4 May 2026

Insight into the Photocatalytic Degradation Mechanism for “Forever Chemicals” PFNA by Reduced Graphene Oxide/WO3 Nanoflower Heterostructures

Abstract: Water contamination with “forever chemicals” like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) poses significant toxicity to the environment. Since they are the most persistent synthetic chemicals that hardly degrade in the natural environment and are carcinogenic to humans, there is an urgent need to discover novel processes for destroying PFAS. Herein, we report on the design of a reduced graphene oxide (r-GO)/WO3 nanoflower (WO3-NF)-based heterostructure for harnessing 365 nm light-driven photocatalytic oxidation and reduction process toward the photocatalytic degradation of perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). Moreover, reported data reveal that using an r-GO/WO3-NF heterostructure photocatalyst, 100% PFNA degradation and 14% defluorination can be achieved in the presence of isopropyl alcohol as the hydroxy radical (•OH) quencher or glucose as a hot hole (h+) quencher after exposure to 365 nm light for 22 h. A reported mechanistic study shows synergistic oxidation and reduction processes are vital for the complete degradation of PFNA, where the hydrated electron (eaq−) plays a key role as a reducing agent and h+ and •OH act as oxidation agents. Furthermore, the photocatalytic destruction mechanism study indicates that chain shortening via C−C bond breaking and defluorination via C−F bond breaking are major pathways for PFNA degradation. A wavelength-dependent study shows that only 22% degradation can be achieved after exposure to 532 nm light for 22 h, which is due to the lack of the formation of hydrated electrons (eaq−). The current study sheds light on the construction of the r-GO/WO3 NF heterojunction for the highly efficient degradation of PFAS.

4 May 2026

Impact of Vessel Operations on Navigation Channel Stability and the Broader Environment: Insights from a Workshop Held 4–5 September 2024

Abstract: Vessel operations in the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) portfolio of waterways create a range of environmental and navigation challenges. This report documents the proceedings of a workshop highlighting research and development (R&D) on vessel-related navigation channel stability and associated environmental impacts. Across 13 workshop presentations, three major themes emerged to guide future USACE R&D efforts: (1) the need for better data and standardized processing routines, (2) the need for a streamlined modeling framework that can simulate all relevant physical processes for vessel operation, and (3) the need for improved internal and external partnerships to better address vessel-related issues. Addressing these critical knowledge gaps will advance engineering practice associated with vessel operations in USACE waterways.

4 May 2026

Characterizing Lithium-Ion Battery Health and Mitigating Transportation and Recycling Hazards

Abstract: With the growing trend toward electric vehicle (EV) use, the demand for safe, efficient, and cost-effective energy storage grows increasingly crucial. The ability to effectively characterize battery health, transport and dispose of batteries safely, and mitigate the by-products of battery recycling are all important to reduce the risks of lithium-ion battery (LIB) usage throughout the battery’s life cycle. The transportation and disposal of LIBs present critical challenges and require stringent safety measures to mitigate risks effectively. Additionally, many recycling methods are less cost-effective or more environmentally harmful than mining new materials. This report describes the findings of a collaborative project between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, to address these concerns and contribute to safer and more environmentally friendly transportation, recycling, and disposal of LIBs. The most common battery recycling techniques are investigated—pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and direct recycling—along with the environmental impact of these methods. The overall potential environmental impacts of LIB usage can be greatly improved through proper battery disposal. Addressing hazards at the battery level by enhancing the stability and cooling of batteries can simplify battery transportation and improve safety.

4 May 2026

Freshwater Wetland Carbon Flux Analysis Pertinent to the Net Emissions Analysis Tool Improvement: Method Development and Testing

Palustrine wetlands are ecosystems of interest due to their capacity to sequester large amounts of greenhouse gases. This field study in Washington and Idaho was conducted as proof of concept of methods for measuring carbon emissions in palustrine wetlands. The regions of Washington and Idaho were chosen as they span three different Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Level 1 ecoregions in a relatively close geological area. Data were collected across all three ecoregions in an effort to detail the potential differences between palustrine wetlands within them. Carbon dioxide flux measurements were compared across two instruments: LICOR 8,100A and CIRAS-4. Supporting data related to vegetation and site characteristics were incorporated into the overall analyses. Results suggest that carbon dioxide flux varies in relation to several factors. Additional research will be required to inform the application of site-specific data which can improve the application of tools designed to quantify project scale estimates for net greenhouse gas emissions.

