16 Dec 2025

Procedures for Obtaining US Air Force Global Air-Land Weather Exploitation Model (GALWEM) Data for Hydrological Modeling Applications: An Overview of the GALWEM Acquisition System (GAS) v1.0 and v2.0

Abstract: The Global Air Land Weather Exploitation Model (GALWEM) Acquisition System (GAS) is a software platform that serves to automate and simplify the procurement of numerical weather prediction model data from the 557th Weather Squadron. GAS allows for the download of meteorological and other environmental parameters from the GALWEM, an operational Numerical Weather Prediction capability operated by the 557th Weather Squadron for use by both Air Force and Army interests. GAS provides the ability to archive GALWEM data so that it may be used by the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and other researchers. The report describes multiple methodologies for data access as well as suggestions for future work to improve computational efficiency and customer access.

8 Dec 2025

Improved Prediction of Soil Thermal Properties Using Gated Recurrent Unit Neural Networks

Abstract: Frost actions, such as frost depth penetration and thaw weakening, are damaging to airfields and roadways in cold regions. Machine learning techniques, such as recurrent neural networks, have been applied to this problem, but with a large focus on long short term memory (LSTM) neurons. Gated recurrent units (GRUs) are similar to LSTM neurons in terms of accuracy, but are more computationally efficient, and have yet to be applied to predicting soil thermal properties. Using a hyperparameter search, an optimal architecture for a recurrent neural network based on gated recurrent units was identified. A general model using temperature, thermal conductivity, and volumetric moisture content was found to predict temperatures effectively, having an error of less than 0.25°F across all depths. For predicting thermal conductivity, a model including temperature but not moisture content was found to be effective. For moisture content, the results were inconclusive as both models were affected by similar errors. Overall, the GRU-base recurrent neural networks were found to work well for predicting soil thermal properties in high-plasticity clays, and it is recommended to further expand the training datasets to include other frost-affected soil types.

24 Nov 2025

Ice Demolition Techniques—Rapid Improved Ribbon Bridge Placement and Enemy Forces Denial: Using Traditional Military Explosives Under Ice

Abstract: As the United States military focuses on furthering their lethality across cold regions, developing new techniques for equipment usage is necessary. On 19 March 2025, the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center–Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (ERDC-CRREL) collaborated with the Army Engineers from the 50th Multi-Role Bridge Company (MRBC), 6th Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB), and Sapper Leader Course (SLC) to determine whether explosives can be used for Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) placement in ice-laden environments. As the US Army adapts to meet the evolving threats from foreign adversaries, there is an increased tactical necessity for enhanced bridging capabilities in frozen terrain. Developing an expedient method of removing ice from these waterways and placing IRBs for easy crossing of heavy military equipment is essential. Through this experiment it was determined that the use of a 40 lb cratering charge primed with M152 boosters significantly fractures the ice cover expeditiously. However, the ice expulsion rate found in this experiment was insufficient for IRB deployment which requires 60% expulsion rate. Although the experiment fell short of IRB requirements, it proved to be an efficient and effective countermobility tool for units who use frozen water ways as avenues of approach.

4 Nov 2025

Preliminary Evaluation of Selected Expeditionary Shelter Systems in a Subarctic Environment: Phases I and II of Cold Weather Testing

Abstract: The warming of high latitude regions is causing geopolitical concerns and spurring increased human presence across the Arctic. Potentially, these situations require only a short-term occupation necessitating tested and developed expedient infrastructure. Operating requirements for high latitude conditions are vastly divergent from temperate locations. Shelters must be able to provide habitable conditions at temperature down to −60°F, withstand 100 mph wind speeds, and support 25 lb/ft2 of snow load. Although great advances have been made in providing efficient and comfortable Arctic infrastructure since the onset of the Cold War, significant work remains to further increase efficiencies and adapt to changing weather parameters. To address infrastructure technology gaps, the US Army Corps of Engineers–Engineering Research and Development Center (USACE-ERDC) established the Arctic Infrastructure Research Group (AIRG). Over two phases of investigation, the AIRG evaluated three selected expeditionary shelter systems at its Arctic Infrastructure Research Center (AIRC) in Fairbanks, Alaska during the winters of 2020–2021 (Phase I) and 2021–2022 (Phase II).

4 Nov 2025

High-Frequency Electromagnetic Induction for Oil Detection in Freshwater Ice Conditions

Abstract: High-frequency electromagnetic induction (HFEMI) effectively detects objects and materials in environments where visual detection may not be possible. Existing HFEMI sensor designs are for detection of improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordinances. This project applied this technology to oil spill detection and response applications. Because of the significant ice cover experienced in the Great Lakes Regions, the US Coast Guard requires fast and effective means to detect and characterize oil spills in and under layers of ice. HFEMI technology was adapted and evaluated for its ability to detect submerged oil of various types under several conditions of ice. The signal response of the sensor shows this technology is effective at detecting different types and volumes of oil in thin to moderate ice conditions, but could be improved to expand the distance of detection for thicker ice coverage.

4 Nov 2025

Airfield Assessments to Identify Improvements in Support of Arctic Military Operations: Arctic Airfields Assessment

Abstract: This report examines current airfield capabilities in Alaska and Greenland as they pertain to the strategic priorities of the Northern Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and US Northern Command (NORTHCOM) in support of needs identified in the 2024 DoD’s Arctic Strategy. With increasing activity and competition in the circumpolar region, airfields in Alaska and Greenland play a vital role in enabling homeland defense, supporting domain awareness needs, and enabling rapid response operations. This report highlights key airfields across Alaska and Greenland, focusing on their current readiness to support NORAD-assigned airframes such as the C-17, C-130, F-15, F-16, F-22, F-35A, KC-10, KC-135 and KC-46A. It assesses currently available infrastructure, operational resilience, airfield suitability and current condition, weather considerations, and logistics sustainment. Gaps in infrastructure readiness and logistical necessities for different airframes are identified. Recommendations are provided to bolster airfield operational capabilities as they pertain to the NORAD mission, and to ensure Arctic basing remains a credible enabler of NORTHCOM’s mission to defend the US and deter threats across the circumpolar region.

14 Oct 2025

Literature on the Load Distributions for Effects on Hydraulic Steel Structures: Notes on Existing Literature for Establishing LRFD Load Factors

Abstract: Previous to 1993 Hydraulic Steel Structures (HSS) were designed using Allowable Stress Design (ASD); modern design, has transitioned to Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) method, which targets a probability of a limit state. To implement LRFD, an understanding of the probability distributions of the loads applied to the structure, the resistances of the components of the structure, and the approximate durations and overlapping of these loads must be determined. The loads applied to HSS are dissimilar to loads applied to buildings or roads, so existing distributions cannot be applied to this problem. Any attempts to implement LRFD without these distributions will result in designs that do not target the probability of reaching a limit state. The USACE has adapted LRFD load combinations and factors to encompass the different geometry, force and displacement conditions, and environments present in HSS. This work collects literature for load effects on HSS to determine either probabilistic distributions or what loads sufficiently unknown to necessitate new research. Because the loads the HSS are subject to are dissimilar to other designed structures, these load distributions cannot be taken from them directly. Loads considered are hydrodynamic, barge impacts, debris impacts, ice expansion, seismic, wind, and waves.

10 Oct 2025

Development and Management of Arctic Zonal Characterization Products: Geospatial Database

Abstract: Environmental parameters for operational planning in extreme conditions require accurate knowledge of prevailing meteorological conditions. However, the Arctic region presents unique challenges due to limited observational data and unique geographical conditions. To address the need for such knowledge, this study presents an analysis of Arctic prevailing-conditions using European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) Data from 1991 to 2020. A custom Python-based framework was developed to process and analyze hourly datasets, identifying zones of extreme events and their frequency across multiple temporal scales. The framework uses ArcPy to automate the generation of nearly 40,000 mapped classifications for land masses 60°N and above. This automated pipeline enables both static and dynamic map generation capabilities for operational planning now and in the future. The resulting dataset provides critical spatial and temporal resolution of Arctic prevailing-conditions, enabling more refined characterization of extreme prevailing-conditions across the circumpolar region.

10 Oct 2025

Standard Operating Procedures for the Site Selection, Design, and Maintenance of All-Season Roads Linear Infrastructure

Abstract: Planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining all-season roads in cold regions requires navigating complex environmental, hydrologic, and geomorphologic challenges. Harsh conditions, such as permafrost, frost-susceptible soils, muskeg, and extreme cold, are compounded by limited data availability, remote locations, and fragile ecosystems. Recent Arctic strategies across the DoD have identified changing weather patterns as significant threats to infrastructure, operations, and training land management in these regions. Key risks include degrading permafrost, changes in precipitation intensity and duration, and the loss of soil bearing capacity in saturated soils, all of which are examined in detail. As the Department of Defense expands Arctic training capabilities, infrastructure investments across Alaska must balance operational goals with sustainability and resilience. This report synthesizes the military’s typical methods for constructing roads in contingency environments, identifies practices used in the construction of the Alaska-Canada Highway, and draws from consultations with training land managers, a thorough literature review, and active engineering research. The report highlights the importance of holistic design that prioritizes longevity, environmental conservation, and safety by addressing cold-region challenges, mitigation strategies, and best practices. This resource is indispensable for military units and infrastructure planners tasked with navigating the complexities of cold-region infrastructure construction and operation.

10 Oct 2025

Standard Operating Procedures for the Site Selection, Design, and Maintenance of Low-Water Crossing Linear Infrastructure in Cold Regions

Abstract: Low-water crossings (LWCs) are critical components of DoD infrastructure in Alaska and other cold regions, yet their effective siting, design, construction, and maintenance are challenged by remote locations, limited environmental data, seasonal hydrology, and complex terrain. Harsh winter conditions, rapid spring melt, and freeze–thaw cycles introduce hazards such as ice-related scour, debris loading, and variable streambed stability. In cold-region operational areas, natural processes such as permafrost degradation, shifting hydrologic regimes, and sudden flood events from glacial or thermokarst activity further increase risk to infrastructure performance and longevity. This report addresses these challenges by consolidating best practices and mitigation strategies for LWC implementation in cold environments. Drawing on technical literature, input from land managers, and existing agency standards and SOPs, the report identifies key considerations for improving LWC resilience. These include accounting for ice forces, complex geotechnical challenges, sediment transport, and the use of appropriate materials to name a few. By framing LWCs within a systems-based approach to site selection and engineering design, the report provides guidance for supporting safe and sustainable operations across Arctic and Subarctic training environments. It serves as a technical resource for DoD planners and engineers tasked with managing infrastructure in cold regions.