5 May 2025

Assessing a Mobile Microgrid to Support Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on Army Installations

Abstract: Supplying reliable, off-grid power is critical for transitioning the Army’s fleet to zero carbon emitting vehicles. At the same time, vehicle charging and mission support equipment may require increased electrical loads than currently experienced at Army installations. Other decarbonization initiatives require clean sources of energy. Using microgrids powered with renewable electricity generation systems is a viable, independent solution for powering electric vehicles. Yet, there is a need to fill information gaps in the performance of these systems for realizing sustainable and resilient energy. The goal of this project was to increase the Army’s energy resilience by reducing reliance on the utility grid by using a compact and mobile microgrid that functions as an EV charging station. In this study, a trailered, mobile microgrid that integrates solar panels, a diesel generator, and batteries is evaluated based on performance under varying conditions. The energy generation capabilities are documented and evaluated for capabilities for powering electric vehicles. The outcomes of this research are the advancement of energy resiliency and the addition of performance in temperate and cold regions to the knowledge base. It is also anticipated this research may be leveraged to facilitate power independence and further support decarbonization efforts.

21 Apr 2025

Potential Benefits of Subaqueous Soil Data on Department of Defense Installations

Purpose: Many domestic and international US Department of Defense (DoD) installations are located in coastal areas. Recent advances in the classification and mapping of subaqueous soils, which occur in shallow freshwater and marine environments, has the potential to benefit US military operations in several different ways. This technical note communicates the importance of subaqueous soil classification and describes how subaqueous soil information can inform the management of natural resources, infrastructure and transportation, mitigation of coastal storm risk, protection of the coast from natural threats, and the understanding of nearshore environments in the US and abroad.

6 Mar 2025

Effect of Fighter Aircraft Traffic on Full-Depth Reclamation with Thin Surface Layers

Abstract: The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) constructed a full-scale test section to evaluate the effectiveness of different pavement surface technologies in sustaining fighter aircraft traffic. A deteriorated thin asphalt pavement was recycled utilizing full-depth reclamation (FDR) techniques with cement stabilization. Relatively thin surfacing solutions constructed with either conventional hot mix asphalt (HMA) or nontraditional surface materials were placed on the FDR layer and trafficked with a single-wheel F-15 load cart. Rutting behavior, instrumentation response, and nondestructive evaluation measurements were monitored during traffic. Experimental results showed that thin surface treatments and microsurfacing materials placed on FDR layers were capable of supporting an extremely limited number of F-15 operations, and the generation of foreign object debris (FOD) was a major concern. A 4 in. thick HMA layer was required to sustain a meaningful number of F-15 operations, that is, approximately 3,000, and a 2 in. thick HMA layer was required to sustain approximately 100 F-15 passes. An analysis using the Airfield Pavement Evaluation subroutine in PCASE suggested that existing stabilized equivalency factors were reasonable when the minimum asphalt layer thickness was specified. A reduced equivalency factor was observed when the asphalt layer thickness was less than the minimum thickness.

3 Mar 2025

Full-Depth Reclamation Equipment Evaluation and Expedient Pavement Reconstruction Process Development

Abstract: Full-depth reclamation (FDR) is a rehabilitation approach that can be readily applied to rapidly restore the structural capacity of heavily distressed or structurally deficient airfield asphalt pavements. This report presents a market survey of compact FDR construction equipment that could be deployed in contingency environments. Current equipment inventories from the US Air Force and Marine Corps were reviewed to identify gaps in terms of equipment for pavement reconstruction via the FDR technique. Additionally, a field demonstration was conducted to assess the effectiveness and productivity of FDR reclaimers on representative airfield asphalt pavements. A preliminary reconstruction process and a spreadsheet based calculator were developed to estimate construction times for the FDR technique. Examples of pavement reconstruction scenarios were generated to illustrate the FDR process as well as identify an approach with optimized construction times. The information in this report aims to assist in the implementation of reconstruction specifications for the FDR technique as applicable to expedient construction projects in contingency environments.

21 Jan 2025

Engineering With Nature: Natural Infrastructure for Mission Readiness at U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Installations

Abstract: This book illustrates some of the current challenges and hazards experienced by military installations, and the content highlights activities at eight U.S. Navy and Marine Corps military installations to achieve increased resilience through natural infrastructure.

