engineers and scientists (22:52). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information. Visit https://sandsnap-erdcchl.hub.arcgis.com to upload your SandSnap.

Since entering service in 1955, the B-52 Stratofortress has held strategic importance as the most combat capable bomber in the U.S. inventory. However, the newest B-52 dates to 1962, and it has become increasingly difficult to find parts to service its original engines. To keep this valuable aircraft flying, the Air Force embarked on a Commercial Engine Replace Program, or CERP, to replace the current engines with commercial ones that are so maintenance friendly and efficient they will pay for themselves in 10 years. Meeting this goal required a digital infrastructure that would allow designers to rapidly test proposed prototypes to ensure compatibility and catch potential pitfalls. That’s when the Air Force turned to ERDC. Using the Information Technology Laboratory’s Supercomputing Research Center (SRC), ERDC established a virtual ecosystem that integrated numerous design and visualization tools to meet this project’s unique requirements. This enabled the Air Force to select a new engine that will keep the legendary B-52 flying into the 2050s. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with York Yarbro, chief operating officer of the Supercomputing Research Center at ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory. We discuss how ERDC became involved in the effort to replace the B-52 engines (3:51), the unique capabilities ERDC brought to the project (14:26), the benefits of incorporating digital engineering techniques to help designers (4:56), the unique challenges the ERDC team faced and how they overcame them (10:28), and Yarbro’s personal connection to the B-52 modernization effort (15:03). We also talk about ERDC’s Supercomputing Research Center (16:26) and how both the Air Force (24:02) and SRC (25:08) will build off the successes of the B-52 modernization project. Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Invasive carp species pose a significant threat to native fisheries, disrupting ecological balances, inflicting economic harm and hampering recreational activities. One effort to mitigate this threat is focused on blocking these fish from entering the Great Lakes, where they could significantly disrupt a $7-billion fishing industry. Guided by ERDC research, a series of electric barriers was placed along a key navigable link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. ERDC continues to study additional methods to prevent carp passage, including the use of sound or carbon dioxide bubbles. ERDC’s research on this topic is part of a greater effort to protect endangered species in our nation’s waterways and manage invasive species in our fisheries. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Alan Katzenmeyer, chief of the Aquatic Ecology and Invasive Species branch at ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory. We discuss why the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is involved in managing invasive and endangered species (6:32), why there is so much focus on invasive carp and some of the research ERDC is doing in that area (8:30), and ERDC’s research that led to the electric barriers in the Chicago Area Waterway System (13:50). We also talk about other ERDC projects to manage invasive and endangered species in our fisheries (17:26), ERDC’s history in this research (28:05), how ERDC is uniquely situated to undertake this research (36:22) and what the future holds for it (38:47). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

