Engineer Research and Development Center News Releases

AIS Analysis of Waterway Utilization Based on Vessel Type and Class

Press Operations — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:32:00 GMT

Abstract: The purpose of this technical note (TN) is to provide an overview of a method used to classify waterway segments based on remotely-sensed vessel traffic on those waterway segments. Vessel traffic was evaluated using data from Automatic Identification System (AIS) broadcasts, which originate at transceivers onboard vessels and can be received by terrestrial shore sites or satellites. AIS is used by most ocean-going commercial vessels, while use by inland vessels varies according to domestic regulations.

Overview of the Coastal Storm Model Development and Results for the Deer Island Restoration Study Using the Engineering With Nature® Toolkit

Press Operations — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:43:00 GMT

Abstract: The Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center presents this study as a comprehensive numerical model development and validation approach that can be employed to simulate winds, waves, and water levels during significant storm events for the Deer Island Restoration Project in Mississippi. Leveraging validated storms from the South Atlantic Coastal Study, this research utilized the Coastal Storm Modeling System with the coupled Advanced Circulation (ADCIRC) and Steady-State Spectral Wave (STWAVE) models. As part of this effort, the ADCIRC mesh was updated to encompass the Deer Island region and two variations on elevated water level scenarios were incorporated. Specifically, 10 validated storms were simulated, with varying sea-level conditions, to represent a range of feasibility-level proxy events from a 1- to 10,000-year annual exceedance frequency. The modeling outcomes provide a detailed depiction of water levels, wave heights, and storm surge impacts on Deer Island under different sea-level rise scenarios. These results offer critical insights into the potential effects of the restoration project on Deer Island and the surrounding areas. The findings can inform decision-makers and contribute to formulating effective guidelines for restoration projects within the Mississippi region and in coastal areas facing similar challenges worldwide.

Mesh Convergence Study of Adaptive Hydraulics (AdH) Version 5.9

Press Operations — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:50:00 GMT

Abstract: This report details performance and convergence tests of the Adaptive Hydraulics (AdH) v5.9 software suite on the Engineer Research and Development Center ONYX Cray X40/50 supercomputer. In particular, the performance of a recently developed monolithic model coupling AdH framework between the Richards equation for variable groundwater and surface water flows or for overland sloped conditions is studied. The effort is part of a quality assurance test of a recently restructured version of AdH. The report also includes a scalability analysis of AdH on a Cray system.

Advancing Multi-Scale Wave Modeling: Global and Coastal Applications During the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Press Operations — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:10:00 GMT

Abstract: Using the six-month hurricane season of 2022 as a case study and the spectral wave model WAVEWATCH III, this effort shows that wave parameters produced via a variable-resolution global mesh (5–30 km) agree with a diverse array of validating observational datasets at a level comparable to that of a constant-resolution mesh (3 km) that is six times more costly to run. The optimized variable-resolution, unstructured triangular mesh is faithful to land geometry and wave transformation gradients while relaxing focus in deeper regions where gradients are typically less pronounced. Wave parameters measured via satellite altimetry, stationary buoy networks, and drifting buoys are employed to demonstrate not only a substantial increase in performance over a coarse, constant-resolution grid (40 km), with RMSE reduced from 0.28 m to 0.14 m and Correlation Coefficient (CC) improved from 0.92 to 0.98 overall, but also a comparable level of performance to that of a mesh that has undergone a full convergence analysis. Performance comparisons isolated to shallow regions and near cyclonic storms highlight the importance of resolving relevant geometries. For nearshore data, RMSE improves from 0.29 m to 0.13 m and CC from 0.89 to 0.98; in shallow regions, RMSE from 0.29 m to 0.15 m and CC from 0.88 to 0.97; and under cyclonic conditions, RMSE from 0.62 m to 0.35 m and CC from 0.93 to 0.98. Wave model results using the variable-resolution mesh were further analyzed to provide a detailed summary of the wave climate, including wind-wave and swell partitions, over the six-month study period in the study area.

Standalone Color-Based Bathymetry Over 10 Years at Duck (NC, USA) from Optical Satellite Imagery and Wave Breaking Analysis

Press Operations — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 19:37:00 GMT

Abstract: Coastal hazard forecasting and morphological modeling rely on having accurate and up-to-date nearshore bathymetry. Traditional methods provide high precision but are expensive, complex to deploy, and only cover limited areas, leaving many coastal regions unmapped or under surveyed. In this context, Satellite-Derived Bathymetry provides a more accessible and scalable alternative, enabling frequent and global observations of the nearshore zone. This study applies the color-based log-band ratio method to extract nearshore bathymetry at Duck, North Carolina, a highly dynamic environment with a wide range of turbidity values and wave breaking extents. The log-band ratio method is an empirical approach for estimating shallow-water depths from multispectral satellite imagery which relies on the natural attenuation of light in water column, where the ratio of two spectral bands is logarithmically related to water depth. Unlike traditional SDB approaches, this method relies only on nearshore in situ wave height data, using satellite-detected breaking positions and breaker height-to-depth ratio as depth calibration points. Additionally, an automated approach is used to select images where the green/blue band penetrates sufficiently into the water to retrieve bathymetry avoiding the subjectivity of traditional manual selection. The method is validated through alongshore median- and profile-based assessments, yielding a median RMSE of ∼60 cm. Sensitivity tests on key parameters, including the breaker height-to-depth ratio and the calibration time window, demonstrate that a constant breaker height-to-depth ratio provides reliable results and that a significant number of calibration points is necessary for accurate bathymetry retrieval. This approach retrieves instant bathymetries and allows for the extraction of bathymetry evolution over time, with 90 bathymetry maps available over the 10-year period due to the very high resolution and 2-day revisit VEN𝜇S satellite and the 10-m/5-day Sentinel-2 mission. The method is transferable to other optical satellites such as Landsat, although it should be applied with caution, enabling long-term nearshore bathymetry monitoring from the 1980s to the present.

Numerical Study of Submergence-Induced Forces on a Maintenance Bridge

Press Operations — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:52:00 GMT

Abstract: The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center–Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory conducted a numerical study for a proposed maintenance bridge over the Trinity River in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, that will be submerged in flood conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the hydrodynamic loads on the structure. The study found that, due to a combination of peak velocities and water depth, a return period of 500 yr generates the largest drag forces, while the higher depth and discharge of the standard project flood generate larger lift forces. Two flow structures were observed with shallow submergence: The first resulted in a jet parallel to the deck with a recirculation extending from railing to railing and the second resulted in a plunging jet over the deck with smaller but stronger recirculation. These patterns resulted in significantly different loads on the structure. The study analyzed the bridge’s deck slope to the flow as a possible variable affecting the loads. Observed changes related mostly to the flow pattern predicted for different flow configurations. Finally, it was observed that an open railing provides the best possible conditions in terms of loading; therefore, minimizing the frontal area of the railing is recommended.

The Acoustic-Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP): A Comprehensive Tool for River Hydromorphodynamics Monitoring

Press Operations — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:34:00 GMT

Abstract: This paper introduces the use of acoustic Doppler current proﬁler (ADCP) measurements as input for the Acoustic Mapping Velocimetry (AMV) method, a technique for characterizing the dynamics of riverine bedforms. The performance of this new approach, ADCP-AMV, is compared with input from a multibeam echosounder through a ﬁeld study conducted on the Mississippi River (USA). A virtual ADCP tool has been created to support the ADCP-AMV measurements with optimal data density predictions. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the ﬁrst time ADCP measurements have been used in conjunction with the AMV dune-tracking method. Subsequently, the paper discusses the coupling of ADCP-AMV measurements with ancillary data extracted from the ADCP. These ancillary data are processed using previously developed protocols to characterize hydrodynamics and the suspended sediment distribution in the water column. This paper emphasizes the capability of ADCPs to characterize open-channel river hydromorphodynamic parameters with high spatiotemporal resolution. Recommendations to accurately and efﬁciently acquire these multi-variable measurements and derived datasets are discussed.

Sustainable Dredged Material Management on the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers to Achieve Multiple Benefits

Press Operations — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:45:00 GMT

Abstract: This technical report showcases the sustainable dredge material management practices by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers. Over the years, USACE Huntington District (LRH) has continually adapted their navigation operations, dredge maintenance activities, and sediment beneficial use processes in response to changing local and regional hydrodynamic conditions, the results from monitoring, and proactive stakeholder engagement. This report highlights three project sites—Bonanza Bar and R. C. Byrd Locks and Dam on the Ohio River and Winfield Locks and Dam on the Kanawha River—that exemplify sustainable dredge practices consistent with Engineering With Nature® principles. By implementing these best practices, LRH has established a more sustainable dredging program that generates economic, environmental, and social benefits beyond the mere removal of sediment from the federal navigation channel. These innovative practices have successfully achieved multiple benefits while executing USACE’s navigation mission. The data and lessons learned from these projects can be applied to other riverine projects aiming to use sediment beneficially, enhance the development of USACE sustainable dredging practices, and inspire future projects.

