Power of ERDC

Originally developed to provide global operational reach for elite special operations units, the Team Awareness Kit (TAK) — also known as the Tactical Assault Kit — has matured into an advanced situational awareness ecosystem. This powerful suite of geospatial mapping applications and mission-planning tools delivers secure, real-time communication and critical data to operators across the Department of War, the Department of Homeland Security and local emergency response teams. In this episode, we are joined by Katlyn Mityga with the ERDC Geospatial Research Laboratory, who also serves as the Business Operations Lead for the TAK Product Center. Topics include an overview of TAK's capabilities for the military, first responders, and law enforcement (1:22); how the system's plug-in architecture enables continuous software development from the private sector (5:07); and the importance of user and vendor interactions at the annual off-site meeting (5:54). We also cover ERDC's role in system management and product development (7:49); TAK's early utility for special operations forces (9:59); and how emergency teams used TAK to coordinate the 2024 Texas flood response, gathering real-time data that was ultimately used to brief the President (12:10). Watch a video of this podcast at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/64-TAK-Geospatial-Awareness-Tool_video.

In contested operations, ports are no longer assumed to be available, secure, or fully functional. They are high-risk nodes that can be degraded, denied, or destroyed, placing immediate pressure on logistics timelines and mission execution. Dr. Aaron Byrd, ERDC research civil engineer, is advancing how the Army addresses that challenge. His work centers on developing digital tools that provide planners with immediate access to global port data and the ability to rapidly assess infrastructure performance under uncertain conditions. The Port Operations Rating Tool (PORT) integrates worldwide port characteristics into a smart web-based platform, allowing planners to evaluate throughput, identify constraints, and make data-driven decisions in real time. The System for Port Expeditionary Assessment and Repair (SPEAR) builds on that capability by enabling rapid assessment of port capacity against repair timelines, transforming analysis that once took weeks into decisions made in minutes. Together, these tools reduce reliance on vulnerable infrastructure, support identification of alternate ports, and enable faster deployment of engineering assets. The result is a more resilient logistics network and increased speed of global force projection in contested environments. On this episode, Byrd explains how PORT delivers accessible, integrated port intelligence for planning and execution (5:02); how SPEAR reduces throughput assessments from weeks to minutes (11:21); and how both tools enable identification of resilient logistics hubs and alternate ports to sustain operations in contested environments (14:24). Visit PowerofERDCPodcast.org/63-accelerating-port-assessments-contested-logistics_resources for more information. Watch a video of this podcast at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/63-accelerating-port-assessments-contested-Logistics_video.

From energy absorption to temperature resistance to self-healing, polymers hold vast potential. ERDC is combining its historic materials expertise with cutting-edge polymer research to unlock unique properties for the Warfighter and the nation. ERDC’s work is enabling advanced materials with diverse military and civil works applications, such as stopping projectiles, resisting corrosion and visualizing shockwaves. On today’s episode, we discuss ERDC’s advanced materials research with Dr. Travis Thornell and Dane Wedgeworth, both research physical scientists at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory. Topics include how ERDC’s polymer science research has grown over the past decade (1:06) and some its biggest success stories (9:32), how that research builds on ERDC’s deep expertise in materials (3:44), and the advantages of using polymers for civil works and military projects (13:00). We also discuss ERDC’s current materials science research (16:09), including a project that invented a new 3D-printable material for electronics (22:18) and another that developed a polymer material capable of visualizing shockwaves (24:25). Visit PowerofERDCPodcast.org/62-advanced-materials_resources for more information. Watch a video of this podcast at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/62-advanced-materials_video.

Modern military command and control units demand an unprecedented amount of power in the field, pushing traditional fuel resupply lines to their logistical limits and risking Warfighter lives. To confront this challenge, and overcome the risk to life and equipment, the Department of War and ERDC are accelerating the development of operational energy sources to ensure mission success and find significant cost savings. In this episode, Dr. Jess Lyons, a research scientist with the Operational Energy Team at ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, explains how ERDC is leveraging industry partnerships to rapidly develop, ruggedize, and field-test innovative operational energy systems that provide reliable power, cut fuel consumption and costs, and better serve our Armed Forces. Topics include a look at power demands for today’s command and control units (1:39); the real logistical, financial and human cost of current operational energy systems and resupply efforts (3:07); and an overview of the hybrid energy systems produced by industry partner LEMA currently being tested and deployed (10:03). We also discuss ERDC’s role in testing and ruggedizing these systems (14:41), the critically important feedback from military personnel in advancing new technologies (16:52), and why the demand for these operational energy systems has increased so rapidly in recent years (27:38). For more information, visit PowerofERDCPodcast.org/61-Frontline-Energy-Systems_resources. Watch a video of this podcast at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/61-Frontline-Energy-Systems_video.

