Home / Media / News Stories
Results:
Category: Infrastructure
Clear

  • March

    Hydrogen-powered fuel cell forklift at North Riverside Illinois Army National Guard

    ERDC leads demonstration of hydrogen fueled equipment at National Guard site in Illinois

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center's (ERDC) Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) is advancing energy resiliency and reliability by using hydrogen as a sustainable, renewable energy source. ERDC-CERL is spearheading research and development efforts to integrate hydrogen energy solutions into military operations, aiming to provide clean backup energy systems that enhance the energy independence of Department of Defense (DoD) installations.

  • February

    In partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Football League (NFL), and local, state and federal law enforcement, ERDC deployed two patented technologies at Super Bowl LIX designed to safeguard against potential vehicular and explosive attacks.

    Playing defense: ERDC innovations safeguard Super Bowl LIX

    In partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Football League (NFL), and local, state and federal law enforcement, ERDC deployed two patented technologies at Super Bowl LIX designed to safeguard against potential vehicular and explosive attacks.
  • 1AD Commanding General Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor ; Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and Fort Bliss Garrison Commander Col. Brenden Gallagher cut the ribbon for the largest 3D-printed barracks in the DoD.

    ERDC plays critical role in review of first 3D printed Army barracks

    The U.S. Army is taking a giant leap into the future of military construction with the debut of its first-ever additively constructed (3D-printed) Army barracks in Fort Bliss, Texas, and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) played an important role in making the demonstration successful.

  • January

    The Active Management Systems and Methods utilize advanced sensors and control mechanisms designed to detect the early formation of ice on surfaces such as roads, bridges and infrastructure. The system automatically triggers preventive measures, such as the application of heat or ice-reducing materials, ensuring that the environment remains safe and operational without the need for constant human intervention.

    Active Ice Management Systems and Methods: A Breakthrough in Cold-Weather Operations

    The battle against ice in cold-weather operations has taken a significant step forward with the newly patented “Active Ice Management Systems and Methods” (Patent No. 11898315), or AIMS.

  • December

    Participants at the NATO railroad exercise in Mönchengladbach, Germany. The exercise was led by the 507 Specialist Team Royal Engineers (STRE), the British Army’s railway warfare and infrastructure experts, and consisted of multiple military command forces from the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and the U.K. Researchers with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center participated in the exercise.

    Laying the groundwork for the future of railroads

    Researchers from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) participated in a railroad exercise aimed at strengthening transportation infrastructure resilience across NATO countries.

  • October

    Early review of project specifications and on-site evaluation of construction projects before coatings and paints are applied are among the services provided by the USACE Paint Technology Center, Technical Center of Expertise.

    Early involvement of coatings experts can have big impact on project success

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Paint Technology Center, Technical Center of Expertise (PTCx) is at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development, while also supporting project managers across the Department of Defense in ensuring the correct coatings, methods and personnel are used to protect infrastructure, reduce downtime and extend service life.
  • ERDC’s innovative window features a hardened compression frame that can be simply installed in a rough opening

    ERDC Partners with US Department of State to develop innovative window solutions

    Inventors from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, Mississippi, developed a groundbreaking innovation in window systems that are resistant to blasts, ballistics and forced entry threats.
  • The Au Sable Lighthouse in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

    ERDC partners with UW-Madison and NPS to advance historic preservation

    A team of experts from ERDC's Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the National Park Service is using advanced fiber optic technology and 3D scanning to improve historic preservation and structural monitoring.

  • July

    ERDC is exploring how 3D printers can transform dredged sediment into a building block for ecosystem restoration.

    From waste to resource

    A new project from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is helping meet ambitious goals for beneficially using the material it dredges by exploring how 3D printers can transform the dredged sediment into a building block for ecosystem restoration.
  • Wellbot is an autonomous device that blends the power of UVC-emitting lamps with powerful brushes to address the fouling and corrosion that limits a well’s capacity.

    Wellbot offers innovative solution to cleaning, maintaining relief wells

    Wellbot is an autonomous device that blends the power of UVC-emitting lamps with powerful brushes to address the fouling and corrosion that limits a well’s capacity. It provides districts with a cost-effective alternative without the potential risk from using chemicals, or the need for significant equipment and manpower to deploy.
  • ERDC-CERL, USDA Forest Products Laboratory and Joint Munitions Command teams preparing to begin field work studies in Earth Covered Magazines (ECMs) at Crane Army Ammunition Activity

    ERDC researchers combat corrosion and mold at Crane Army Ammunition Activity

    In Crane, Indiana, researchers from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) are assisting in a critical battle against time and nature. Within the vast expanses of Crane Army Ammunition Activity (CAAA), lie thousands of Earth Covered Magazines (ECMs) — crucial semi-buried bunkers that safeguard the nation's munitions and explosives.

