7 Oct 2025

Gravel Investigations Informing Resource Management Within the Lower Mississippi River

Abstract: This report integrates available information about gravel deposits within the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) from previous studies coupled with new analysis to identify reoccurring observed gravel locations. This study also summarizes spatial and temporal trends of bed material sediment characteristics, focusing primarily on gravel. Moreover, selected data sets from previous studies, and field and aerial observations have been added to a geographic information system (GIS) database housed in ArcPro to illustrate observed gravel locations. Last, a literature review documenting the ecological importance of gravel bars to riverine fauna and a brief discussion of potential technologies to support conservation efforts are included. Major findings summarized herein are (1) the presence of gravel deposits tend to decrease in a downstream direction along the LMR; (2) qualitative analyses of aerial videos suggest that gravel-predominant bars are more common between River Miles 953 and 681; (3) past investigations have documented gravel sizes at rivers bars ranging from pebbles to boulders; (4) the gravel content in LMR bed material samples has decreased since 1932; and (5) more detailed surveys are needed to better delineate the spatial extents and depth of gravel bars and identify suitable technology to detect potential buried gravel.

2 Oct 2025

Modeling Thermocouple Placement in a CUBI Test Fixture

Abstract: This report describes an effort to model the response of temperature thermocouples mounted on a multisurface CUBI test fixture as a means to document potential thermocouple error sources. (CUBI is a euphemistic term that describes an assembly of contiguous cubic or rectangular solids.) The thermal solver within the commercially available Multi-Service Electro-Optical Signature (MuSES) Infrared (IR) was employed for modeling and analysis. Modeling was divided between the development of models to study individual temperature sensors and the incorporation of many such sensors into a full-up CUBI apparatus. The MuSES model of the simple plate in replicating analytic results to a high degree of accuracy, thus validating the MuSES solver. Additionally, MuSES modeled a CUBI fixture as a 2D shell in an outdoor environment. This model was run with and without attached sensors. The difference in temperature of a particular sensor and of the underlying CUBI surface with the sensor absent provided a prediction of the measurement artifact introduced by that sensor.

2 Oct 2025

Innovative Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) Assessment Training Tools

Abstract: In an effort to develop active and engaging online training experiences that effectively simulate hands-on lessons and provide an experience equivalent to on-site visits, researchers at the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) developed a series of immersive web-based training tools that support virtual learning. This report discusses the role of active learning, the need for advanced training tools, and describes the CERL effort to develop training tools. It also provides feedback on the experiences and effectiveness of various platforms that were used to develop these tools.

2 Oct 2025

Field Study of Nontraditional Airfield Pavements

Abstract: Airfield pavements in contingency environments might not meet current design standards or might have deteriorated significantly. This study developed performance models for operating C-17 and C-130 aircraft on austere pavements, termed nontraditional airfield pavements. Field evaluations were conducted at six exemplar pavement sections to determine their structural capacity and remaining service life. The structural capacity of these pavement sections was first evaluated using nondestructive and semi-destructive test methods. The evaluations were performed using a single-wheel aircraft-loading simulator operated at two tire inflation pressures while maintaining total aircraft load. Field performance data included sur-face pavement deformation and structural deterioration. Forensic test pits were excavated to document the pavement structural design, material characteristics, and potential failure mechanism. This study found that an expedient contingency operation (100 passes or fewer) of a C-17 could be satisfactorily accomplished, and the service life could be potentially greater for a C-130. Reducing the tire inflation pressure did not always influence the pavements’ performance. The lightweight deflectometer showed potential as a portable pavement-monitoring tool. ERDC developed an improved performance-prediction technique for nontraditional airfield pavements and now propose further implementation to predict service life of other air-field pavement types.