In a contested environment, the ability to land, refuel and launch aircraft can determine mission success. Dr. Abby Cisko, a research mechanical engineer at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, is helping modernize how U.S. Forces build and sustain expeditionary airfields in austere conditions. Legacy airfield matting systems, like the decades-old AM2, remain effective but come with significant logistical challenges. Heavy, difficult to transport, and labor intensive to install, these systems can slow deployment timelines when speed is most critical. Cisko and her team are addressing that challenge through the development of the Airfield Mat Lightweight system (AML), an alternative designed to reduce weight, improve transport efficiency, and accelerate installation while maintaining operational performance. Cisko explains how the AML system is reshaping logistics by reducing transport requirements and enabling rapid construction of parking areas, taxiways, and fighter hide pads in a matter of days. She also highlights lessons learned from a recent large-scale demonstration in Guam, where direct feedback from Warfighters helped refine both the system design and the technical guidance needed for field use. Topics discussed include how AML improves deployment speed and reduces logistical burden (4:23); how Warfighter feedback is shaping system design and usability (9:31); and how new coating technologies and reusable materials extend the lifespan and flexibility of expeditionary airfield systems (20:29). Visit PowerofERDCPodcast.org/60-building-airfields-speed-of-mission_resources for more information about the AML system. Watch a video of this podcast at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/60-building-airfields-speed-of-mission_video.

Water is critical to life and essential for Warfighter operations. However, accessing it in frigid Arctic conditions can be a challenge. To meet this need, a portable water treatment system developed by ERDC was successfully demonstrated at the U.S. Department of War’s northernmost installation. The Deployable Resilient Installation water Purification and treatment System (DRIPS) supplied potable water at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. The test occurred during Expedition ARCHIE (the Arctic Resource Conservation Hydration Innovation Experiment), an international collaboration between ERDC, the U.S. Space Force and the Danish Defence Estate Agency. Joining us to discuss how DRIPS can improve water supply in the Arctic is Dr. Clint Smith, a senior research biologist at ERDC’s Geospatial Research Laboratory. Topics include the challenge of water resilience in the Arctic (1:28), the capabilities of the DRIPS system (9:12) and how it performed at Expedition ARCHIE (15:59). We also talk about ERDC’s participation in an international collaboration for Polar research (4:26), how DRIPS benefits from ERDC’s multidisciplinary expertise (20:47) and how the team is working with industry to rapidly transition the technology (24:00). Visit PowerofERDCPodcast.org/59-Expedition-ARCHIE_resources for more information about DRIPS and the experiment at Pituffik Space Base. Watch a video of this podcast at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/59-Expedition-ARCHIE_video.

As the Department of War increases its focus on the Arctic, ensuring our forces can operate effectively in one of the world's harshest environments has become a critical priority. From energy and infrastructure to the simple challenge of keeping equipment from freezing, the region’s demands require new and creative solutions, including the Mobile Insulation System for Energy Reduction (MISER). Justine Yu, a research architect with ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, discusses MISER’s development, its deployment to the Army, and the impact it and similar technologies can have on maximizing and protecting energy in austere environments. Topics include how and why MISER was developed (4:23), the importance of a blanket-like system such as MISER for equipment operations in the Arctic (5:16), and results and feedback from MISER’s recent deployment and testing in Alaska (6:11). We also discuss the Arctic Infrastructure Research Group, of which Yu is a part (1:36), and some of the group’s shared solutions (2:28). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/58-Resilient-Energy-In-The-Arctic_video.