  • June

    ERDC broke ground on its new Permafrost Tunnel Operations Facility, a $11.4 million, 4,300 square-foot building that will contribute to significant advances in permafrost engineering, geotechnical research, and Earth and Mars polar science, as well as a greater understanding of life in extreme environments.

    ERDC breaks ground on new Permafrost Tunnel Operations Facility

    The U.S. Army Engineer and Research Development Center (ERDC) broke ground June 25 on its new Permafrost Tunnel Operations Facility, a 4,300 square-foot building that will contribute to significant advances in permafrost engineering, geotechnical research, and Earth and Mars polar science, as well as a greater understanding of life in extreme environments.

  • April

    Researchers from ERDC along with the Association of Maryland Pilots run virtual simulation tests on a bypass channel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge accident site using the Ship/Tow Simulator located at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory in Vicksburg, Miss., April 12, 2024.

    ERDC’s Ship/Tow Simulator used to assist the Francis Scott Key Bridge Response

    Francis Scott Key Bridge Response Unified Command is utilizing simulation resources from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL) to test shipping runs around the Key Bridge accident site.
  • Poe Lock ship arrestor contractor OCCI, Inc. of Fulton Missouri installs the largest U.S. civil works component produced by a 3D printer at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on March 1, 2024.

    Infrastructure Innovation: New Poe Lock arrestor arm is the largest U.S. civil works component produced by 3D printer

    As America’s civil works infrastructure ages, managers need innovative solutions to replace parts that have been in service for nearly a century. Often, these original components were fabricated using vintage material and manufacturing methods, making them costly, burdensome and time-consuming to replace. Responding to this need, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is employing cutting-edge 3D-printing techniques to manufacture these parts faster and at a lower cost while maintaining, and even improving, their properties.

  • February

    Lead Instructor Mike Crawford advises a group of program participants during a railroad training exercise.

    ERDC experts lead railroad repair training at Fort Johnson

    FORT JOHNSON, La.—Making railroads safer was the focus of a recent training led by experts from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL).

  • January

    Engineers at ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory have developed techniques that better protect concrete construction in cold environments. The Additive Regulated Concrete for Thermally Extreme Conditions (ARCTEC) enables the use of commonly available concrete additives as alternative freeze-protection in frigid conditions.

    Techniques developed to advance concrete construction in frigid environments

    U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) researchers have developed Additive Regulated Concrete for Thermally Extreme Conditions – or ARCTEC – to enable the use of commonly available concrete additives as alternative freeze-protection in cold conditions. ARCTEC builds upon pioneering work performed at ERDC over the last several decades, with the goal of improving the user-friendliness, economy and utility of the technology.
  • A crane sits on top of the spillway at the Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake River in Washington. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains approximately 740 dams and associated structures that provide significant benefits to the nation.

    Researchers develop tools to forecast risk of potential infrastructure failure

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) operates and maintains approximately 740 dams and associated structures that provide significant, multiple benefits to the nation. In order to effectively operate and maintain those dams, USACE applies risk-informed decision making to evaluate, prioritize and justify dam safety decisions. Using risk information allows the organization to repair its dams in the most effective manner within a constrained budget.
  • Mass timber uses special processes and new technology to bind wood products together in layers, creating a strong and durable material that is also more sustainable than steel or concrete.

    ERDC leads advances in sustainable materials for military construction

    The Army has begun to focus more attention on one of its biggest emissions drivers: construction activities related to its vast inventory of buildings.

  • December

    Full length view of the Advanced Blast Load Simulator

    The capabilities of ERDC’s Advanced Blast Load Simulator Facility

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has a lead role in the study of blast effects, and a newly upgraded facility allows for even more innovative research to better protect structures, facilities and most importantly, people.

  • July

    Blast, Ballistic and Forced Entry Resistant Shelter

    New ERDC patent expands protective buildings

    As an inventor at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), research civil engineer Justin Roberts has received seven patents, five of which are additions and improvements of the Hardened Alternative Trailer System (HATS) and Methods of Producing Same.