GeoClimate Intelligence Platform: A Web-Based Framework for Environmental Data Analysis

Press Operations — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:53:00 GMT

Abstract: Environmental science education faces a critical barrier: programming requirements prevent students, novice researchers, and domain experts from accessing planetary-scale datasets. This study presents the GeoClimate Intelligence Platform, a web-based framework powered by Google Earth Engine (GEE) that eliminates programming barriers while maintaining research-grade analytical capabilities. The platform comprises five integrated modules: GeoData Explorer for climate dataset access, Climate Analytics implementing 20+ ETCCDI-compliant climate indices, Hydrology Analyzer for precipitation analysis and return periods, Product Selector for dataset validation, and Data Visualizer for interactive analysis. This modular design supports integrated workflows while maintaining analytical independence across specialized functions. Development was motivated by workshops where students found programming barriers insurmountable despite strong motivation. Educational validation through university coursework demonstrated effectiveness. Performance evaluation shows robust scalability from educational to research-scale applications. The platform requires only a GEE account and operates through web browsers, eliminating software installation. This accessibility transformation enables broader participation in data-driven environmental problem-solving with scientific rigor, democratizing sophisticated environmental analysis for educational and research communities.

Upscaling Nature-Based Solutions for Reducing Risk from Natural Hazards: From Process to Practice

Press Operations — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:51:00 GMT

Abstract: Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer an innovative approach to reducing risks from natural hazards, aligning ecological processes with engineering objectives. However, successfully scaling NbS from site-speciﬁc interventions to systems-level applications remains a challenge. This paper examines an Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) case study to explore how NbS can be integrated into broader, systems-based engineering practices, demonstrating the transition from conceptual design to wide-scale, regional implementation. One such case study is Deer Island, located off the coast of Mississippi, USA, where EWN approaches stabilized shorelines and restored critical habitats. The project utilized natural sediment transport processes to rebuild marsh and dune systems, enhancing the island’s resilience to storm surges and erosion. Through careful integration of natural and engineered systems, Deer Island serves as a model for how NbS can mitigate risks at both local and regional scales, increasing the ability to recover from a natural disaster and overall ecological health. In particular, the case study highlights the beneﬁt of designing for multiple integrated ecosystem components to deliver a diverse array of ecological functions, goods, and services. The paper further underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting the role of landscape architects in creating multifunctional designs that incorporate natural features and processes. These designs enhance ecosystem services while addressing societal needs, providing a blueprint for how when combined landscape architecture, science, and engineering can synergize in NbS projects. By synthesizing lessons from the EWN and emphasizing the need for cross-sector collaboration, this paper outlines pathways to scale NbS from localized efforts to comprehensive strategies that reduce coastal storm risk.

Sensitivity and Impact of Atmospheric Forcings on Hurricane Wind Wave Modeling in the Gulf of Mexico Using Nested WAVEWATCH III

Press Operations — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:35:00 GMT

Abstract: Precise estimation of hurricane wind-induced waves is critical to enhance the accuracy of predicting coastal ﬂooding events in real-time besides helping in the design of sustainable coastal/offshore structures. In this study, we aim to investigate the importance of atmospheric forcings and their impact on wind wave modeling for extreme hurricane conditions in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) basin. Hurricanes Michael (2018) and Ida (2021) were chosen to be modeled as they were among the two most severe storm events that attained category 5 and category 4 status, respectively, during landfall in the GOM basin. A multi-grid nested modeling approach was implemented in WAVEWATCH III with three different wind forcings: ECMWF’s ERA5, NOAA’s High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR: v3 and v4) and ECMWF’s Operational High-Resolution Forecast Model (ECMWF) to model both hurricanes. The results generated through model simulations of various cases were compared with the ﬁeld observations obtained at NDBC stations. One of the ﬁndings suggests that the ERA5 based wind model substantially underestimates the peak winds of both the hurricanes by 50–60 %, thereby resulting in signiﬁcant underestimation of the wave heights by 40 %. Although the ECMWF model could not capture the maximum winds generated by Michael and Ida, it still gave better results than the ERA5 and HRRR (v3). The updated version (v4) of HRRR performed better than both ERA5 and ECMWF wind models in predicting the peak wind speeds and wind ﬁeld distribution of Hurricane Ida in all the quadrants.