Technological advancements are dramatically changing how facilities are designed, constructed and maintained. Given the rapid pace of change, it is important for the Department of War and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to stay updated on the latest advancements and promote consistent standards across their facilities, while also seeking new innovations to improve mission execution. The Tri-Services CAD/BIM Technical Center of Expertise (TCx), which is based at the ERDC Information Technology Laboratory (ITL), promotes cutting-edge engineering and design processes for military and civil works facilities. The team advises the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as USACE, on innovative uses of various technologies – from computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) to virtual and augmented reality, digital twins, artificial intelligence, and more. We speak with Nathan Jones and Brandon Meinert about how the team is working to transform the built environment. Jones is chief of the Tri-Services CAD/BIM TCx, and Meinert is a research general engineer at ITL. Topics include why the center is needed (4:22), how it has evolved (5:38), the role it plays today (6:54) and how it is working with private industry (26:18). We also discuss how the center is serving as a digital advisor (30:41), the transformative potential offered by digital twins (12:02), and how the center is applying artificial intelligence (16:45). For more information about the CAD/BIM TCx, visit PowerofERDCPodcast.org/57-CAD-BIM-TCx_resources. Watch a video of this podcast at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/57-CAD-BIM-TCx_video.

ERDC has a long legacy of bringing together researchers from various disciplines to make new discoveries that no one could have found alone. That cross-laboratory, cross-disciplinary collaboration is one of ERDC’s greatest strengths, enabling engineers and scientists to tackle problems in innovative ways. However, with seven laboratories spread across four states, it requires intentional effort to build these collaborative teams. That’s why ERDC launched the Research and Development – or RD as they’re known – workshop series in 2018 as a biennial event to enable researchers to learn from and interact with those in different laboratories – forming new teams and sowing the seeds for future innovations. RD26, the fifth installment in the series, was held in April and drew a record number of participants and presentations. Joining us to discuss ERDC’s efforts to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration are RD26 leads Carra Carrillo and Lauren May. Carrillo is the chief of the River and Estuarine Engineering Branch at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory. May is the acting chief of the Environmental Processes Branch at ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory. Topics discussed include the history of the RD workshop series and how it has evolved through the years (1:43), why cross-laboratory collaboration is important and the challenges of making it happen at a place like ERDC (3:44), and how the RD workshop series enables the cross-pollination of ideas (7:07). We also talked about how the event makes ERDC stronger (8:44), how it prepares future ERDC leaders (13:26), and the types of topics that were discussed at RD26 (15:36). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/56-cross-laboratory-collaboration_video.

Military operations require large amounts of energy to train, move and sustain forces, as well as to power weapons platforms – and this is known as operational energy. Given the high human toll and financial cost of supplying this energy to frontline forces, new strategies are seeking to electrify the battlefield and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is on the leading edge of efforts to find new ways to power U.S. forces, including innovations in energy storage and power management. By reducing the reliance on fuel resupply, ERDC’s work will save lives and money and will give units more flexibility to extend their operational reach and increase freedom of maneuver, enabling more successful Multi-Domain Operations. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we discuss these efforts with Tom Decker, operational energy program manager at ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory. We talk about why operational energy is an ERDC priority (4:06), the electrified battlefield concept (4:31), how ERDC’s effort benefits from both the organization’s history (13:10) and Decker’s military background (11:12), and how these efforts have a broader impact than the U.S. Military (19:25, 26:17). We also discuss several ERDC initiatives in this area, including providing data that enables better-informed energy decisions (14:10), hybrid systems that allow tactical generators to provide more power with less fuel (17:46), and a flow battery can energize critical parts of an installation when needed (20:49). And we explore what lies in the art of the possible in terms of operational energy (29:27) and how this effort fits into Multi-Domain Operations and Army modernization concepts (31:03). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Managing a reservoir is a delicate balancing act. If you keep too much water, there may not be enough storage capacity when heavy rains hit, increasing the risk for catastrophic flooding. If you release too much water, there won’t be enough to supply nearby residents who depend upon the reservoir for their survival. For decades, this process has been guided by water control manuals that dictate when to retain and when to release based on ground conditions. But a new research and operations partnership called Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) uses modern weather and streamflow forecasting to better inform water management decisions. As climate change threatens to bring more extreme floods and droughts, FIRO allows water managers to be as precise and efficient as possible in carefully balancing flood risk management, water supply and environmental needs. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with two leaders of the FIRO effort – Dr. Cary Talbot and Dr. Marty Ralph. Talbot is a division chief at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory and FIRO program manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Ralph is director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at the University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. We talk about atmospheric rivers (4:19) and how better water management in the West depends on better understanding these unique storms (8:00), how the FIRO effort has improved weather forecasting skill in the West (6:53) and the nation (11:11), and how these improved forecasts will enable better water management (18:11). We also discuss how ERDC came to be involved in FIRO (13:01), how the effort has been strengthened by its many partnerships (19:42), and efforts to expand this methodology throughout the nation (31:03). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Knowing the size of sand grains on the nation’s beaches is important to many coastal management efforts. However, getting that information is labor intensive, and no nationwide database of sand grain size currently exists. To fill this void, ERDC has launched SandSnap, a collaborative effort to engage citizen scientists in a project that will build that database and directly make our coastlines more resilient to the effects of storms and changing climates. Participants are asked to take a photo of the sand on their next beach trip, with a U.S. coin placed in the photo as a point of reference. Those photos can be uploaded to https://sandsnap-erdcchl.hub.arcgis.com, where a deep learning neural network will analyze the grain size to begin building the database. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Dr. Brian McFall, research coastal engineer at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory and lead for the SandSnap program. We discuss what SandSnap is and why it matters (3:13), why people should take the time to upload a SandSnap and how their effort will benefit our beaches and our planet (4:46), how SandSnap can make us more resilient to future hurricanes (11:03), the process to take and upload a SandSnap (14:26), the partners that are contributing to this effort (35:07), and how it is energizing a future generation of engineers and scientists (22:52). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information. Visit https://sandsnap-erdcchl.hub.arcgis.com to upload your SandSnap.

