• A Study of Phased-Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) for Detecting, Sizing, and Characterizing Flaws in the Welds of Existing Hydraulic Steel Structures (HSS)

    Abstract: Hydraulic steel structures (HSS) are components of navigation, flood control, and hydropower projects that control or regulate the flow of water. Damage accumulates in HSS as they are operated over time, and they must be inspected periodically. This is often accomplished using nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques. If damage is detected, the structure’s fitness for continued service must be evaluated, which requires information on the location and size of discontinuities. This information can be obtained using ultrasonic testing (UT) techniques. However, there is limited information on the reliability of UT techniques with respect to detecting, sizing, and characterizing flaws in HSS. This study addresses this gap. Round-robin experiments were carried out using phased-array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) to scan weld specimens representing a variety of HSS geometries. The results of the round-robin experiments were analyzed to estimate the probability of detection (POD) and to assess the influence of factors potentially affecting POD. Uncertainty in estimates of flaw length and height were described, and partial safety factors were derived for use in fitness-for-service analyses. These results demonstrate the importance of the technician as a factor influencing the reliability of NDT techniques applied to HSS.
  • Local, state and federal officials to sign cost share agreement for Smokey Hill River restoration study

    Officials will sign a Feasibility Cost Share Agreement for the Smokey Hill River Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration General Investigations study in a signing ceremony in Salina, Kansas, at the Salina Public Library on July 15, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. The signing ceremony will formally initiate the General Investigations Feasibility Study. Present at the signing ceremony will be officials from the City of Salina, Senator Jerry Moran’s office and the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
  • Army Corps shares update on Francis E. Walter Dam water release schedule

    The U.S. Army Corps Engineers’ Philadelphia District updated the 2024 Francis E. Walter Dam recreation plan. The Army Corps updated the plan, which states whitewater and fisheries releases will be scheduled if enough water storage is accumulated in the reservoir.
  • MKARNS Nav Notice No. SWL 24-54 USCG Advisory Van Buren Railroad Bridge NM 300.8 Update

    Mariners are advised that the rehabilitation work on the Van Buren Railroad Drawbridge (NM 300.8), as stated in Nav Notice 24-07, is scheduled to begin on August 22, 2024 at 6 a.m. and last until September 9, 2024 at 6 a.m.
  • Bear Creek Dam gate maintenance project plans released

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District is planning to replace emergency and service gates at the Bear Creek Dam’s reservoir intake structure in Littleton, Colorado, in December 2024. While still functional, recent inspections have shown corrosion is not permitting the gates, steel liners and other metal components to seal properly, allowing water to leak while closed. Therefore, maintenance actions need to be taken to ensure the structure remains functional in the future.
  • Corps of Engineers opens Lock and Dam 6 for an open house

    ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is hosting an open house at Lock and Dam 6, on the Mississippi River in Trempealeau, Wisconsin, on July 13.
  • MKARNS Nav Notice No. SWL 24-53 Lock 7 Intermittent Delays

    Mariners should expect to experience intermittent delays at Murray Lock (No. 7) NM 125.4 on July 11, 2024 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The intermittent delays are required to facilitate repairs to the hydraulic system.
  • MKARNS Nav Notice No. SWL 24-52 USCG Advisory Van Buren Railroad Bridge NM 300.8

    Mariners are advised that the rehabilitation work on the Van Buren Railroad Drawbridge (NM 300.8), as stated in Nav Notice 24-07, is scheduled to begin on August 22, 2024 at 5 a.m. and last until September 8, 2024 at 5 p.m.
  • Mobile District completes project in historic Selma

    Sometimes, the work of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finds them helping to preserve or protect historic locations and sites. The Mobile District participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the City of Selma, Alabama, on July 8, 2024, to celebrate the completion of Project 14, which stabilized the bank behind the historic train depot.
  • Latest Oysters Outcome data shows Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement will be met

    Newly released data from June 6, 2024, on oyster reef restoration in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries indicates that the Oysters Outcome in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed agreement will be met by the 2025 deadline.