Estimating Component Probability of Failure at USACE Civil Works Facilities for Asset Management

Press Operations — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:44:00 GMT

Abstract: Infrastructure components are the building blocks of US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) facilities such as navigation locks and dams. Estimates of component probability of failure are needed to support risk-informed decisions about managing and maintaining these systems and their components. At Inland Navigation (INAV) facilities, the models and methods currently in use are based on an expert elicitation. There is a need for more objective estimates of component probability of failure derived from data using statistical models and methods. This report demonstrates these models and methods and describes what kinds of data would be needed to put them into practice. The major impediment to putting these models and methods into practice is a lack of data on the age, performance, and other characteristics of in-service components. It will take time to develop these data. In the meantime, this report describes how these statistical methods and models can be adapted for use with operational condition assessment (OCA) ratings, which USACE maintains in an existing database at the enterprise scale. Finally, this report describes an analytical approach to criticality assessment, which is a systematic process for identifying which components, if failed, would lead to significant operational disruptions.

Linear Propagation of Tsunami and Acoustic–Gravity Waves on a Sphere: Geometrical Focusing and Defocusing

Press Operations — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:50:00 GMT

Abstract: This study investigates the propagation of tsunami and acoustic–gravity waves at oceanic scales, accounting for the Earth’s curvature within a linear, potential flow framework. While local, near-field analyses often neglect Earth’s curvature and employ Cartesian or cylindrical coordinate systems, this work utilises spherical coordinates to examine wave behaviour over large distances. The analysis reveals that wave amplitudes experience a defocusing effect as they travel from the source (e.g., the Pole) toward the equator, followed by a focusing effect as they approach the antipodal point beyond the equator. A qualitative comparison is made with the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption in the South Pacific. The study models surface-gravity (tsunami) waves propagating through a compressible water layer, as well as atmospheric acoustic–gravity waves propagating through the air. The entire analysis is carried out within the framework of linear theory.

A Monolithically Coupled Surface Water and Groundwater Finite Element Model with Fully Implicit Time Stepping Using Adaptive Hydraulics (AdH) v5.0 (KraRE: 21428 (ken)

Press Operations — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:59:00 GMT

Abstract: Simulation of surface water and groundwater interaction is becoming increasingly important for the US Army Corps of Engineer Civil Works and Military Missions. This report details the formulation of a monolithic, coupled approach that combines the Richards equation for variably saturated groundwater flow and a diffusive wave approximation for overland flow. The model is implemented with USACE’s Adaptive Hydraulics (AdH) computational framework and is evaluated for several community benchmark problems. The results indicate that the AdH model is stable with performance similar to existing, well-established codes for surface water and groundwater interaction.

Development of Tidal and Surge Forcing in Boussinesq Wave Model FUNWAVE-TVD

Press Operations — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:48:00 GMT

PURPOSE: This Coastal and Hydraulics Engineering Technical Note (CHETN) documents the development of the tidal and surge-forcing module in the Boussinesq wave model FUNWAVE–Total Variation Diminishing (TVD) for wind-wave simulations, subjected to large-scale boundary forcing conditions. In a series of recent projects undertaken by the Coastal Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL) of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), there was a need to model wind waves under time-varying boundary conditions due to tides, storm surges, or strong background flows. The implications on wave runup and overtopping (flooding) around inlets, due to the interaction of tide or surge-driven flows and waves (wave-current interactions), make the need for the development of surge and tide forcing vital to modeling waves with a Boussinesq-type model like FUNWAVE-TVD. Furthermore, strong velocity flows (currents) are not only responsible for depth-limited wave transformation and breaking at inlets but also directly influence sediment transport. Most phase-resolving wave models cannot facilitate these kinds of simulations because the wavemaker cannot generate the phase-resolving wave conditions and low-frequency motions (e.g., tides) at the same time. For example, in FUNWAVE-TVD, the combination of an internal wavemaker and a sponge layer is used to generate wind waves in the shoreward direction while absorbing waves with the sponge layer in the seaward direction behind the wavemaker. However, this type of combined system of wave generation and absorption cannot readily incorporate the external low-frequency forcing into wave generation.