Since entering service in 1955, the B-52 Stratofortress has held strategic importance as the most combat capable bomber in the U.S. inventory. However, the newest B-52 dates to 1962, and it has become increasingly difficult to find parts to service its original engines. To keep this valuable aircraft flying, the Air Force embarked on a Commercial Engine Replace Program, or CERP, to replace the current engines with commercial ones that are so maintenance friendly and efficient they will pay for themselves in 10 years. Meeting this goal required a digital infrastructure that would allow designers to rapidly test proposed prototypes to ensure compatibility and catch potential pitfalls. That’s when the Air Force turned to ERDC. Using the Information Technology Laboratory’s Supercomputing Research Center (SRC), ERDC established a virtual ecosystem that integrated numerous design and visualization tools to meet this project’s unique requirements. This enabled the Air Force to select a new engine that will keep the legendary B-52 flying into the 2050s. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with York Yarbro, chief operating officer of the Supercomputing Research Center at ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory. We discuss how ERDC became involved in the effort to replace the B-52 engines (3:51), the unique capabilities ERDC brought to the project (14:26), the benefits of incorporating digital engineering techniques to help designers (4:56), the unique challenges the ERDC team faced and how they overcame them (10:28), and Yarbro’s personal connection to the B-52 modernization effort (15:03). We also talk about ERDC’s Supercomputing Research Center (16:26) and how both the Air Force (24:02) and SRC (25:08) will build off the successes of the B-52 modernization project. Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Invasive carp species pose a significant threat to native fisheries, disrupting ecological balances, inflicting economic harm and hampering recreational activities. One effort to mitigate this threat is focused on blocking these fish from entering the Great Lakes, where they could significantly disrupt a $7-billion fishing industry. Guided by ERDC research, a series of electric barriers was placed along a key navigable link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. ERDC continues to study additional methods to prevent carp passage, including the use of sound or carbon dioxide bubbles. ERDC’s research on this topic is part of a greater effort to protect endangered species in our nation’s waterways and manage invasive species in our fisheries. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Alan Katzenmeyer, chief of the Aquatic Ecology and Invasive Species branch at ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory. We discuss why the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is involved in managing invasive and endangered species (6:32), why there is so much focus on invasive carp and some of the research ERDC is doing in that area (8:30), and ERDC’s research that led to the electric barriers in the Chicago Area Waterway System (13:50). We also talk about other ERDC projects to manage invasive and endangered species in our fisheries (17:26), ERDC’s history in this research (28:05), how ERDC is uniquely situated to undertake this research (36:22) and what the future holds for it (38:47). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

