22 Jan 2024

Amphibious Uncrewed Ground Vehicle for Coastal Surfzone Survey

Abstract: The capability of a commercial off-the-shelf amphibious bottom crawling robot is explored for surveying seamless topography and bathymetry across the beachface, surfzone, and very nearshore. A real-time-kinematic (RTK) antenna on a mast was added to the robotic platform, a Bayonet-350 (previously the C2i SeaOx). Data collected from the robot were compared with those collected by the Coastal Research Amphibious Buggy (CRAB) and the Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo (LARC), unique amphibious vessels capable of collecting seamless topography and bathymetry in use for decades at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Field Research Facility (FRF). Data were compared on five different days in a range of wave conditions (Hs < 1 m in 8-m depth) resulting in a root-mean square difference of 8.7 cm and bias of 2 cm for 24 different cross-shore profile comparisons. Additionally, a repeatability test was performed to assess measurement uncertainty. The repeatability test indicated a total vertical uncertainty (TVU) of 5.8 cm, with the highest spatial error at the shoreline.

20 Oct 2023

Crowdsourcing bathymetry could provide near-time picture of nation’s inland waterways

Taking advantage of vessels already on the water, an effort in the works at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) will use those vessels’ depth finders and GPS to create a snapshot of a channel and any obstructions that may exist.

21 May 2021

Field Survey to Prioritize Needs for Modernizing Dredged Material Evaluation Guidance

Abstract: This technical note synthesizes and disseminates results of a 2020 survey of USACE dredging program and project managers to identify and prioritize needs related to the modernization and streamlining of the dredged material assessment decision guidance pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Section 103 of the Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). Priorities identified through the survey and subsequent follow-on interviews—together with advances in science and technology—will facilitate development of an electronic decision guidance tool to enable consistent, timely, and cost-effective dredged material management decisions. This tool will also facilitate a standardized database for ready access to historical data.

9 Apr 2021

ERDC researchers commission full-size, semi-autonomous research vessel

Making its way through the murky waters and swift current of the Mississippi River at the Vicksburg riverfront, the Research Vessel Martin looks like any other U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) survey boat. However, there is one major difference. The inland survey vessel has been converted into a semi-autonomous craft, making it the first of its kind for the organization.

18 Apr 2019

NR 19-029: Corps conducting flood reduction surveys in Bell County

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 18, 2019) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is performing structure surveys in Bell County, Kentucky during the spring and summer of 2019 to identify homes and businesses that are vulnerable to a recurrence of the destructive April 1977 flood, the most severe flood in the region in the last six decades.

4 Apr 2019

NR 19-021: Flood reduction surveys scheduled for Bell County, Kentucky

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 4, 2019) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is performing structure surveys in the spring and summer of 2019 to identify homes and businesses in Bell County, Kentucky that are vulnerable to a recurrence of the destructive April 1977 flood, the most severe flood in the region in the last 62 years.

17 May 2017

Corps announces timeline to reopen Dismal Swamp Canal

Officials at the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have announced a goal of opening the Dismal Swamp Canal to its full 6-foot depth later this summer.

8 Oct 2016

Corps completes initial dike inspection; resumes locking operations

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District found no areas of concern during initial, post-Hurricane Matthew inspections of Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee in South Florida. Operations have also resumed at the five navigation locks on the Okeechobee Waterway.

13 Jan 2015

University volunteers conduct sediment surveys at Conemaugh Lake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District provided logistical support for a Penn State

2 May 2013

Corps Survey Technician Selected as Employee of the Year

CHARLESTON, S.C. ---The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District is proud to announce that