A Tradition of Innovation by US Army Engineer Research and Development Center

A LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP

One ERDC, One Team It is a momentous time at ERDC as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this great organization! When I think back to my memories of Oct. 1, 1998, when our Chief of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Joe Ballard, signed the order to merge USACE’s then-eight research laboratories into one organization, I could not be more proud of what we have accomplished over the last quarter of a century. Looking back at those early days, our biggest challenge was to move beyond our individual identities and pull together as one entity. We needed to build what we have today – One ERDC, One Team. Those efforts were accelerated on Sept. 11, 2001, as terrorist attacks we could not have imagined united ERDC in a mission to discover, develop and deliver solutions for our nation and Warf ighter. That’s when the Power of ERDC was truly born. Because of the groundwork laid during those early days, ERDC has become a place that brings together a diverse team of experts across a wide range of core competencies to seamlessly collaborate on world-class research. That’s what we do every day in solving the toughest challenges facing our nation and our military. It’s what makes ERDC truly special. When we work together across disciplines, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

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When we work together across disciplines, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

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One publication cannot capture all of the great research conducted at ERDC since its inception. This book does not aim to be a comprehensive account but instead seeks to highlight a few key inflection points in our history that shaped ERDC into the organization you see today. From Hurricane Katrina to changing climates to demands for greater computational power to evolving military strategies, ERDC’s responsiveness and flexibility to meet our most pressing civil works and military needs have made us who we are. And at the heart of these efforts has been a unique, dynamic, diverse and

world-class workforce – ERDC’s greatest strength. We’ve been able to respond to the nation’s needs throughout our history because of your ingenuity building upon our foundational core competencies — a tradition of innovation that reaches back nearly 100 years since the f irst USACE research laboratory was stood up in the aftermath of another pressing national tragedy – the great 1927 Mississippi River Flood. I’m equally conf ident we stand ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges, whatever they may be. I am so proud of our journey and of who we have become as an organization, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead!

DAVID W. PITTMAN, PE, PhD, SES Chief Scientist and Director of R&D, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Director, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center

A LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP

A Legacy of Service Thank you for joining us as we celebrate 25 years of ERDC! As ERDC’s 12th commander, it is an honor to join this organization’s tradition of greatness. Our work is truly making a difference, and I am grateful to play a role in continuing that legacy. ERDC is home to thousands of subject matter experts, and our projects span the globe and encompass countless research areas. From civil engineering and water resources to geospatial and environmental sciences, our team is constantly changing the state-ofthe-art and developing innovative solutions to some of the nation’s toughest challenges. However, as a U.S. service member, there is one ERDC mission that is especially close to my heart — the mission to protect our men and women in uniform. During my career, I have served with many who are far more than just fellow members of our military – they are f riends, they are conf idants, they are family. ERDC’s focus on military engineering includes force protection, maneuver support and survivability aids. For example, our team develops lightweight protection systems that can be

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Our team is constantly changing the state-of-the-art and developing innovative solutions to some of the nation’s toughest problems.

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quickly deployed in remote locations and enable rapid risk assessments. Our designs provide defense against attacks, alleviate land and sea access issues in austere environments, and enhance the ability to evaluate and assess critical weapon systems and inf rastructure. And that’s only the beginning. ERDC’s work helps bring our Warf ighters back home, safe and sound, and the impact of that cannot be overstated. These efforts also ensure the Department of Defense (DOD) maintains a competitive advantage,

which has far-reaching implications that affect us all. This book reveals some of ERDC’s most successful endeavors over the last 25 years. Because we cannot possibly incorporate all of our signif icant achievements in these few pages, please know this — our enterprise and teammates who have called ERDC home, even for just a short period of time, have changed the world. I am thankful to help lead this tremendous organization, and very proud to be a part of the ERDC story. The best is yet to come!

COL Christian Patterson, APR+M, Fellow PRSA Commander, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center

BEFORE WE WERE ERDC In response to the devastating 1927 Mississippi River flood, Congress passed the Flood Control Act of 1928, initiating several U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) flood control projects along the river. Leading scientists advocated for a national hydraulics laboratory, and USACE Commanding General Maj. Gen. Edgar Jadwin argued it should be located on the Mississippi River. In 1930, a site near Durden Creek in Vicksburg was selected to become the home of the Waterways Experiment Station (WES). From its earliest days, the facility aided the Mississippi River Commission in flood control planning and revolutionized hydraulics knowledge through model experiments. WES soon added research laboratories focused on geotechnical engineering and structures. As its expertise grew, its portfolio expanded to include U.S. military research. Over the ensuing years, USACE established new laboratories to study topography, cold regions, construction engineering, environmental concerns and information technology.

