3 Jan 2024

Using an Object-Based Machine Learning Ensemble Approach to Upscale Evapotranspiration Measured from Eddy Covariance Towers in a Subtropical Wetland

Abstract: Accurate prediction of evapotranspiration (ET) in wetlands is critical for understanding the coupling effects of water, carbon, and energy cycles in terrestrial ecosystems. Multiple years of eddy covariance (EC) tower ET measurements at five representative wetland ecosystems in the subtropical Big Cypress National Preserve (BCNP), Florida (USA) provide a unique opportunity to assess the performance of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) ET operational product MOD16A2 and upscale tower measured ET to generate local/regional wetland ET maps. We developed an object-based machine learning ensemble approach to evaluate and map wetland ET by linking tower measured ET with key predictors from MODIS products and meteorological variables. The results showed MOD16A2 had poor performance in characterizing ET patterns and was unsatisfactory for estimating ET over four wetland communities where Nash-Sutcliffe model Efficiency (NSE) was less than 0.5. In contrast, the site-specific machine learning ensemble model had a high predictive power with a NSE larger than 0.75 across all EC sites. We mapped the ET rate for two distinctive seasons and quantified the prediction diversity to identify regions easier or more challenging to estimate from model-based analyses. An integration of MODIS products and other datasets through the machine learning upscaling paradigm is a promising tool for local wetland ET mapping to guide regional water resource management.

3 Jan 2024

Residual Strength of a High-Strength Concrete Subjected to Triaxial Prestress

Abstract: This study investigates simplified mechanical loading paths that represent more complex loading paths observed during penetration using a triaxial chamber and a high-strength concrete. The objective was to determine the effects that stress-strain (load) paths have on the material’s unconfined compressive (UC) residual strength. The loading paths included hydrostatic compression (HC), uniaxial strain in compression (UX), and uniaxial strain load biaxial strain unload (UXBX). The experiments indicated that the load paths associated with nonvisible microstructural damage were HC and UX—which produced minimal impact on the residual UC strength (less than 30%)—while the load path associated with visible macro-structural damage was UXBX, which significantly reduced the UC strength (greater than 90%). The simplified loading paths were also investigated using a material model driver code that was fitted to a widely used Department of Defense material model. Virtual experiment data revealed that the investigated material model overestimated material damage and produced poor results when compared to experimental data.

3 Jan 2024

Instrumented Manikin Data Experiments 1 & 2

Abstract: In this report, pressure-time histories from a shock front propagating past an instrumented manikin head are presented for two separate experiments. Data represents physical measurements to support an ongoing collaboration between with the US Army Medical Research and Development Center (MRDC) and the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).

20 Dec 2023

Graphene in Cementitious Materials

Abstract: This project aims to determine the influence of laboratory-generated graphene (LGG) and commercial-grade graphene (CGG) on the chemical structure and compressive strength of graphene-cement mixtures. Determining the graphene-cement structure/processing/property relationships provides the most useful information for attaining the highest compressive strength. Graphene dose and particle size, speed of mixing, and dispersant agent were found to have important roles in graphene dispersion by affecting the adhesion forces between calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gels and graphene surfaces that result in the enhanced strength of cement-graphene mixtures. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were used to determine chemical microstructure, and compression testing for mechanical properties characterization, respectively. Based on observed results both LGG and CGG graphene cement mixtures showed an increase in the compressive strength over 7-, 14-, and 28-day age curing periods. Preliminary dispersion studies were performed to determine the most effective surfactant for graphene dispersion. Future studies will continue to research graphene—cement mortar and graphene—concrete composites using the most feasible graphene materials. These studies will prove invaluable for military programs, warfighter support, climate change, and civil works.

15 Dec 2023

Ranking Ports by Vessel Demand for Depth

Abstract: The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) traditionally uses two metrics to evaluate the maintenance of coastal navigation projects: tonnage at the associated port (representing relative importance) and the controlling depth in the channel (representing operating condition). These are incorporated into a risk-based decision framework directing funds where channel conditions have deteriorated and the disrupted tonnage potential is the highest. However, these metrics fail to capture shipper demand for the maintained depth service provided by the USACE through dredging. Using automatic identification system (AIS) data, the USACE is pioneering new metrics describing vessel demand for the channel depth, represented by vessel encroachment volume (VEV). VEV describes the volume of the hull intruding into a specified clearance margin above the bed and captures how much vessels use the deepest portions of USACE-dredged channels. This study compares the VEV among 13 ports over 4 years by combining AIS, tidal elevations, channel surveys, and sailing draft. The ports are ranked based on the services demanded by their user base to inform the decision framework driving dredge funding allocations. Integrating demand for-depth metrics into the Harbor Maintenance Fee assessment and/or Trust Fund disbursements could alleviate the constitutionality concerns and several criticisms levied against Harbor Maintenance funding.

15 Dec 2023

Challenges and Limitations of Using Autonomous Instrumentation for Measuring In Situ Soil Respiration in a Subarctic Boreal Forest in Alaska, USA

Abstract: Subarctic and Arctic environments are sensitive to warming temperatures due to climate change. As soils warm, soil microorganisms break down carbon and release greenhouse gases such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Recent studies examining CO2 efflux note heterogeneity of microbial activity across the landscape. To better understand carbon dynamics, our team developed a predictive model, Dynamic Representation of Terrestrial Soil Predictions of Organisms’ Response to the Environment (DRTSPORE), to estimate CO2 efflux based on soil temperature and moisture estimates. The goal of this work was to acquire respiration rates from a boreal forest located near the town of Fairbanks, Alaska, and to provide in situ measurements for the future validation effort of the DRTSPORE model estimates of CO2 efflux in cold climates. Results show that soil temperature and seasonal soil thaw depth had the greatest impact on soil respiration. However, the instrumentation deployed significantly altered the soil temperature, moisture, and seasonal thaw depth at the survey site and very likely the soil respiration rates. These findings are important to better understand the challenges and limitations associated with the in situ data collection used for carbon efflux modeling and for estimating soil microbial activity in cold environments.

29 Nov 2023

Vehicle Modeling in Unreal Engine 4

Abstract: Vehicle modeling software has presented considerable challenges in properly representing vehicle mobility in extreme conditions. We have recently been developing new vehicle models and scenes in Unreal Engine. Unreal Engine is best known as a video game creation platform focused on graphics and has relatively few options for real world accurate physics modeling. UE4 allows for lots of customization internally or via supplemental C++ code, so this can be mitigated by the addition of various functions to account for different situations a vehicle might be in. We have successfully implemented the following: accurately functioning wheeled vehicles, tracked vehicles, and created simulated and real world environments, downloaded through Geowatch heightmaps. Each environment can have various terrain conditions including soil, rock, snow, and sand applied across its surface. Modeling snow in these environments is of particular interest and recent motion resistance and sinkage models have been integrated into the software to affect graphics and vehicle performance. This new model for vehicle mobility offers an opportunity to improve the physics and graphics of differing terrains especially for winter conditions. The new model also allows for features to be updated and added with ease in the future.

29 Nov 2023

Toxic Industrial Chemical / Material Intelligence Tool (TICMINT) User Guide

Abstract: The Toxic Industrial Chemical / Material Intelligence Tool (TICMINT) is a web application that provides critical chemical and toxicological information to users quickly and efficiently for the purpose of enacting safe maneuvers in areas of operations. It provides an in-depth look at the makeup, properties, and hazardous effects of nearly 400 toxic chemicals of interest. It also provides background on the chemical makeup of a bevy of building materials, enabling soldiers in areas of operation to determine the toxicological risks associated with the combustion of those materials in their environment. This document’s purpose is to demonstrate the functionality of the TICMINT web application and provide instructional material for those managing its content.

28 Nov 2023

Total Water Level Controls on the Trajectory of Dune Toe Retreat

Abstract: This study examines the trajectory (slope) of coastal foredune toe retreat in response to nine storm events that impacted the Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA. High resolution, three-dimensional, repeat mobile terrestrial lidar observations over a four kilometer stretch of coast were used to assess spatiotemporal beach and dune evolution at the storm timescale. Consistent with existing field observations from other sandy coastlines, an upward toe retreat was observed for most instances of dune retreat in the Outer Banks. However, these new topographic data indicate that the retreat can proceed steeply downward when the maximum total water level (TWL) defined by the 2% runup exceedance level is not high enough, for long enough, to erode the dune face. Non-linear relationships were found between the dune toe retreat trajectory as well as both the magnitude and duration of TWL above the dune toe, where instances of upward- and downward-directed retreat are best differentiated using the 7% runup exceedance level, rather than the commonly used 2% level. This physically justified non-linear relationship is shown to be consistent with observations from other studies, and could be a more effective parameterization for the retreat trajectory than those currently implemented in wave-impact dune erosion models.

28 Nov 2023

Discover ERDC 101 and 201 Training Modules User’s Guide

Abstract: Discover ERDC is a web-based tool that functions as a knowledge management hub by enabling employees of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to access valuable resources such as detailed employee profiles, organizational details, and links to other knowledge stores. This document covers the update of the ERDC 101 and 201 video player systems, the addition of a training component to those modules, and the integration of the systems into Discover ERDC. The updated video systems contain a collection of onboarding video presentations that give new employees critical information about their careers at ERDC. In addition, Discover ERDC 101 and 201 provide progress-tracking mechanics for asynchronous learning, as well as the ability to certify that employees have completed the training modules. This document serves as a user guide for these tools, providing an overview of the content and functionality.