It can take months or years for the Department of Defense to develop strategic and operational plans, with people, information and tools often scattered and stove-piped into silos. ERDC researchers have been working to develop a digital map-based environment for remote collaboration in near real time, enabling faster and more complete military planning to support timely and better-informed command decisions. The Joint Planning Services (JPS) platform allows access to dozens of authoritative live data feeds, with integrated tools to process and analyze the data, and meaningful ways to visualize the results. It also enables seamless coordination across echelons, organizations and warfighting functions. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with JPS program manager Reggie Hammond from ERDC’s Geospatial Research Laboratory in Alexandria, Virginia. We discuss how JPS is revolutionizing military planning (2:38), why ERDC is developing this capability (5:08 & 15:11), what is unique about the JPS platform (16:43), how the Joint Forces can benefit from JPS (24:14), how the technology can be used on the civil works side (27:06), and more. Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Given the strategic importance of air power in military conflicts, airfields often become targets. With airfield expertise that dates to World War II, ERDC has a rich history of developing solutions to rapidly repair and sustain airfields. Today, ERDC develops material and equipment solutions, as well as construction procedures, to push current Airfield Damage Repair capabilities and adapt them to changing missions and aircraft. These efforts are directly helping the U.S. and its Allies establish and maintain air superiority, allowing the Warfighter to gain advantage and accomplish the mission. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Jeb Tingle, a Senior Scientific Technical Manager at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory and lead for ERDC’s Airfield Damage Repair program. We discuss how ERDC came to be involved in airfields research and how those efforts have evolved through the years (3:20), why airfield damage repair is an important area of concern for the military (6:17), how the challenges have changed (16:11), how ERDC is uniquely situated to undertake this research that benefits all Services (22:03), civil works applications (28:58), and more. Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Permafrost, or ground that has been frozen for at least two years, covers roughly a quarter of the Northern Hemisphere. And it is teeming with microbes, including many with unique characteristics that have allowed them to adapt to extremely low temperatures and survive for decades. As climate change threatens to thaw permafrost and revive these microbial multitudes, ERDC is conducting extensive basic research to better understand these tiny organisms, comprehend what will happen when they are activated, and harness their special powers for new technologies. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Dr. Robyn Barbato, a research microbiologist at ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, about how this research will support military operations in extreme cold regions and will improve our understanding of the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems. We discuss the hidden power of these frozen microorganisms (3:18), why this research is important to the military (6:32), how it can improve the understanding of climate change (7:46), how ERDC’s people (18:05) and world-class facilities (20:10) enable this research, and what the future holds for this effort (35:09). We also explore how these living microbes can be used for various technologies and applications, such as environmental sensing, cleaning contaminants and producing electricity (22:27). Finally, we talk about basic research and what makes it important (12:26). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Given the aging condition and economic importance of much of the nation’s navigation infrastructure, asset managers need accurate and real-time information on the conditions of structures operating well beyond their expected design lives. However, visual inspections of structures like locks and dams are often difficult and expensive. ERDC is filling this void with a broad range of structural health monitoring capabilities. It has developed sensors that serve as virtual eyes and ears, providing constant real-time information on structural conditions. Combined with ERDC’s predictive modeling tools – and enhanced by data analytics and machine learning – this capability helps revolutionize and accelerate decision making and better prioritize maintenance funds. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we discuss ERDC’s Structural Health Monitoring program with Dr. Brian Eick and Dr. Matt Smith. Eick is a research civil engineer at ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory and the technical lead and program manager for ERDC’s Structural Health Monitoring program. Smith is a technical director at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory and until recently oversaw ERDC’s Structural Health Monitoring efforts. We discuss the broad scope of ways ERDC is working to tackle this problem (13:25), new vision-based monitoring approaches being applied by ERDC (11:22), what makes ERDC a unique place for structural health monitoring R&D (21:46), ways each of ERDC’s seven laboratories are involved in this effort and the power of that cross-disciplinary collaboration (24:21), and other current and potential future uses of ERDC’s structural health monitoring tools (31:40). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