During World War II, WES personnel focused on building training facilities, designing improvements to harbors and navigation channels, and revolutionizing airfield construction to support Allied air operations. Model studies were completed on select landing sites in North Africa, Italy and France, including preparation for the invasion of Europe on D-Day. To replace the number of engineers, skilled technicians and laborers who entered the service, large numbers of women were hired to work in non-traditional roles. The entire WES force proved invaluable to the war effort.

Camp Century, an Arctic military research base built in Greenland, sought to establish nuclear missile launch sites under the ice sheet. Led by the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), engineers pulled ice cores to provide insight into the climate history. A 1963-1966 ice core from these efforts contributed to climate modeling. The Camp Century Climate Monitoring Program continues today, measuring climate variables and ice conditions.

In 1947, the Engineer Board, which had focused on developing military equipment, was renamed the Engineer Research and Development Laboratories. With the change, its focus shifted to long-term investigations. Topographical and mapping technology gained significance, leading to the establishment of the U.S. Geodesy, Intelligence, and Mapping Research and Development Agency (GIMRADA). In 1967, GIMRADA changed its name to the Engineer Topographic Laboratories, a name it would retain for more than 20 years before becoming the Topographic Engineering Center (TEC). Later, TEC would be renamed the Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL).

The USACE Huntsville Division partnered with the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) in 1970 to create advanced facilities for testing vibrations on tactical equipment crucial for a DOD missile program. The result was the development of a cutting-edge shake table unparalleled in the DOD. By 1973, the Biaxial Shock Test Machine was operational and capable of controlled vertical and horizontal accelerations. CERL later upgraded to the Triaxial Earthquake and Shock Simulator, enhancing realism and investigations of earthquakeresistant materials. WES engineers supported the exploration of the moon by studying and validating unconventional wheel designs for NASA’s Lunar Rover Vehicle. Engineers simulated lunar soil using a creative mixture of desert sand and crushed basalt. The research allowed NASA to down select the rover’s final wheel design, which debuted during the Apollo 17 landing. The research further galvanized WES’s reputation as an engineering leader and has been the foundation for the testing and development of rovers planned for future trips to the lunar surface. During Operation Joint Endeaver in Bosnia in December 1995, WES Commander Col. Bruce K. Howard led a rapid response to predict flood levels on the Sava River, the site of a vital crossing for NATO troops. A team, including WES, CRREL and TEC personnel, built a watershed model despite limited data. Fieldwork confirmed the model’s accuracy to support flood control, bridge site selection and engineering data. The mission’s success led to the creation of the WES TeleEngineering program, which later grew to become the USACE Reachback Operations Center, still in operation today.

BECOMING ERDC Military spending and priorities changed significantly during the early 1990s following the end of the Cold War. Reductions in funding prompted the DOD to streamline, with new strategies focused on rapid deployment and a reconfigured command structure. In 1996, Lt. Gen. Ballard set a goal of consolidating USACE’s eight research laboratories and restructuring the organization’s civil works districts. The plan aimed to share support functions, reduce overhead, make the laboratories more efficient, and enhance multidisciplinary teaming, critical in the fastmoving environment. Reports indicated competition among laboratories was confusing to customers and sometimes resulted in lost business. Led by USACE Director of Research and Development Dr. Lewis E. “Ed” Link, the laboratories’ directors worked together to develop a plan for consolidation under a unified command. On Oct. 1, 1998, orders were issued creating the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).

One of the first decisions in the consolidation plan was where the organization’s headquarters would be located. Consideration was given to Fort Belvoir’s Humphreys Engineering Center, already home to TEC, due to its proximity to the U.S. Capitol and USACE headquarters. Ultimately, leaders chose Vicksburg’s WES campus, the largest existing research and development site in terms of laboratories, personnel and acreage.

ERDC’s initial iteration had eight laboratories. The number became seven in October 2000 when the Structures Laboratory merged with the Geotechnical Laboratory to become Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL). The combined laboratory had 360 personnel, with two major divisions and six technical support centers focused on airfields, concrete, materials, soil mechanics, centrifuge research and TeleEngineering. Dr. Michael O’Connor helped guide the merger and was the laboratory’s first director.

A key element of consolidating USACE research and development laboratories under a single organization involved combining support functions under one commander. In April 1998, Lt. Gen. Ballard selected newly appointed WES Commander Col. Robin R. Cababa as ERDC’s first commander. Col. Cababa was also given the chief financial officer responsibility for all business, site and financial operations to create a streamlined organizational structure.