4 May 2026

Installation Access Control Technology at Redstone Arsenal: Biometric-Enabled Technology for Installation Entry

Abstract: A pair of biometric capabilities useful for access control were demonstrated at Redstone Arsenal to support installation modernization and the integration of smart infrastructure. This project addresses gap requirements outlined in the March 2020 report to Congress by the Assis-tant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment (ASA IE&E), Army Report on Creating an Army Installations Test and Demonstration Program Using Commercial Technologies. The demonstration tracked the number of transactions completed at an access control point (ACP) lane using a facial recognition system and at a secure facility using a touchless fingerprint reader and facial recognition kiosk. The operational duration of the systems showed their robustness. Multiple cameras in the express lane system accurately identified vehicle occupants while minimizing traffic backups. The touchless fingerprint system installed at the secure facility was easy to use, and users preferred it, leading to it quickly surpassing the existing method.

4 May 2026

Erosion Test Database Reassessment with Application to Engineered Soils

Abstract: This report presents a reevaluation of the soil erosion property relation-ships and a reanalysis of the data with a specific focus on compacted and engineered fill materials. Reinterpretation first centered on describing the parametric space of the database in which the models’ ability to predict critical shear stress and the erodibility coefficient parameter have the greatest uncertainty. Second, this work considered the smaller subset of the dataset with only engineered fill and compacted materials. However, considering only this subset was not found to reduce significantly the uncertainty in predictive capability. We recommend additional work to expand the dataset, focusing on materials in conditions more representative of the compacted and aged soils present on many flood control infrastructure projects.

4 May 2026

An Investigation of Causes of Inaccuracy of Infrared Radiation Cameras for Large-Scale Additive Manufacturing Applications

Abstract: In additive manufacturing, accurate temperature data are needed for both real-time feedback for print operators and understanding the thermomechanical behavior for prediction and part quality characterization. Through the collection of accurate temperature data, thermal models can be validated to predict process-induced properties of parts. Infrared radiation (IR) is used to determine the temperature of a surface. Because IR cameras measure thermal radiation from a distance without contact, they are safe to use in high-temperature environments like 3D printing. An investigation of reported temperature values for multiple cameras during one print showed a decreasing trend for cameras close to the printer’s heat sources, which was not reflective of the printing process, and a discrepancy of ±20°C when printing at 200°C across overlapping camera views. Two more prints were studied to determine whether this camera behavior was unique to that print and geometry. The analysis showed the same results across all three prints, with camera-reported values having inconsistencies for a single layer, a subset of layers, and the scale of the print. Multiple possibilities for the cameras’ variances were explored. The IR cameras were determined to require further calibration and experimentation before reported temperature values can be treated as physical temperature values.

29 Apr 2026

Bridge Load Rating for US Army Installations: Guidance

Abstract: This report summarizes Army policy and provides technical guidance for the load rating of vehicular and railroad bridges on US Army installations. These bridges must be load rated to determine and ensure their abilities to support the Army’s heavy military vehicles as well as all public-sector cars, trucks, or trains (in the case of railroad bridges). Installation bridge management and load ratings are accomplished under the Installation Management Command (IMCOM) Army Dams and Transportation Infrastructure Program (ADTIP), with technical support from the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).

29 Apr 2026

Deep Learning Approaches for Buried Object Detection in Infrared Imagery

Abstract: Artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques are increasingly utilized to detect buried objects in thermal infrared imagery. This task relies heavily on the quality and diversity of the training dataset, requiring datasets that capture variability present in real-world environments. Synthetic imagery offers a means to expose algorithms to a greater range of conditions than is often available in real-world data alone. This study evaluates the performance of three open-source object detection models—Faster Region-Based Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN), You Only Look Once (YOLOv8), and Single Shot Multibox Detector—trained using real-world, synthetic, and hybrid datasets. Real-world imagery was collected from a single field site, while synthetic data were generated using the Virtual Environmental Simulation for Physics-Based Analysis software suite. Model performance was evaluated using Intersection over Union and confidence scores. Models trained exclusively on synthetic datasets with limited scene diversity, when tested on real-world imagery from the same location, produce high false-positive and false-negative rates. Detection performance im-proved significantly for Faster R-CNN and YOLOv8 when trained using a hybrid dataset combining real-world and synthetic data. Analysis of red-green-blue histograms revealed differences in pixel intensity distributions between real and synthetic imagery, indicating areas for improving synthetic data generation.

29 Apr 2026

Forward Operating Remote Camera for Engineering—Construction Assurance and Monitoring (FORCE-CAM), Generation 1

Abstract: This research delivered a first-generation, real-time construction monitoring capability, enabling visual situational awareness for off-site subject matter experts. The live-streamed and recorded data can be visualized from a remote computer desktop to aid in identifying non-conformance issues during active paving operations or during concrete damage assessment and repair operations. Experimentation on asphalt paving and skid-steer construction equipment using direct electro-optical and thermal sensors provided validation of the efficacy of this solution.