It can take months or years for the Department of Defense to develop strategic and operational plans, with people, information and tools often scattered and stove-piped into silos. ERDC researchers have been working to develop a digital map-based environment for remote collaboration in near real time, enabling faster and more complete military planning to support timely and better-informed command decisions. The Joint Planning Services (JPS) platform allows access to dozens of authoritative live data feeds, with integrated tools to process and analyze the data, and meaningful ways to visualize the results. It also enables seamless coordination across echelons, organizations and warfighting functions. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with JPS program manager Reggie Hammond from ERDC’s Geospatial Research Laboratory in Alexandria, Virginia. We discuss how JPS is revolutionizing military planning (2:38), why ERDC is developing this capability (5:08 & 15:11), what is unique about the JPS platform (16:43), how the Joint Forces can benefit from JPS (24:14), how the technology can be used on the civil works side (27:06), and more. Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Given the strategic importance of air power in military conflicts, airfields often become targets. With airfield expertise that dates to World War II, ERDC has a rich history of developing solutions to rapidly repair and sustain airfields. Today, ERDC develops material and equipment solutions, as well as construction procedures, to push current Airfield Damage Repair capabilities and adapt them to changing missions and aircraft. These efforts are directly helping the U.S. and its Allies establish and maintain air superiority, allowing the Warfighter to gain advantage and accomplish the mission. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Jeb Tingle, a Senior Scientific Technical Manager at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory and lead for ERDC’s Airfield Damage Repair program. We discuss how ERDC came to be involved in airfields research and how those efforts have evolved through the years (3:20), why airfield damage repair is an important area of concern for the military (6:17), how the challenges have changed (16:11), how ERDC is uniquely situated to undertake this research that benefits all Services (22:03), civil works applications (28:58), and more. Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Permafrost, or ground that has been frozen for at least two years, covers roughly a quarter of the Northern Hemisphere. And it is teeming with microbes, including many with unique characteristics that have allowed them to adapt to extremely low temperatures and survive for decades. As climate change threatens to thaw permafrost and revive these microbial multitudes, ERDC is conducting extensive basic research to better understand these tiny organisms, comprehend what will happen when they are activated, and harness their special powers for new technologies. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Dr. Robyn Barbato, a research microbiologist at ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, about how this research will support military operations in extreme cold regions and will improve our understanding of the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems. We discuss the hidden power of these frozen microorganisms (3:18), why this research is important to the military (6:32), how it can improve the understanding of climate change (7:46), how ERDC’s people (18:05) and world-class facilities (20:10) enable this research, and what the future holds for this effort (35:09). We also explore how these living microbes can be used for various technologies and applications, such as environmental sensing, cleaning contaminants and producing electricity (22:27). Finally, we talk about basic research and what makes it important (12:26). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Given the aging condition and economic importance of much of the nation’s navigation infrastructure, asset managers need accurate and real-time information on the conditions of structures operating well beyond their expected design lives. However, visual inspections of structures like locks and dams are often difficult and expensive. ERDC is filling this void with a broad range of structural health monitoring capabilities. It has developed sensors that serve as virtual eyes and ears, providing constant real-time information on structural conditions. Combined with ERDC’s predictive modeling tools – and enhanced by data analytics and machine learning – this capability helps revolutionize and accelerate decision making and better prioritize maintenance funds. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we discuss ERDC’s Structural Health Monitoring program with Dr. Brian Eick and Dr. Matt Smith. Eick is a research civil engineer at ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory and the technical lead and program manager for ERDC’s Structural Health Monitoring program. Smith is a technical director at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory and until recently oversaw ERDC’s Structural Health Monitoring efforts. We discuss the broad scope of ways ERDC is working to tackle this problem (13:25), new vision-based monitoring approaches being applied by ERDC (11:22), what makes ERDC a unique place for structural health monitoring R&D (21:46), ways each of ERDC’s seven laboratories are involved in this effort and the power of that cross-disciplinary collaboration (24:21), and other current and potential future uses of ERDC’s structural health monitoring tools (31:40). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

After a structural collapse disaster, the eyes of the public are intensely focused on search-and-rescue efforts. Less familiar is the work of a special team from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) laboring behind the scenes to ensure the safety of those efforts. The USACE Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) program deploys specially trained and equipped structural engineers to augment FEMA US&R task forces. They monitor structural conditions, mitigate hazards, advise leaders, and assure mobility throughout a disaster site to enable rescue and lifesaving operations. ERDC plays an important role in this effort, providing both personnel and knowledge. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Jeff Qunell and Dr. Oliver Taylor about this world-class team that rapidly responds to some of the nation’s and the world’s most challenging rescue operations to prevent a compound catastrophe. Qunell is a structures specialist at the USACE South Pacific Division and is also program manager for the USACE US&R program. Taylor is a senior researcher at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory and a member of the USACE US&R team. We discuss the role of the USACE US&R program (4:08), how it began (8:01), past deployments (11:30), the Surfside condominium response (12:23), how the team keeps its skills sharp between deployments (22:30), how they develop training and national standards for structural collapse response operations (24:10), and the role ERDC plays (27:54). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

There are more than 8,000 major dams in the United States, and many of them are beyond their expected design life and require regular inspections and maintenance. The majority are embankment dams that feature outlet works structures that can be up to a half-mile long and that can be dangerous to inspect. Responding to a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers need, ERDC developed the DamBot, a robotic system capable of producing extremely detailed models of these outlet works systems. The DamBot gives inspectors a first look inside dam outlet works without exposing human operators to unknown conditions. It also collects high-resolution data that allows for more detailed inspections than currently available. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Dr. Julie Rosati and Dr. Anton Netchaev about how ERDC is enabling better and safer dam inspections. Rosati is a technical director at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory overseeing ERDC’s Civil Works Research and Development Area. Netchaev is a research computational scientist at ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory and principal investigator for the DamBot team. We discuss the importance and challenge of dam inspections (3:22), how the DamBot project began (6:55), DamBot’s capabilities (12:36), collaboration with USACE Districts (24:31), other agencies that can benefit from this technology (27:47), future plans including a 17-foot robotic arm (29:18), military applications (30:30), and how the DamBot can be used to operate in GPS-denied environments (31:29). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.