As USACE leaders searched for the right person to serve as ERDC’s first civilian director, USACE Director of Research and Development Dr. Ed Link filled in on an acting basis. By March 2000, Link persuaded Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL) Director Dr. James Houston to assume the directorship. Houston’s leadership steered ERDC through its early growing pains, bringing greater stability and a more cohesive culture. By 2009, ERDC’s budget had grown to nearly three times what it had been when Houston became director.

Under the leadership of Houston and new Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) Director Dr. Jeffery Holland, a new vision emerged to move ITL beyond providing services to becoming a partner in solving engineering problems using technology. This effort was enhanced by USACE’s decision to create the Army Corps of Engineers Information Technology (ACE-IT). When ACE-IT was launched in 2007, it took over technical services, enabling ITL to become more research-focused.

The orders establishing the new R&D organization called for consolidating its laboratories under a new technical program by Oct. 1, 1999, one year after ERDC’s official establishment. A hallmark of the plan called for technical directors who would work across multiple laboratories focused on a single problem, customer or solution set. Although business lines evolved in the early years, by 2003 there were four consolidated business areas: Battlespace Environment (renamed Geospatial Research and Engineering in 2007), Environmental Quality/ Installations, Military Engineering and Civil Works.

OUR NATION’S LONGEST WAR ERDC’s early history was marked by the growing pains of merging far-flung laboratories and establishing a new identity. Those internal challenges were overshadowed when the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks united the fledgling organization under a common purpose. ERDC would play a critical role in the ensuing response, including robust antiterrorism efforts and military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The organization’s portfolio dramatically increased, and the “One ERDC – One Team” culture was forged. The attacks on Sept. 11 proved the value of past antiterrorism research at ERDC and its predecessors. Hardening technology and techniques developed and tested at ERDC had been installed in portions of the Pentagon and saved many lives after the airplane struck the structure. ERDC’s life-saving impact would grow during the subsequent years as its engineers and scientists worked together around the clock to provide force protection and projection solutions.

Initiated in 2004, the Buckeye Geospatial Collection System harnessed high-resolution imaging from helicoptermounted digital cameras for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Enabled by powerful change detection software, ERDC assessed routes in Afghanistan and Iraq, aiding improvised explosive device identification. In 2005, ERDC introduced an enhanced Buckeye variant, integrating lidar for 3D elevation portrayal. Deployed during the Global War on Terror, Buckeye facilitated groundlevel unclassified imagery vital for Soldiers combating threats.

ERDC developed the Modular Protective System (MPS) to provide maximum safety to Warfighters during rapid deployment. This lightweight, soilfree system incorporated a collapsible frame supporting concrete and composite armor and was proven to be effective against varied munitions. MPS, which could be rapidly assembled by a twoperson team, played a pivotal role in post2007 surge tactics in Iraq and Afghanistan. The system garnered patents, was integrated across services and earned a technology transfer award in 2010.

The C-17 Semi-Prepared Runway Operations initiative, conducted between 2004-2008, aimed to enable C-17 aircraft operation on remote, semi-prepared airfields. The research determined runway condition ratings, friction factors, shear strength and validated roughness models. ERDC recommendations led to a 22 percent fuel capacity increase on semi-prepared airfields, enhancing remote aircraft usage. Similarly, the Critical Runway Assessment and Repair program addressed damage caused by small weapon fragments. Successful technology demonstrations and tests paved the way for efficient runway repairs.

One new threat Warfighters faced during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq were improvised explosive devices, which were destroying vehicles and inflicting severe injuries on those inside. In response, ERDC collaborated to develop modeling tools to predict air blast and soil debris loads for improved vehicle designs. Field experiments validated the software’s ability to accurately model blast impacts on vehicle underbodies, leading to enhanced vehicle protections.

The Jan. 8, 2020 attacks on the Al Asad Air Base in Iraq resulted in more than 100 service members and civilian contractors being diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In response, ERDC engineers and scientists, in coordination with the USACE Transatlantic Division and USACE Protective Design Center, developed, tested and validated enclosure door designs that decrease the exposure to personnel in the bunker and reduce their TBI vulnerability. The design was quickly adopted at nearly 1,000 bunkers across multiple countries. The research team was awarded the 2022 USACE Innovation of the Year award.

Following the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing, the Defense Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office funded ERDC to pioneer blast-resistant technologies for conventional and masonry structures. Landmark experiments culminated in retrofit solutions for the Pentagon before and after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. ERDC later developed blastresistant retrofits for embassy perimeter barriers and buildings, focusing on blast, forced entry and ballistic protection. These retrofit technologies continued to improve and have been applied globally.