1 Oct 2025

US Army Water Reuse: 2023 Survey of Wastewater Reuse at US Army Installations

Abstract: The US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (USACE ERDC-CERL), partnered with the US Army Material Command (HQAMC G4) to collect information on water use and wastewater to understand water re-use at the installation level by distributing a water reuse questionnaire. From May to September 2023, ERDC-CERL compiled the 98 responses received from all Army installations and established the following baseline data for water reuse: the US Army produces 35.9 million gallons per day (MGD) of effluent, 30.4 MGD of which receives a minimum of secondary treatment making it potentially eligible for reuse, however the US Army currently only reuses 4.51 MGD. Current reuse practices save the Army up-wards of $751,849 every month in potable water cost offsets; however, the Army could potentially save approximately $4.3 million every month if they expanded their water reuse to its current full capacity (including re-use of effluent receiving secondary or tertiary treatment). This project will be foundational for continual studies of water reuse in the Army. It will aid in creating installation energy and water plans (IEWPs), in developing a proposed geospatial dashboard tool, and in further water reuse projects with other Department of Defense departments.

1 Oct 2025

Fort McHenry Limited Access Channel: Ship Simulation Study

Abstract: The Port of Baltimore (POB), Maryland is the primary US entry point for roll-on/roll-off cargo and significant export location for coal. POB generates millions of dollars in revenue per day. The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge brought about by the M/V Dali striking of Pier 19 closed the POB to all vessel traffic, halting all port business. The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL) conducted an emergency ship simulation study to assist the US Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District (CENAB) in evaluating the viability of a proposed limited-access channel around the site of the M/V Dali accident. During this study and with the participation of the Association of Maryland Pilots (AMP), ERDC-CHL was able to confirm the viability of the limited-access channel for five different classes of vessels drafting less than 35 feet.

1 Oct 2025

Relief Well Sustainment Deployable Resilient Installation Water Purification and Treatment System (RWS-DRIPS): Treatment of Relief Wells at Perry Dam, Kansas

Purpose: This report details the treatment process and resulting outcomes for relief wells at Perry Dam (Jefferson County, Kansas) using the Relief Well Sustainment Deployable Resilient Installation Water Purification and Treatment System (RWS-DRIPS) treatment trailer. The RWS-DRIPS is a mobile treatment unit with comprehensive water treatment capabilities designed to disinfect surface and subsurface water with high efficiency. Immediately following treatment with the RWS-DRIPS unit, video monitoring was used to observe the condition of the relief wells. The results of that observation are described in this report.

1 Oct 2025

Numerical Storm Surge Modeling and Probabilistic Analysis for Evaluating Proposed New Jersey Back Bays Inlet Closures

Abstract: The US Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are currently engaged in the New Jersey Back Bays (NJBB) Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study. The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, conducted a numerical hydrodynamic modeling and probabilistic hazard analysis study to evaluate the effectiveness of storm surge barriers in reducing water levels in the NJBB. The numerical modeling study included the simulation of water levels and a comparison of water surface elevations and corresponding annual exceedance frequency between existing conditions and six final project alternatives. Results from the hydrodynamic simulations and probabilistic analysis are presented herein.

1 Oct 2025

Predicting Seagrass Habitat Suitability with Remote Sensing and Machine Learning: A Case Study in the Mississippi-Alabama Barrier Islands

Abstract: Seagrass occupies sandy platforms landward of the Mississippi-Alabama barrier islands, where the benthos experiences consistent sediment transport. This work characterized benthos surrounding Cat Island, Mississippi, to assess the influence of elevation and geomorphological features (e.g., slopes, flats, peaks, and valleys) on seagrass presence. Two machine learning algorithms predicted seagrass presence/absence (from airborne hyperspectral imagery) based on elevation and geomorphology (derived from airborne lidar bathymetry) for 2016, 2018, and 2019. Results indicated elevation primarily influenced seagrass presence, with minimal impact from geomorphology. Elevation change was not predictive, suggesting seagrass tolerated observed deposition/erosion rates. This research showcases remote sensing and machine learning efficacy in predicting seagrass habitat suitability (greater than 70% accuracy) and conveys implications for conservation.

30 Sep 2025

EWN Compass: Implementation Toolbox for Natural and Nature-Based Features

Purpose: This Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) technical note introduces the EWN Compass: Implementation Toolbox for Natural and Nature-Based Features—a user-friendly, web-based application developed using Esri ArcGIS Online. Designed to support practitioners in selecting and integrating natural and nature-based features (NNBF) into infrastructure projects, the toolbox provides structured access to existing resources, case studies, and environmental data to inform resilient and sustainable design solutions.