11 Aug 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Army Installation Makerspaces in the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Operational Environment: A Business Case Analysis

Abstract:  This work demonstrated the implementation of makerspaces, collaborative workspaces that provide hands-on learning to help prepare the future workforce with critical 21st century applied-technology skills. Researchers from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL) enhanced and evaluated the pre-existing makerspace at Fort Bliss, Texas to demonstrate the value of a makerspace within the military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) environment. The 8-month pilot demonstration, conducted from May to December 2018, focused on investigating program characteristics such as usage trends, optimal locations, equipment, and personnel access. Results from the demonstration indicated that enhanced makerspaces with high quality equipment had a positive Soldier impact. The business case analysis determined that the Fort Bliss Makerspace fits the criteria of, met the 15% cost-to-revenue ratio threshold for, and can operate successfully as, a Category Type A (Mission Sustaining) program asset.

11 Aug 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Development of Expedient Ultra-High Molecular Weight Aircraft Arresting System Panel Installation Procedures

Abstract: The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center conducted an evaluation of different procedures to install ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene panels beneath pendant-based aircraft arresting systems (AAS). Currently employed techniques were modified or new techniques were developed to increase productivity and installation accuracy, aid in system constructability, and reduce logistical concerns when compared to AAS requirements and pavement repair guidance. Procedures for both asphalt concrete and portland cement concrete surfaced runway pavement were evaluated. The field evaluation was conducted from July to August 2013 at the Silver Flag Training Site, Tyndall Air Force Base, FL. The evaluation consisted of timing various procedures using a six- to eight-man installation crew. Equipment and supplies currently in Air Force inventories were preferred, but outside items were not prohibited if performance gains could be achieved and the new items were deployable using typical military cargo aircraft. Required work tasks were organized and grouped together to efficiently complete the panel installation work within multiple short-term runway closure windows without any long-term closures greater than 12 hours to allow for aircraft operations during the installation process. This report summarizes the timed field trials and the pertinent conclusions based on the results. Recommendations for implementation including additional equipment, supplies, and personnel needs are provided.

11 Aug 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Autonomous QUerying And PATHogen Threat Agent Sensor System (AQUA PATH): Monitoring Source Waters with Geospatially Wirelessly Networked Distributed Sensing Systems

Abstract: Contaminants serve as health risks to recreational water, potable water, and marine life that result in undocumented effects on population exposure. In many areas of the world, the concern lies in contaminated drinking water, which would immediately effect social and economic order. As research advances for innovative solutions, the deployment of automated systems for source water monitoring could reduce the risk of exposure. Water quality monitoring typically involves sample collection and analyses that are performed in a laboratory setting. These results are normally presented after an 18−48 hr period. This report details the prototyped Autonomous QUerying And PATHogen threat agent sensor (AQUA PATH) geoenabled system that is able to detect the presence/absence of pathogenic bacteria indicators in source waters and report these values in the field, in less than 30 minutes. The AQUA PATH system establishes rapid field data collection and reports assessment of source waters bacterial loads at near shore inner coastal locations, which makes a leap forward compared to current presence/absence tests standards established by the EPA.

31 Jul 2020

ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory awarded construction contract for new climatic chamber facility

On July 9, 2020, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center announced that the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) was awarded an Unspecified Minor Military Construction Authority (UMMCA) contract to build a climatic chamber facility on the Hanover, New Hampshire, campus.