In FY20, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology called for CounterImprovised Explosive Device (CIED) research, development, testing and evaluation. In FY21, ERDC received funding to research standoff anti-maneuver IED detection. The research included environmental effect studies to support sensors and algorithm development efforts and two tasks supporting a joint sensor testbed, a high performance computing capability and 3D data generation and localization.

PUSH FOR STRONGER COASTLINES Hurricane Katrina shook the national consciousness after its landfall on Aug. 29, 2005, leaving in its wake nearly 1,400 fatalities and roughly $125 billion in damages and flooding a major American city for more than a month. USACE formed the Interagency Performance Evaluation Task Force (IPET), which included 150 scientists and engineers from academia, industry, government agencies and non-governmental organizations, to better understand why the storm triggered massive levee failures. ERDC played a significant role in the study and its resulting 7,000-page report, which guided improvements to the New Orleans Hurricane Protection System that held strong when tested by Hurricane Ida’s 150-mile-per-hour winds in 2021. Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath – and the lessons learned during the IPET study – also left a deep imprint on ERDC’s civil works portfolio, catalyzing robust national research on storm modeling, coastal resilience and improved flood-fighting techniques.

ERDC experts played a critical role in IPET, which sought to understand and learn from the failure of levees in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. IPET conducted two phases of investigations, gathering data and then performing in-depth analyses. IPET’s findings improved levee construction, risk assessment, and transparency, fostering innovation and collaboration among researchers. It also guided the design of the Greater New Orleans Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, a multi-year project that greatly enhanced the city’s protection from these powerful storms.

The Automated Route Reconnaissance Kit facilitated quick data collection in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Meanwhile, Operation Blue Roof employed mobile computing, allowing homeowners to complete Right of Entry forms, streamlining disaster recovery. Building on these efforts, ERDC developed the Mobile Information Collection Application (MICA) to further improve field data collection. During historic Mississippi River flooding in 2011, MICA gathered critical information via smartphones, eliminating paperwork and allowing quick data transmission for analysis. These ERDC technologies have reduced errors, saved time and enhanced data management in disaster relief efforts.

After Hurricane Katrina, ERDC pioneered several technologies to assess and manage risks from natural and engineered systems under long-term changes. Advancements in ERDC’s flood-risk management technology included the Coastal Hazards System for quantifying coastal risks, Coastal Hazards Rapid Prediction System for real-time storm impact assessment, Wave Information Study for comprehensive wave climatologies, and Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations for precise water management using weather forecasts.

Since 1977, CHL’s Field Research Facility (FRF) in Duck, N.C., has developed and implemented methods to measure large storm impacts safely and thoroughly on a sandy coast. As the need to improve coastal resilience has received increased national attention since Hurricane Katrina, the FRF and its world-renowned team of scientists and technicians have provided invaluable data to the global research community. The FRF is considered the best location in the world to test new coastal technologies, evaluate scientific theories and develop engineering models.

The effort to strengthen the nation’s coastlines received a boost when the FRF hosted the U.S. Coastal Research Program’s During Nearshore Event Experiment (DUNEX) in the falls of 2019, 2021 and 2022. DUNEX is a multi-agency, academic and non-governmental organization collaborative community experiment to study nearshore coastal processes during coastal storms. These high-quality field measurements will lead to a better understanding of during-storm processes, impacts and post-storm recovery.

Partnering with Microsoft, ERDC enhanced its storm modeling system, CSTORM-MS, for more effective coastal ocean modeling and data sharing. CSTORM-MS assesses storm risks for coastal communities, aiding flood-risk management infrastructure planning and emergency response. Microsoft’s cloud computing enables faster and broader data access. The partnership explored artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) integration to accelerate storm scenario analysis and inform critical decisions while addressing climate change-related factors and global storm impact prediction.

SUPPORTING OUR PARTNERS As it helped the nation respond to a pair of crises – the Sept. 11 terror attacks and Hurricane Katrina – ERDC offered extensive support to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). ERDC has continued to build on those partnerships in the ensuing years – executing $46.5 million of research and development for DHS during FY22. It marks another chapter in a rich USACE legacy of conducting innovative research for other government agencies. Today, ERDC undertakes projects for many federal, state and local agencies, as well as private sector and international partners. That includes supporting the National Science Foundation’s efforts at Antarctica’s McMurdo Station. When the facility’s aging runway needed to be replaced, ERDC designed and constructed the first-ever deep snow runway for wheeled aircraft. In November 2016, a C-17 Globemaster made the first landing on the newly completed Phoenix Airfield.

ERDC modeling capabilities aided the federal government – particularly FEMA – in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by anticipating infection outbreaks, hospital needs, and pandemic protocols. ERDC tools analyzed infection spread, hospital utilization and evacuation support. These models saved lives, reduced decision fatigue and offered real-time analysis. Microexposure models assessed infection risk, while resource assessments guided decision makers.

ERDC’s Sustainment Management System (SMS) is a web-based software that aids property management stakeholders in maintaining infrastructure. Using a knowledgebased approach, SMS begins with real-property data collection and detailed component inventory, along with field assessments. It uses predictive metrics to recommend and prioritize maintenance tasks, offering cost estimates up to a decade in advance.

Building on its extensive history of providing protection solutions, ERDC developed two portable barrier systems to improve our nation’s security. The Aggressor Vehicle Entry Readiness Technology (AVERT) is an easy barrier to configure and deploy that swiftly stops vehicles. AVERT aids military, security and law enforcement applications. The Deployable Expedient Traffic Entry Regulator (DETER) is a rapidaccess control solution that enhances security in combat zones and urban areas. Assembled without tools in 30 minutes or less, DETER can counter threats from large vehicles.

Beginning with an idea to use drones to track feral hogs, ERDC’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program has grown to now operate more than 200 platforms. From its use in inspecting the health of our nation’s critical infrastructure to assisting FEMA and other first responders during natural disasters, the UAS program provides diverse support to an array of partners. ERDC employs drones for environmental, military and civil projects, including perimeter surveillance, infrastructure assessment and disaster response. Future goals include using drones for pre- and postdisaster assessments across agencies to expedite decision making and ensure safety in challenging environments.

ERDC engineers and scientists are developing new techniques and technologies that enable the assessment and cleanup of oil spills on bodies of water. One technology is an oil thickness sensor being tested in various wave conditions. The other is a fire-boom composed of specially designed floating barriers to slow the spread of oil, allowing cleanup crews time to burn spilled oil more efficiently. Both are being tested at CRREL, one of the few federal facilities with the licenses, equipment and personnel to perform in-situ burn and oil spill testing safely. Nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms (HABs) cost the nation an estimated $3 billion annually. In 2018, the Water Resources Development Act authorized ERDC to implement a five-year technology research program to deliver scalable technologies to detect, prevent and manage HABs. During the program’s first three years, 32 projects were initiated, featuring collaboration between ERDC, federal, state and academic partners. Through its research and collaborative efforts, ERDC has established itself as an authoritative source in tackling one of the country’s most pressing civil works challenges. In 2020, fires burned more than seven million acres in the Western United States. Wildfires also increase the potential for post-wildfire floods, erosion, reduced channel capacity and massive debris flows. In the past, a limited understanding of this phenomenon left firetorn communities vulnerable to flooding. In response, ERDC researchers developed modeling techniques that accurately predict areas at the highest risk for deadly debris flows, enabling emergency management officials to warn residents of the imminent danger.

RESEARCHERS’ SUPER POWER While ERDC’s history with supercomputers dates to 1989, it entered a new era when it began managing the DOD’s High-Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP). The HPCMP was established in 1990 to advance the computational capabilities available to DOD science and technology researchers. In 2011, the program’s operation transferred from the Office of the Secretary of Defense to the Assistant Secretary of the Army, with management moving to ERDC. Today, the HPCMP‘s five DOD Supercomputing Resource Centers, including one at ERDC, are spread across the country and deliver an aggregate of 4.5 billion processor hours of computing power each year. This high-powered computing capability bolsters countless ERDC research projects, providing access to insight that would otherwise be too costly, dangerous, or time-intensive to obtain. The program also supports ERDC’s Engineered Resilient Systems Research and Development Area, which allows the DOD to develop next-generation platforms and capabilities.

Powered by ERDC supercomputers, Engineered Resilient Systems (ERS) enhance the DOD’s acquisition process by enabling high-quality and well-thought-out acquisition decisions. ERS combines advanced engineering tools and techniques with unmatched high-performance computing to significantly amplify design options during the early stages of the acquisition process. This approach optimizes design choices, supporting the DOD in creating and sustaining effective combat systems for evolving military operations. ERS spans all DOD services. To safeguard its vast computing resources, and the research they enable, ERDC has developed world-class cybersecurity capabilities. This expertise spans assessments, cyber-physical systems, analytics and defensive capabilities. ERDC’s Red Team, certified by the National Security Agency, operates as an adversary, identifying vulnerabilities so networks can be fortified against threats. ERDC ensures cybersecurity for research elements across the Defense Department, solidifying the DOD’s cyber resilience.

The Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN) offers a high-speed, low-latency nationwide computer network, connecting scientists and engineers with geographically dispersed high-performance computing sites as part of the HPCMP. Supporting various defense domains, the DREN fosters physics-based software applications to streamline acquisition processes for military aircraft, naval ships, ground vehicles and radio frequency antenna systems, bolstering cost-effective virtual prototyping and analysis.

ERDC’s Dynamic Immersive Virtual Environment (DIVE) lab is a cutting-edge facility that leverages augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) to transform civil works and military research. DIVE employs AR/VR gear, enabling engineers, scientists and stakeholders to immerse themselves in 3D environments. This innovation enhances decision making, fosters expert collaboration, and revolutionizes training and simulation. By integrating AR/VR technology, ERDC is advancing the realm of digital twins, positioning itself at the forefront of this transformative revolution.

ERDC’s modeling legacy, which dates to 1931, thrives with advanced computational tools supported by HCPMP. Verified numerical models fuel capabilities, such as Computational Fluid Dynamics for blast load comprehension and Finite Element Method for dynamic structural response. ERDC has pioneered Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) research, strengthening numerical analysis, scientific computing, engineering mechanics and mathematical modeling. FSI simulation is reinforced by specialized experimental research, elevating measurement accuracy and expanding understanding of intricate fluid-structure processes. The types of problems faced today go well beyond traditional data analytics tools. Artificial intelligence and machine learning have quickly become critical data analytics tools that require the use of HPC. ERDC researchers can now go into the data and harvest insights that were unavailable using traditional methods.

ERDC was pivotal in modernizing the iconic B-52 Stratofortress through supercomputing expertise. Facing aging engines and limited parts challenges, the Air Force’s Commercial Engine Replacement Program aimed to upgrade engines and ensure the aircraft’s longevity. Leveraging ERDC’s supercomputing power, a virtual ecosystem was created that integrated design and visualization tools. ERDC’s efforts enabled rapid testing of engine prototypes, leading to a suitable replacement for continued B-52 service beyond 2050.

MORE MODERN MILITARY As military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan drew to a close, the U.S. military began shifting strategies to reflect changing geopolitical climates and technological advancements. That included an increased focus on competing with near-peer adversaries and preparing for future conflicts that will occur at a longer range and greater speed. In preparation for these changes, the Army reorganized its research and development labs, outlined modernization priorities and created Cross-Functional Teams. ERDC has been responsive to this new environment, flexibly leaning into its core competencies to support Army and DOD partners as they establish the future force and maintain technological superiority. ERDC’s work in this transition has been broad and deep – enhancing efforts to enable Combined All-Domain Operations, regain Arctic Dominance, develop Installations of the Future, improve physical and cyber security, increase Warfighter situational understanding, accelerate prototyping for military platforms, secure reliable installation energy and more.

ERDC is addressing the challenge of outdated geospatial data by developing tools to rapidly analyze new remotely sensed imagery. These tools, part of the Enhanced Terrain Processing effort, allow geospatial engineers to process and analyze current terrain conditions more quickly and accurately. This capability leads to superior situational awareness and operational knowledge for Warfighters.

Improving the inefficiencies of current expeditionary structures, ERDC’s 3D printing and additive materials capabilities offer customdesigned solutions using local materials in the field. This innovation saves time (20X faster), money (40 percent cost reduction) and materials (44 percent reduction). Energy-efficient and protective, these capabilities reduce labor and workforce while enhancing strength. With applications in rapid infrastructure, complex obstacles and improved force structures, these technologies decrease Warfighter and logistical needs, advance construction capabilities globally and expedite critical development.

ERDC researchers have developed 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. Joint Planning Services enhances military planning by enabling real-time remote collaboration. This platform integrates authoritative live data feeds, analysis tools, and visualization capabilities for seamless coordination in planning and decision making.

ERDC’s research supports the U.S. Army’s Regaining Arctic Dominance strategy in addressing the challenges of the contested Arctic environment. That research involves developing new tools to track air, land and sea changes; understanding climate impacts, and providing efficient crossdomain mobility solutions. This effort enhances awareness, protection of critical infrastructure, and preparedness for countering near-peer adversaries.

Since the 1980s, ERDC has supported the USACE Civil Works mission in evaluating federally maintained navigation channels using ship and vessel response models in conjunction with tidal circulation and wave models. Now the U.S. Army and Navy are exploring using ERDC’s world-class ship simulation capability as a planning tool for amphibious operations to minimize mission navigation risk and define the optimal axes of assault that maximize the number of Warfighters and material reaching the shore in the least amount of time.