8 Oct 2024

Identifying Sustainability and Resilience Investments to Implement the 2022 US Army Climate Strategy: Fiscal Year 2023 Sustainable Design and Development Update

Abstract: This report offers a detailed assessment of the US Army’s adherence to sustainable design and development (SDD) policies, encompassing the US Army Sustainable Design and Development (SDD) Policy memorandum; Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 1-200-02, High Performance and Sustainable Building Requirements; Executive Orders 14,008 and 14,057; the Army Climate Strategy; and required LEED v4 certifications. The evaluation comprises five primary tasks, including quarterly reports on US Army military construction (MILCON) project LEED v4 certifications, analysis of US Army LEED v4 certifications and trends, research and implementation of the intermediate objectives in the 2022 US Army Climate Strategy focusing on strategies to achieve climate goals, an analysis ex-plaining the advantages of Performance Excellence in Electricity Renewal (PEER) certification for Army microgrids, and industry knowledge gained from participation in the Greenbuild 2022 conference. Key recommendations developed in this assessment include enhancing transparency in LEED reporting, considering PEER certification, expediting climate strategy implementation, and active participation in industry gatherings. This report serves as a comprehensive resource for informed decision-making, aiding the US Army in advancing its sustainable design and development initiatives to meet future environmental and sustainability objectives.

19 Sep 2024

The Arctic Deployable Resilient Installation Water Purification and Treatment System (DRIPS): Microgrid Integration with Geoenabled Water Production and Disinfection Systems for Installations

Abstract: The purpose of the Arctic Deployable Resilient Installation water Purification and treatment System (DRIPS) is to be a critical asset in disaster response and military operations by providing a reliable and effective means of producing potable water and disinfection in a challenging and unpredictable environment, such as in an extremely cold climate. The objective of this effort was to deliver, integrate, and demonstrate the Arctic DRIPS to show that it can provide drinkable water to users of the microgrid within polar climate zones. Its adaptability, mobility, and comprehensive water treatment capabilities make it an invaluable resource for addressing water-related emergencies and water disruptions and for sustaining critical missions. It also addresses a point of need by improving the ability to meet demands while reducing convoy requirements and the logistical foot-print and ensuring the well-being of affected installations during disaster responses, training operations, normal water disruptions, and emergency preparation. The DRIPS was delivered to Fort Wainwright, a sub-Arctic installation, to demonstrate the integration of a water treatment component within a microgrid structure and to help them be better prepared to meet their water and energy requirement goals. The microgrid integration requirements were met upon implementation of this project.

3 Apr 2024

Deployable Resilient Installation Water Purification and Treatment System (DRIPS): Geoenabled Water Production and Disinfection Systems for Installations

Abstract: The Deployable Resilient Installation water Purification and treatment System (DRIPS) was delivered to aid an Organic Industrial Base in increasing their Installation Status Report–Mission Capacity (ISR-MC) score from black to green as part of a Course of Action (COA) within their Installation Energy and Water Plan (IEWP). DRIPS was also intended to help them be better prepared for the future in meeting their water and energy requirement goals for sustainment of critical missions. The IEWP ISR-MC requirements were met upon implementation of this project. Overall, the purpose of the DRIPS is to be a critical asset in disaster response and military operations, providing a reliable and effective means of producing potable water and disinfection in challenging and unpredictable environments. Its adaptability, mobility, and comprehensive water treatment capabilities make it an invaluable resource for addressing water-related emergencies and water disruptions and for sustaining critical missions. It also addresses a point of need by improving the ability to meet demands, reducing convoy requirements and the logistical footprint, facilitating the endurance of expeditionary forces, and ensuring the well-being of affected installations during times of disaster response, training operations, normal water disruptions, and emergency preparation.

20 Mar 2024

Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Planning in Select African Countries

Abstract: Managing wastes produced during contingency operations in United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) locations has historically relied on local contract disposal or open-air burn pits, which have been shown to be harmful to the health of service members. Posture locations that can find alternative ways to manage waste, specifically through contracts with the host country’s waste services, can better protect the health and safety of the warfighter and the native landscapes. African waste systems are complex, decentralized systems with considerable regional variation. The lack of government-funded waste management services leaves many residents with few options for safe disposal. The differing waste disposal strategies are described to offer guidance for military operations in the focus countries of Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Niger, Senegal, and Uganda. Relevant international agreements regulating the flow of hazardous waste across borders that can impact disposal plans are also noted. This report serves as a reference to develop waste management alternatives in the USAFRICOM area of responsibility (AOR). Official Department of Defense and Army regulations should be consulted when devising an integrated waste management plan.

5 Mar 2024

Environmental DNA Sampling for At-Risk and Invasive Species Management on Military Ranges: Guidelines and Protocols for Installation Biologists and Land Managers

Abstract: Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, or the detection of trace DNA shed by organisms into their environment, has the potential to transform Army capabilities for threatened and endangered species (TES) and invasive species management by providing a rapid, noninvasive, and cost-effective option for monitoring wildlife. Despite these benefits, eDNA analysis is underutilized on military installations as limited access to guidance materials, protocols, training opportunities, and support from eDNA scientists makes it difficult for installation biologists and military land managers to design and execute eDNA surveys, let alone identify management questions that may benefit from eDNA monitoring. Therefore, the aim of this resource is to increase awareness of the benefits and limitations of eDNA monitoring and provide eDNA study design guidelines and field sampling protocols for nonexperts to make this tool more accessible to installation biologists and land managers and help facilitate the adoption of eDNA-based approaches for wildlife management on military ranges.