Dec. 21, 2012
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FORT BENNING, Ga.--Researchers with ERDC Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) recently took the initiative to integrate local universities into the erosion control design process for the new Fort Benning maneuver box.
In an effort to consolidate resources, the U.S. Army recently moved their Armor School to Fort Benning, Ga. With an increase in training maneuvers has come a need to control soil erosion.
Heidi Howard and Daniel Koch of CERL approached the University of Georgia at Athens and Auburn University to see if the universities were in need of senior design projects.
CERL developed the design requirements for Fort Benning, which were then given to the senior design classes. The effort’s goal was to develop innovative and cost-effective Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) based on Fort Benning’s unique requirements.
The senior design teams worked closely with Fort Benning and CERL personnel to obtain data, guidance and overall objectives for the ESCPs. The teams incorporated many of the best management practices designed by CERL as part of the overall ESCP.
Fort Benning is now implementing many of these low-tech and cost-effective practices on the Good Hope maneuver area and had a very positive experience with the approach CERL established.
This work was recently published and is available at http://www.erosioncontrol.com/EC/Editorial/Colleges_Bring_Innovation_to_Fort_Benning_19671.aspx.