USACE St. Louis District’s Glover continues ERDC University Project

U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
Published Aug. 1, 2022
Field setup of a Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) survey

Field setup of a Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) survey conducted along the Mississippi River in Vicksburg, Miss. The survey had a fixed spread of 72 geophones spaced 1 meter apart. The geophones were 4.5Hz and a sledgehammer with a steel plate was used as a source of energy. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District is partnering with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center during a six-month detail program, known as ERDC University, to develop a broader understanding of shallow seismic exploration and its application as a tool for delineation and risk management using MASW. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo)

Field computer setup to collect a Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) survey.

Field computer setup to collect a Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) survey. The field computer is connected to a Geometrics Geode (yellow box). The seismic array consisted of 72 geophones at 4.5 Hz that were spaced at 1-meter intervals. Matthew Glover, a geophysicist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District, is participating in the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s ERDC University to develop a broader understanding of shallow seismic exploration and its application as a tool for delineation and risk management. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo

ERDC-GSL team member Kevin Taylor swings a sledgehammer to create an energy source for a Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves survey

U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) team member, Kevin Taylor, swings a sledgehammer to create an energy source for a Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves survey, while GSL’s Janet Simms, in background, monitors the generated data on a field computer at the Riverfront Park near Vicksburg, Mississippi. Simms supports ERDC University, a six-month program encouraging collaboration between the ERDC and USACE districts and divisions. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo)

Dispersion curve of the Rayleigh waves created from a Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) survey. The data was collected along the Mississippi River in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and processed in SurfSeis 6++.

Dispersion curve of the Rayleigh waves created from a Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) survey. The data was collected along the Mississippi River in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and processed in SurfSeis 6++.

Matthew Glover, a geophysicist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District, has completed the half-way mark of his research project with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s six-month detail program

Matthew Glover, a geophysicist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District, has completed the half-way mark of his research project with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s six-month detail program, known as ERDC University (ERDC-U). Glover is participating in ERDC-U to develop a broader understanding of shallow seismic exploration and its application as a tool for delineation and risk management. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo)

VICKSBURG, Miss.- Matthew Glover, a geophysicist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) St. Louis District, has completed the half-way mark of his research project with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) six-month detail program, known as ERDC University (ERDC-U).

Employed with the district for the past 14 years, Glover is a member of the Geotechnical Branch in the Engineering and Construction Division, where his areas of expertise are near surface collection, analysis and interpretation of electrical imaging surveys for engineering and environmental studies.

“My goal at ERDC University is to develop a broader understanding of shallow seismic exploration and its application as a tool for delineation and risk management.” Glover said.

Win-win Collaboration

His mentor, research geophysicist Janet Simms with the ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), said, “Matt is enthusiastic and has immersed himself in the theory, application, acquisition, processing and interpretation of shallow seismic methods. A district usually does not have more than one or two geophysicists, so it is important they are knowledgeable in all the geophysical methods.”

“ERDC-U is providing Matt the opportunity to expand his knowledge base,” Simms continued. “It is also a learning experience for me. Through our conversations, I have learned about district projects where geophysics is utilized, and we have discussed how to broaden the use of geophysics throughout the organization.”

Glover’s Project and Progress

Working with his mentors, Glover is studying seismic field data acquisition processes for geotechnical applications. Through his field experiments, he is learning how to set up and collect data using different seismic arrays. 

He has been recognized for his ability to set up a survey and collect data, while quickly picking up the theoretical nuances of data acquisition and signal processing for Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves.

“I am gaining an understanding of what seismic method is appropriate based on the geology and problem to be solved,” said Glover. “During the remaining three months, I am taking those field data collections and using seismic data processing software for importing and processing. My final steps will be learning how to interpret and display useable data with the help of my GSL mentor experts and their advanced laboratory equipment.”

Glover will present his project results, titled “Applied Seismic Data Acquisition, Processing and Interpretationat the ERDC-U graduation ceremony scheduled for Sept.15, 2022, at the ERDC main campus in Vicksburg. Interested ERDC and St. Louis District leaders and team members can access the event virtually with an invitation request to Glover.

ERDC-U Program Manager Antisa Webb said, “This is an exciting opportunity for the selectees to help shape the future of the Corps of Engineers’ technical knowledge base. Participants gain knowledge of ERDC science and technology, collaborate and partner with ERDC researchers to grow programs, and explore  opportunities for career advancement. The goals are to establish a process that leverages workforce development with collaborations and partnerships across the USACE.”

Following this presentation, ERDC Director Dr. David Pittman will present Glover and his five fellow graduates with ERDC-U diplomas and recognize their mentors for supporting growth within the organization.

To learn more about ERDC University, including application requirements for the upcoming session which opens Oct. 1, 2022, please visit https://wiki.erdc.dren.mil/index.php?title=ERDC_University.