Wave Information Study ERA5 Wind-Field Evaluation

Press Operations — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:29:00 GMT

Abstract: The Wave Information Study (WIS) provides continuous wave hindcasts along US coastlines, including the Great Lakes and US Territories. As wave modeling and wind-field technologies have advanced, WIS is now positioned to transition to the new long-term archived hindcast wind fields available from ERA5, the fifth-generation global atmospheric reanalysis from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Before adopting ERA5 operationally within the WIS hindcast, formal testing compared ERA5 wind-forced hindcasts to the existing WIS hindcasts using Nation Center for Atmospheric Research Reanalysis 1 (NCAR-R1) winds. Results were validated against collocated and concurrent point-source and altimeter-based wave measurements from 2015 to 2018. ERA5 showed a 53% improvement in significant wave-height bias in the Atlantic and 76%–77% improvements in the Pacific. While improvements in average wave period were less consistent, ERA5 still showed better correlation across all domains. Hawaii showed modest improvements, except for bias. ERA5 also outperformed NCAR-R1 in mean wave direction at peak frequency, with bias reductions of 5%–72%, most notably in Hawaii, where wave modeling is typically challenging. Overall, it was concluded that the ERA5 forced WIS estimates were more accurate than the NCAR forced WIS estimates, supporting the operational transition of WIS to ERA5.

Major Freight Corridors in the US: Mapping of Commodity Flows on Waterborne, Rail, and Truck Networks

Press Operations — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:12:00 GMT

Abstract: Within the context of complex, interconnected, multimodal transportation, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) provides safe, reliable, efficient, effective, and environmentally sustainable waterborne transportation systems for the movement of commerce, national security needs, and recreation. Understanding the role of waterways within the multimodal transportation system would allow for comprehensive resource allocation, including dredging prioritization. In 2022, approximately 19,810 million tons of goods were transported within, to, and from the US, with truck being the dominant mode for the domestic portion of the trip (64 percent). Relatively recent legislation calls for a multimodal representation of freight, one that facilitates transportation planning and asset management. However, traditional data collection and analysis has focused on single modes, preventing nationwide, multimodal representations of commodity flows. This report presents major commodity corridors within, to, and from the US by combining diverse sources and homogenizing data dimensions. The resulting information and commodity-specific maps help to contextualize waterborne navigation’s role within the broader multimodal transportation system. A key finding from the study indicates that the mouth of the Mississippi River in Louisiana carried in 2019 more volume of freight annually than any other waterway, railroad, or highway segment in the US.

Design of River Training Structures Using Isogeomorphic Constraints

Press Operations — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 13:45:00 GMT

Abstract: Prepared for the Mississippi River Geomorphology and Potamology program of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), through the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), this report introduces the concept of river control structure design using isogeomorphic constraints. The report defines isogeomorphic design methodology and demonstrates the application of the methodology using both analytic and numerical examples. The examples investigated herein are idealized, and application to real-world conditions (such as a dike-field) would be far more complex than what is demonstrated herein. This report merely serves as an introduction to a novel design paradigm that future studies can further investigate and refine with the ultimate objective of developing improved design guidance for USACE.

A Qualitative Comparison Review Between Commonly Used Boussinesq Models

Press Operations — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:08:00 GMT

Abstract: The purpose of this Coastal and Hydraulics Engineering Technical Note (CHETN) is to summarize the Boussinesq models FUNWAVE, Coulwave, and Celeris. This CHETN outlines the governing equations and numerical schemes for each model and presents the order of their error terms. A qualitative comparison was completed between the fully nonlinear models, FUNWAVE and Coulwave, and the weakly nonlinear model, Celeris. Results from this comparison demonstrate capabilities for each model by comparing previously published benchmark validation cases. The discussion section highlights additional areas of research and report recommendations.

Evaluation of Vegetated Shoreline Capacity Using CSHORE-VEG

Press Operations — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:06:00 GMT

Abstract: A versatile vegetation module has been implemented into the Cross-Shore model (CSHORE) to evaluate the capacity of coastal and marine wetlands with respect to wave-height attenuation and wave-runup reduction. This extended model, Cross-Shore-Vegetation (CSHORE-VEG), is capable of simulating the effects of rigid and flexible vegetation with spatially varying biomechanical properties. To accurately estimate the vegetation-induced energy dissipation rate, a drag coefficient formula that is independent of the vegetation flexibility was developed based on field data collected in salt marshes in Terrebonne Bay, Louisiana, during a tropical storm. This universal drag coefficient formula along with other existing drag coefficient formulas have been implemented into CSHORE-VEG to meet different needs. CSHORE-VEG has been validated against four independent datasets involving different vegetation properties for wave attenuation and mean water level change. After achieving good agreement in model-data comparisons, CSHORE-VEG was employed to quantify the capacity of two representative salt marshes composed of Spartina alterniflora and Elymus athericus for wave attenuation. As a result, two ineffective vegetated shoreline scenarios were identified. Furthermore, a procedure for determining the percentage of broken vegetation stems and modeling the corresponding wave-height reduction was applied to evaluate the wave-height reduction under realistic field conditions.