After a structural collapse disaster, the eyes of the public are intensely focused on search-and-rescue efforts. Less familiar is the work of a special team from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) laboring behind the scenes to ensure the safety of those efforts. The USACE Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) program deploys specially trained and equipped structural engineers to augment FEMA US&R task forces. They monitor structural conditions, mitigate hazards, advise leaders, and assure mobility throughout a disaster site to enable rescue and lifesaving operations. ERDC plays an important role in this effort, providing both personnel and knowledge. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Jeff Qunell and Dr. Oliver Taylor about this world-class team that rapidly responds to some of the nation’s and the world’s most challenging rescue operations to prevent a compound catastrophe. Qunell is a structures specialist at the USACE South Pacific Division and is also program manager for the USACE US&R program. Taylor is a senior researcher at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory and a member of the USACE US&R team. We discuss the role of the USACE US&R program (4:08), how it began (8:01), past deployments (11:30), the Surfside condominium response (12:23), how the team keeps its skills sharp between deployments (22:30), how they develop training and national standards for structural collapse response operations (24:10), and the role ERDC plays (27:54). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

There are more than 8,000 major dams in the United States, and many of them are beyond their expected design life and require regular inspections and maintenance. The majority are embankment dams that feature outlet works structures that can be up to a half-mile long and that can be dangerous to inspect. Responding to a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers need, ERDC developed the DamBot, a robotic system capable of producing extremely detailed models of these outlet works systems. The DamBot gives inspectors a first look inside dam outlet works without exposing human operators to unknown conditions. It also collects high-resolution data that allows for more detailed inspections than currently available. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Dr. Julie Rosati and Dr. Anton Netchaev about how ERDC is enabling better and safer dam inspections. Rosati is a technical director at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory overseeing ERDC’s Civil Works Research and Development Area. Netchaev is a research computational scientist at ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory and principal investigator for the DamBot team. We discuss the importance and challenge of dam inspections (3:22), how the DamBot project began (6:55), DamBot’s capabilities (12:36), collaboration with USACE Districts (24:31), other agencies that can benefit from this technology (27:47), future plans including a 17-foot robotic arm (29:18), military applications (30:30), and how the DamBot can be used to operate in GPS-denied environments (31:29). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, our nation needed new ways to protect its civilians and Warfighters, and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center answered the call. Leveraging its long history of studying explosive effects and protective structures, ERDC has played a vital role in providing protection solutions throughout the past 20 years. When our Armed Forces and Allies faced changing threats during the Global War on Terror, ERDC wrote new force protection guidelines, delivered decision-support tools to provide clarity in unfamiliar scenarios, and developed rapidly deployable protective structures. As the nation remembers the 20th anniversary of the tragedy, we talk with technical directors Pam Kinnebrew and Nick Boone from ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory about their memories of that day, how it motivated ERDC to provide solutions, and the research that saved countless Warfighter and civilian lives. We discuss what was unique about the force protection challenges that arose in Afghanistan and Iraq (7:54), how ERDC leveraged past research to help meet these challenges (8:58), the solutions ERDC developed (14:08), the intense operational tempo that followed the 9/11 attacks (25:43), and how the lessons learned during the past 20 years can be applied to future force protection challenges (32:24). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Unmanned ground vehicles carry great potential for the Armed Forces, but before these systems can be deployed, they must undergo rigorous testing to ensure their autonomy can be trusted in difficult conditions. Since the early 2000s, ERDC has assisted this process by developing a suite of modeling and simulation tools that explore how autonomous systems will handle a diverse range of challenges that are often difficult to replicate with physical testing. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we are joined by Dr. Gabe Monroe, a research mechanical engineer at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory. We talk with Gabe about how ERDC’s research is accelerating unmanned ground vehicle development, increasing their combat effectiveness, and ultimately saving Warfighter lives. We will delve into ERDC’s long-established expertise in mobility modeling (4:18), why the military needs robust modeling and simulation for unmanned ground vehicles (10:49), the importance of exploring edge cases that supplement physical testing (14:52), ERDC’s partnership with the Ground Vehicle Systems Center (28:39), and how ERDC’s suite of modeling and simulation technologies can benefit other branches of the Armed Forces (29:58). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

