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  • Ranking Ports by Vessel Demand for Depth

    Abstract: The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) traditionally uses two metrics to evaluate the maintenance of coastal navigation projects: tonnage at the associated port (representing relative importance) and the controlling depth in the channel (representing operating condition). These are incorporated into a risk-based decision framework directing funds where channel conditions have deteriorated and the disrupted tonnage potential is the highest. However, these metrics fail to capture shipper demand for the maintained depth service provided by the USACE through dredging. Using automatic identification system (AIS) data, the USACE is pioneering new metrics describing vessel demand for the channel depth, represented by vessel encroachment volume (VEV). VEV describes the volume of the hull intruding into a specified clearance margin above the bed and captures how much vessels use the deepest portions of USACE-dredged channels. This study compares the VEV among 13 ports over 4 years by combining AIS, tidal elevations, channel surveys, and sailing draft. The ports are ranked based on the services demanded by their user base to inform the decision framework driving dredge funding allocations. Integrating demand for-depth metrics into the Harbor Maintenance Fee assessment and/or Trust Fund disbursements could alleviate the constitutionality concerns and several criticisms levied against Harbor Maintenance funding.
  • Development and Characterization of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete for the Rehabilitation of Navigation Lock Structures

    Abstract: This report details the history of vertical lock wall repairs and the development and laboratory characterization of an ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) using locally sourced materials for improved durability of lock walls subjected to impact and abrasion from navigational vessels. This UHPC, referred to as Lock-Tuf, has been designed for use in a precast environment with ambient curing methods and serves as a material proof-of-concept for future lock wall rehabilitations. Mechanical properties such as unconfined compressive strength, flexural response, tensile capacity, impact resistance, and abrasion resistance have been quantified experimentally.
  • Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) Path Planning in 2.5D and 3D

    Abstract: Herein, we explored path planning in 2.5D and 3D for unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) applications. For real-time 2.5D navigation, we investigated generating 2.5D occupancy grids using either elevation or traversability to determine path costs. Compared to elevation, traversability, which used a layered approach generated from surface normals, was more robust for the tested environments. A layered approached was also used for 3D path planning. While it was possible to use the 3D approach in real time, the time required to generate 3D meshes meant that the only way to effectively path plan was to use a preexisting point cloud environment. As a result, we explored generating 3D meshes from a variety of sources, including handheld sensors, UGVs, UAVs, and aerial lidar.
  • Automatic Identification System (AIS) Data Case Study: Identifying Unofficial Mooring Areas along the Upper Mississippi River

    Purpose: This Dredging Operations and Technical Support (DOTS) program technical note presents the results of a study undertaken at the request of staff from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Rock Island District (MVR) as part of a larger effort examining the potential creation of seven new permanent mooring cells along the Upper Mississippi River in proximity to lock and dam (LD) locations selected by MVR. MVR staff were interested in evaluating vessel traffic and identifying unofficial mooring areas (i.e., waiting areas) in the vicinity of LD7, LD10, LD11, LD14, LD15, LD20, and LD22; they were also interested in travel times from those unofficial mooring areas to the destination lock. The search distance for unofficial mooring areas was limited to 20 miles from the lock, or the distance to the next closest lock if less than 20 miles, in the appropriate direction (i.e., upstream or downstream), as specified by MVR staff.
  • Houston Ship Channel Expansion Channel Improvement Project (ECIP) Numerical Modeling Report: Increased Channel Width Analysis

    Abstract: The Houston Ship Channel is one of the busiest deep-draft navigation channels in the United States and must be able to accommodate larger vessel dimensions over time. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Galveston (SWG) requested the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory perform hydrodynamic and sediment modeling of proposed modifications along the Houston Ship Channel. The modeling results are necessary to provide data for salinity and sediment transport analysis as well as ship simulation studies. SWG provided a project alternative that includes channel widening, deepening, and bend easing. After initial analysis, two additional channel widths in the bay portion of the Houston Ship Channel were requested for testing. The results of these additional channel widths are presented in this report. The model shows that the salinity does not vary significantly due to the channel modifications being considered for this project. Changes in salinity are 2 parts per thousand or less. The tidal prism increases by less than 2% when the project is included, and the tidal amplitudes increase by no more than 0.01 meter. The residual velocity vectors do vary in and around areas where project modifications are made.
  • PUBLICATION NOTICE: Shallow Water Seakeeping Tests with Columbia Class Submarine for Integration into the Environmental Monitoring and Operator Guidance System

    Abstract: The Environmental Monitoring and Operation Guidance System (EMOGS) tool was developed in 1989 to provide a real-time risk analysis for underkeel clearance for the Ohio class submarine while in transit to the Naval Submarine Base at Kings Bay, Georgia. The program computes expected submarine response for input water level, depth, speed, wave, and other input conditions using shallow-water motion transfer functions generated by the strip theory tool, Large Amplitude Motion Program (LAMP). The integration of the new Columbia class submarine into EMOGS required that new transfer functions be developed using LAMP. The LAMP results are to be validated using measured motions from physical model laboratory testing. This report summarizes a laboratory study of the Columbia class submarine response in shallow-water waves. The study was conducted at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, and was done in direct support of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division. These seakeeping tests were performed in a shallow basin with a multi-directional wave generator, with measured still water vessel motions and measured vessel motion in regular and irregular waves of varying height, period, and direction.
  • PUBLICATION NOTICE: Investigation of Shoaling in the Federal Navigation Channel, Waukegan Harbor, Illinois

    Abstract: Persistent and excessive shoaling occurs in the Outer Harbor and Approach Channel of the Waukegan Harbor, Illinois. This report describes a numerical modeling study performed for the US Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, to evaluate the existing harbor and 11 structural alternatives for three crest elevations. This report provides details of numerical modeling study, analysis of field data, and estimates of shoaling. The focus of the study is the investigation of a variety of structural solutions intercepting and/or diverting sediments to reduce shoaling in the navigation channel. These include breakwaters, groins, spurs, and structural extensions with varying length and crest elevation connecting to the north beach and existing north breakwater. Estimates of both shoaling volume and height are developed with and without project using an integrated wave-flow-sediment transport numerical modeling approach. Quantitative reduction estimates are provided for each structural alternative investigated.
  • PUBLICATION NOTICE: Measuring Climate and Extreme Weather Vulnerability to Inform Resilience Report 2: Port Decision-Makers’ Barriers to Climate and Extreme Weather Adaption

     Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/35199Report Number: ERDC/CHL CR-19-3Title: Measuring Climate and Extreme Weather Vulnerability to Inform Resilience Report 2: Port Decision-Makers’ Barriers to Climate and Extreme Weather AdaptionBy Elizabeth L. Mclean and Austin Becker Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited November