19 Aug 2026

Infiltration in Drainage Layer Materials

Abstract: Inadequate airfield drainage can lead to pavement deterioration, resulting in costly repairs and operational downtime. In response, the US Air Force is seeking guidance for repairing and retrofitting these drainage systems, particularly for situations requiring expedient, cost-effective solutions or the use of nonstandard materials. This project focused on challenges such as erodible base materials, freeze–thaw conditions, and locations with significant time and cost constraints. Researchers tested three drainage layer geometries in a controlled laboratory setting to assess their ability to remove water and prevent erosion. However, the results of the research were inconclusive, primarily because of limitations imposed by the small-scale test environment. The study concluded that the viability of alternative drainage solutions, like reducing sand layers or adding geotextiles, must be determined through full-scale field tests that can accurately simulate real-world operational conditions.

19 Aug 2026

ERDC Technologies - FY25 : Featured in ERDC Social Media, News and Internal Publications

Abstract: This brochure contains information posted related to ERDC's technologies on social media, news releases and internal publications during FY25.

18 Aug 2026

The ERDC R&D Strategy : Connecting the Dots to Innovation

Abstract: ERDC has developed this strategy to define our goals and path forward. The primary purpose is to align ERDC research and development with USACE, the Army, the DoW and the nation to provide clarity on the following: -ERDC’s vision, mission and values: Selected to provide intent that permeates laboratory operations, program management and execution, and the precision with which we engage our partners and stakeholders. -The ERDC of today: Building on nearly a century of legacy, we have evolved dramatically, a strikingly different and advanced organization. -Strategic priorities: Being aligned to the USACE R&D priorities allows ERDC to fulfill our mission to deliver innovative solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow. -ERDC’s Core Competencies: An overview of the six core competencies that form the foundation of our scientific and engineering expertise. -Strategic steps toward achieving our goals. These steps will give overarching direction to the ERDC enterprise as we work together to accomplish the mission.

18 Aug 2026

California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Russian Snow Penetrometer (RSP) Application on Snow Pavements

Abstract: This study investigates the application of the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Russian Snow Penetrometer (RSP) methods for evaluating snow pavement strength in remote, cold regions. While CBR is widely accepted as the gold standard for characterizing the load-bearing capacity of conventional granular materials, its use on snow is rare because of logistical challenges and the unique mechanical behavior of snow. To address this, field CBR testing was conducted over a 30 hr period on processed snow pavement, with results compared to RSP measurements taken in similar settings. Despite inherent difficulties in setup and execution, field CBR testing provided valuable time-stamped strength data, capturing the progression of snowpack stiffening over time. Findings affirm the viability of both methods for monitoring snow pavement performance, though RSP offers greater ease and depth coverage. The combined application of CBR and RSP testing enhances understanding of snow pavement behavior and informs engineering practices for infrastructure on snow-covered terrains.

17 Aug 2026

Improving the Design of Large Wood for Streambank Stabilization

Abstract: The Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) program provided research and development funding to develop a module within the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) hydraulic design tool that can calculate the stability of large wood for river restoration designs. To properly scope the tool, expert opinions were gathered from a group of highly experienced engineers who regularly use large wood in streambank stabilization projects. A premeeting survey was distributed in preparation for a one-day workshop that was held on 21 February 2023 at the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)–Seattle District. This EWN technical note summarizes the feedback that was received and the outcome of the workshop.

17 Aug 2026

Habitat Classification of the St. Marys River Near the Soo Locks, Michigan

Abstract: In June and October 2019, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, collected over 130 linear miles (215+ km) of side-scan sonar data on the St. Marys River—from the northern lock region to the Lower Little Rapids—to map benthic habitats. In 2020, 56 bottom samples and 24 remotely operated vehicle (ROV) videos were collected to validate the sonar data. Although mapping the same regions twice to assess seasonal variability was mostly unachievable due to environmental and operational factors, four regions were successfully repeated. Crucially, the dataset includes the newly restored Little Rapids and a previously unmapped area downstream of the main rapids. Results revealed abundant submerged aquatic vegetation across the St. Marys River, likely driven by a highly variable sediment matrix ranging from clay to boulders. These data will be invaluable for planning and assessing habitat diversity and health in this vital ecological system.

17 Aug 2026

Evaluation of the Modulus of Subgrade Reaction on a Cement Treated Base

Abstract: The objective of this experiment was to (1) investigate the vertical pressures within a subgrade during plate load testing; (2) evaluate the sensitivity of the plate load test on stabilized base layers; and (3) generate field-measured effective k curves to bridge the gap between stabilized and unbound base course design processes. A total of 36 plate load tests were performed on three test sections of various subgrade strengths. Each test section included a cement-stabilized limestone base layer. The test sections and plate load testing were designed to obtain field-measured k-values on each lift of stabilized base and generate effective k plots for stabilized limestone bases. The vertical stresses within the subgrade were measured during each plate load test. Results showed that when a 6 in. stabilized base is included, less than 20% of the surface pressure is applied 24 in. into the subgrade. Field-measured cement-stabilized effective k curves were generated in this study.

17 Aug 2026

Minors Canal Ship Simulation Results

Abstract: This Coastal and Hydraulics Engineering Technical Note (CHETN) details the results of a small-scale ship simulation study performed for the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New Orleans District, at Minors Canal, located on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) 5 mi* west of Houma, Louisiana (Figure 1). These simulations were conducted at the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Watercraft and Ship Simulation facility (WaSS) for the New Orleans District on 2 April 2025, to determine if vessels that regularly transit the area would have sufficient room to safely maneuver out of the GIWW currents before passing through a proposed flood-protection structure on Minors Canal.

17 Aug 2026

Modeling Snow Optical Properties from Single Wavelength Airborne Lidar in Steep Forested Terrain

Abstract: Airborne lidar is a powerful tool used by water resource managers to map snow depth and aid in producing spatially distributed snow water equivalent (SWE) when combined with modeled density. However, limited research so far has focused on retrieving optical snow properties from lidar. Optical snow surface properties directly impact albedo, which has a major control on snowmelt timing, which is especially useful for water management applications. Airborne lidar instruments typically emit energy at a wavelength of 1,064 nm, which can be informative in mapping optical snow surface properties since grain size modulates reflectance at this wavelength. In this paper we present and validate an approach using airborne lidar for estimating snow reflectance and optical grain size at high spatial resolution. We utilize three lidar flights over the Boise National Forest, United States, during a winter season from December 2022 to March 2023. We discuss sensitivities to beam incidence angles, compare results to in situ measurements snow grain size, and perform spatial analyses to ensure reflectance and optical grain size varies across space and time as anticipated. Modeled optical grain size from lidar performed well (Root mean squared difference = 49 μm; percent mean absolute difference = 31%; n = 28), suggesting that aerial lidar surveys can be useful in mapping snow reflectance and optical grain size for dry snow, and may support development of other remote sensing technologies and aid water resources management.

14 Aug 2026

Travel Times on Inland Waterways: Historic Statistical Calculations Between Selected Locks and River Confluences Using Automatic Identification System (AIS) Data from Calendar Year 2021

Abstract: In the context of multimodal-freight modeling efforts, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), entered into an inter-agency agreement with the Department of Transportation (USDOT), Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), to produce travel-time statistics for select portions of the US inland waterway transportation system. Statistics include the median, interquartile range average, and 10th–90th percentile averages between origin and destination (OD) sets selected based on vessel traffic activity, especially lock and dam locations, which are natural stopping points. Travel-time statistics are derived from position reports broadcast via Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceivers for vessel transits that occurred in 2021. This technical report summarizes the methodology and findings.