Harmful algal blooms occur in freshwater when aquatic microorganisms, called cyanobacteria, grow rapidly and sometimes release toxins that are dangerous to humans and aquatic life. Such events have been known to compromise drinking water reservoirs, disrupt recreation, shut down fisheries, and kill fish, birds and other aquatic species. And scientists largely agree that these events are happening more often and in more diverse locations. Current federal policy identifies harmful algal blooms as one of the most complex and economically damaging aquatic issues threatening the nation’s ecosystems. The 2018 Water Resources Development Act authorized ERDC to implement a five-year technology research program to deliver scalable technologies for harmful algal bloom detection, prevention and management. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jen Seiter-Moser and Molly Reif from ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory to talk about the key role ERDC is playing in solving this critical national challenge. Seiter-Moser, an ERDC technical director overseeing Civil Works Environmental Engineering and Sciences, discusses the scope of ERDC’s research. Reif, the Geospatial Data Analysis team lead, details a specific project that enables researchers and water managers to use remote sensing technologies to quickly detect the presence of water quality indicators of blooms in small, inland bodies of water. Topics discussed on today’s episode include why ERDC is involved in studying this issue (6:50), the importance of partnerships (8:16), the scope of ERDC’s harmful algal bloom research (10:07), a project that uses remote sensing to detect the presence of blooms (14:40), why that project has resonated so much (19:02), and ways ERDC is able to leverage cross-disciplinary expertise in discovering solutions for harmful algal blooms (25:51). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

  The blockage of Egypt’s Suez Canal in March shone renewed focus on just how many goods are shipped around the world and how fragile those routes can be. Given the shipping industry’s importance in the U.S., American planners must have world-class tools to prevent a comparable disaster from congesting American waterways. ERDC has operated a ship simulator for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers since the late 1980s to model the maneuverability of large ships through our nation’s ports and harbors. Benefitting from ERDC’s superior numerical modeling expertise, the simulator simulates how vessels respond to a variety of environmental forces. It gives planners the ability to see potential problems in a virtual environment, modify designs and retest to come up with the best plans for a given port. Given its years of success in simulating our nation’s waterways, the versatile simulator is now being used by the military to plan and train for amphibious operations around the world. We are joined by Dr. Keith Martin, a research physicist at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory and lead of the Ship Simulator program, to talk about how ERDC is enabling safer waterways, better and more efficient port designs and better military operations planning. We discuss ERDC’s unique capabilities in ship simulation (8:48), how this technology is being used for both civil works (7:06) and military projects (12:05), how ship simulation can benefit the military (12:48), how it is being paired with ERDC’s ground vehicle simulation technology (16:59), and the expertise ERDC offers (24:02). We also talk about a successful feasibility study involving the port of Long Beach, in which ERDC’s ship simulator was able to identify design flaws and rapidly enable new safer designs (24:39). ERDC is offering a special webinar on June 23 for members of the U.S. military to learn more about the ship simulator’s capabilities to solve tough challenges. Email [email protected] to register or for more information. Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.  

The rapid accumulation of ice creates significant challenges for U.S. military operations and civilian activities in cold environments. It hampers mobility, disrupts communication, creates power outages and degrades infrastructure. That’s why a team of ERDC researchers is conducting innovative basic research to unravel the physical processes of how ice attaches to different surfaces, paving the way for the future development of advanced protective coating materials and the expansion of existing treatments to broader applications. On this episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we are joined by Dr. Emily Asenath-Smith, a research materials engineer at ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire. We discuss why CRREL is the perfect place to conduct this research (3:04), the importance of studying ice adhesion (3:51), basic research and why it matters (4:32), how this research will help the military (11:07), the unique method used by the research team to grow ice (19:08) and long-term practical applications (17:10). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

  As Global Positioning System, or GPS, technology becomes more commonplace, so does its usage by the Armed Forces in preparing for and executing battleplans. However, there has also been a growing trend of adversaries using technologies to jam or spoof these signals. This created a need to provide mapping capabilities for use in GPS-denied environments. New ERDC research is solving this challenge with technology that can instantly process 3D data collected from various sensors the Warfighters are wearing and use it to navigate them without the need for GPS. On today’s episode, we talk about mapping in GPS-denied environments with Dr. Ricky Massaro, a physical scientist at ERDC’s Geospatial Research Laboratory. Topics include an explanation of GPS technologies and what makes them so important (5:24), providing situational awareness in GPS-denied environments (7:14), what is novel about this technology (13:04), the extensive work being done with multiple Army Cross Functional Teams and other partners (13:46), and efforts to provide more realistic mission rehearsal scenarios (15:56). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.  