New DOD strategy calls for resilient military installations of the future to generate readiness, project forces and command operations. Commanders will need access to diverse, fused real-time installation data to monitor, recognize and respond to threats rapidly and autonomously. To meet this critical need, ERDC developed the Virtual Testbed for Installation Mission Effectiveness tool, enabling operators to leverage artificial intelligence and isolated data sources to improve readiness while reducing operating expenses and workforce requirements.

The Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO) concept guides preparation for a future in which Warfighters will be called on to juggle capabilities in the land, air, sea, cyber and space domains while maneuvering through a contested environment defended by a near-peer adversary. For JADO to succeed, the DOD must modernize how it mobilizes, protects, projects, sustains and trains forces. ERDC is involved with each function at all echelons across the Army, Joint, interagency, intergovernmental and multi-national communities.

Unmanned ground vehicles carry great potential for the Armed Forces. Still, before these systems can be deployed, they must undergo rigorous testing to ensure their autonomy can be trusted under challenging conditions. Since the early 2000s, ERDC has assisted this process by developing modeling and simulation tools that explore how autonomous systems handle diverse challenges that are often difficult to replicate with physical testing.

ENGINEERING WITH NATURE The launch of the Engineering With Nature® (EWN) initiative in 2010 revolutionized USACE, energizing a shift toward integrating natural elements into engineered solutions for maximum benefit, operational efficiency and sustainability. While USACE had sporadically incorporated nature-based features into its projects, EWN introduced a more systematic and focused framework. Today, the program is a major DOD partner, and has been amplified by a surge of support from Congress and the White House. EWN is also leading the efforts to help USACE meet its goal of beneficially using 70 percent of dredged material by 2030. EWN’s 2010 launch was led by ERDC’s Dr. Todd Bridges, then Army Senior Scientist for Environmental Science. Supported by extensive ERDC research, EWN has become a widespread movement that has integrated natural elements into infrastructure development and contributed to a more resilient, sustainable and collaborative future.

ENGINEERING WITH NATURE

To share its best principles, EWN released An Atlas, Volume 1 in 2018, offering a visually striking compilation of examples of natural and nature-based engineering work worldwide. In 2021, Atlas Volume 2 was released. These publications showcased diverse applications and benefits, featured the collaboration between organizations and disciplines, and highlighted the economic, environmental and social benefits of nature-based solutions (NBS). Atlas Volume 3 is expected to be released in early 2024.

In 2015, EWN began designating select USACE Districts as EWN Proving Grounds to test and measure innovative NBS ideas. Strategically chosen, EWN proving grounds act as real-world testbeds, affirming the efficacy of EWN principles through practical applications. Selected districts and divisions tackle key issues, prioritize natural and nature-based features (NNBF) integration, align with regional goals, and share lessons learned. Projects span USACE missions, often initiating with flood risk management but accomplishing objectives and providing benefits across mission boundaries.

The Network for Engineering With Nature (N-EWN), launched in 2019, unites organizations to address infrastructure challenges by aligning ecological and engineering processes. It seeks to accelerate nature-based solutions by amplifying collaboration between researchers, practitioners and educators across multiple disciplines. N-EWN combines practical application with multidisciplinary expertise to deliver sustainable value to people and ecosystems. EWN became a funded USACE program in 2019 when Congress allocated $12 million in appropriations. That investment grew in 2021 when $21 million was appropriated. In 2023, more than 50 ongoing projects and pilot studies are providing valuable insights into the technical aspects, feasibility and potential scaling-up of NBS. This research spans diverse landscapes and addresses varied challenges from sediment management to flood risk, coastal storm damage reduction and habitat health.

In 2021, USACE led an effort to publish the International Guidelines on Natural and Nature-Based Features for Flood Risk Management. This initiative emerged from needing a comprehensive guide informed by global expertise. The guidelines raise awareness and offer effective implementation strategies for NBS in flood risk management.

EWN partnered with the DOD in 2021 to address the escalating challenges of natural hazards, climate change and aging infrastructure across the DOD’s vast operational landscapes. EWN worked with the DOD to envision a future of NBS to ensure mission resilience. To further support this effort, EWN published the EWN DOD Atlas, Supporting Mission Resilience and Infrastructure Value at Department of Defense Installations. The publication featured diverse natural infrastructure examples, proving their potential to enhance resilience.