  The importance of cybersecurity continues to increase, both as more functions become connected to the internet and as adversaries exploit cyberattacks as a weapon in future conflicts. From the SolarWinds Orion hack to the breach of a Florida water treatment plant, recent attacks have underscored the critical function cybersecurity plays to national security interests. ERDC is playing a key role in the efforts to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity. It protects the Defense Research and Engineering Network, safeguarding the intellectual property of defense labs across the United States and the world. ERDC also performs independent assessments of cybersecurity controls, conducts research to discover innovative cyber-protection strategies, and performs adversarial emulation to proactively identify and mediate vulnerabilities and security weaknesses for the Army, DOD and federal agencies. On today’s episode, we talk cyber security with Chris Callahan, the chief of the Cybersecurity Engineering and Analysis Branch at ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory. Topics include lessons from the SolarWinds Orion breach (4:39), the dangers hacking can pose to critical infrastructure (6:30), the importance of cybersecurity to national security (10:59), ways smaller entities can improve cybersecurity (12:02), ERDC’s cybersecurity niche (13:30), white-hat hackers (18:29), and things everyone can do at home to secure their networks (24:37). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information. LINKS: CyberPatriot youth education program (https://www.uscyberpatriot.org/) DOD Bug Bounty Program/ Hack the Pentagon program (https://www.hackerone.com/hack-the-pentagon) Scholarship for Service program designed to recruit and train next generation of cyber security professionals (https://www.sfs.opm.gov/)  

The nature of military bases is changing throughout the Armed Services. New defense doctrine increases their strategic importance for projecting power and for protecting Warfighters from emerging unconventional threats. Meanwhile, leaders desire more modernized facilities that will improve quality of life, keep pace with smart city technologies, and minimize their environmental footprint. ERDC is developing new technologies to help meet these goals. And many of those technologies are being put to the test during an ambitious rebuild of Tyndall Air Force Base, which was devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Michael in 2018. ERDC is playing a key role in the effort to re-imagine Tyndall’s future, and it will learn valuable lessons that can be applied to installations across the Army and the Armed Services. On today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Buddy Bartels, a research civil engineer at ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory. Buddy discusses how today’s ERDC research is enabling tomorrow’s Installations of the Future. Topics include the changing nature of installations (4:55), ERDC’s involvement in the Tyndall rebuild (10:00), ERDC’s Virtual Testbed for Installation Mission Effectiveness (11:23), and the breadth of ERDC’s involvement in the Installations of the Future effort (18:49). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for resources and more information.

  The intensity and frequency of wildfires in the United States is increasing, bringing immense devastation that is compounded by a lesser-known threat. Flood risks also increase exponentially after a wildfire due to sediment hazards, vegetation loss, soil changes and the reduced capacity of reservoirs. Destructive debris floods can be 1,000-times larger than pre-wildfire floods. In the past, a limited understanding of this increased risk left fire-torn communities particularly vulnerable to flooding. New research and improved modeling are critical to better manage the impact of debris flows, save lives, and protect infrastructure and property. That’s why a team of ERDC researchers is developing new modeling techniques that accurately predict the areas at highest risk for deadly debris flows. On today’s episode of the Power of ERDC Podcast, we are joined by Ian Floyd, a research physical scientist at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory. Co-hosts Megan Holland and Chris Kieffer talk with Ian about how ERDC is working to solve the challenges presented by post-wildfire floods. Ian discusses what makes it so difficult to model and predict post-wildfire flooding (3:55), the new science his team is using (6:33), how ERDC is able to help communities better manage these increased flood threats (10:18), military applications (18:20), how prepared the country is to face the current post-wildfire flood season (16:53), and more. Visit https://poweroferdcpodcast.org/podcast-deep-dive-post-wildfire-flood-risk-management for resources and more information.  

  The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has been solving the nation’s toughest challenges for more than 90 years. Now, you can go behind the scenes as some of our nation’s smartest engineers and scientists solve complex problems across ERDC’s broad Civil Works and military mission space. Introducing the new “Power of ERDC” podcast, now available in all major podcast players and at https://www.powerofERDCpodcast.org. New episodes will be released each month and will dive into a different ERDC research project that is solving a pressing a problem, including interviews with the researchers to explain how they are discovering, developing and delivering cutting-edge solutions that make the world safer and better. Satisfy your curiosity and join us on a problem-solving journey as we unravel the nation’s toughest science and engineering challenges.