Seven of the 10 priorities outlined in the USACE R&D Strategy, released in November 2021, are EWN focus areas. From adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change to infrastructure modernization, EWN supports resilient communities, sustainable environments and smarter installations. By addressing these priorities, EWN tackles current challenges and shapes a more secure and sustainable future for the nation. EWN’s collaboration across ERDC and integration of natural and engineered elements are central to addressing the challenges of the 21st century.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ERDC? Facing a myriad of new and escalating challenges, from changing climates to an increased geopolitical focus on the Arctic, USACE released its first research and development strategy in 2021. The strategy outlines 10 priorities, including modernizing infrastructure, securing reliable installation energy, revolutionizing and accelerating decision making, and more. It will guide much of ERDC’s efforts in the years ahead. The increased frequency of extreme weather patterns will demand a multitude of innovative solutions to defend communities and strengthen infrastructure to withstand these increased stressors. As the U.S. Army lays out its vision for 2040 and beyond, ERDC will be essential in helping it achieve these goals. Meanwhile, its engineers and scientists will build upon ERDC’s tradition of innovation to advance basic research and apply emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics to solve the nation’s toughest science and engineering challenges.

ERDC’s research into advanced materials holds immense promise for civil works and military applications. Innovative materials, such as selfhealing concrete, high-strength alloys and adaptive structures, will transform infrastructure durability, construction efficiency and disaster resilience. For our military, advanced materials will revolutionize equipment design, enhancing durability, weight reduction and stealth capabilities. Both sectors stand to benefit from materials that offer unprecedented performance, longevity and adaptability, paving the way for more efficient and resilient solutions in the face of evolving challenges.

Advancements in renewable energy sources, microgrid technologies and energy storage systems will enhance the ability to withstand disruptions and ensure uninterrupted power supply for critical infrastructure and military operations. ERDC research is paving the way for energy-efficient innovations that will bolster sustainability, reduce reliance on traditional grids and mitigate environmental impacts. This shift toward energy resilience will strengthen operational capabilities, support disaster response and promote long-term sustainability in military and civil works applications.

The U.S. Army is actively bolstering its capability to regain Arctic dominance through strategic initiatives. Addressing the evolving Arctic environment, the Army is enhancing cold-weather training, modernizing equipment and developing specialized tactics. Partnerships with Arctic allies and investments in advanced technology are key components of this effort. As the Army aims to gain a competitive edge in the Arctic region, ERDC’s deep expertise in cold regions science and engineering will play a critical role.

ERDC is poised to embrace a transformative future with machine learning (ML), leveraging its potential to revolutionize research and innovation across diverse domains. In civil works, ML will enhance predictive modeling for infrastructure maintenance, optimize resource allocation and expedite disaster response through data-driven insight. ML will revolutionize intelligence analysis, autonomous systems and decisionmaking processes for our military. With increased automation and real-time adaptation, ML will transform these sectors, and drive efficiency, innovation and strategic advantage.

Cutting-edge installations integrate advanced technologies, data analytics and resilient infrastructure to create smart, adaptable communities. Emphasizing energy efficiency, connectivity and dynamic resource management, these Installations of the Future optimize resource allocation, enhance quality of life and ensure mission readiness. ERDC research is leading the way to help the DOD redefine the concept of military bases and civilian facilities, fostering innovation, security and resilience in a rapidly evolving world.

ERDC research into structural health monitoring and digital twins promises to revolutionize infrastructure management and performance assessment. By embedding sensors and data analytics, realtime monitoring will enable early detection of structural issues, enhancing safety and efficiency. Digital twins — virtual replicas of physical structures — will enable accurate simulations, predictive maintenance and informed decision making. The synergy between monitoring and digital twins will optimize resource allocation, extend the lifespans of infrastructure assets and transform how we design, maintain and interact with structures. The use of robotics is set to reshape construction, military engineering and civil works through automation and innovation. In construction, robots streamline tasks, enhancing efficiency and precision. In military engineering, autonomous robots assist in reconnaissance, demining and infrastructure repair. Civil works will benefit from robotic disaster response solutions, infrastructure maintenance and inspection. ERDC’s cross-sector research into robotics will further revolutionize operations, reduce risks and pave the way for safer, more efficient practices.

OUR DIRECTORS

Dr. James Houston 2000-2010

Dr. Jeffery Holland 2010-2017

Dr. David Pittman 2017-Present

OUR COMMANDERS

Col. Robin Cababa 1998-2000

Col. James Weller 2000-2001

Col. John Morris III 2001-2002

Col. James Rowan 2003-2006

Col. Richard Jenkins 2006-2008

Col. Gary Johnston 2008-2010

Col. Kevin Wilson 2010-2013

Col. Jeffrey Eckstein 2013-2015

Col. Bryan Green 2015-2018

Col. Ivan Beckman 2018-2019

Col. Teresa Schlosser 2019-2022

Col. Christian Patterson 2022-Present

REPORT NUMBER: ERDC B-23-3