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  • Environmental DNA (eDNA) Assays for the Detection of Ridgway’s Rail (Rallus obsoletus) in the United States

    Abstract: We designed two novel environmental DNA (eDNA) assays for the detection of Ridgway’s Rail (Rallus obsoletus), and successfully validated each assay using eDNA samples collected from the species’ known distribution within the United States. These assays add to the suite of tools available for the monitoring of this rare and secretive marsh bird, and may help to further elucidate its movement patterns as well as identify important migration corridors. Observed sensitivity of the assays indicates exceptional performance, with limits of detection at ≤ 8 copies of the target eDNA fragment per reaction. Our publication adds to the growing body of literature supporting eDNA surveys as viable tools for bird monitoring endeavors.

  • Sliver Spall Mitigation: Field Investigation, Laboratory Study, and Mixture Proportioning Analysis

    Abstract: A combined field and laboratory study was conducted to identify factors contributing to sliver spall of concrete pavements and recommend avenues for prevention. In this study, spall density maps of eight airfields were created, and cores were taken for petrographic analysis. A companion laboratory study evaluated nondestructive testing equipment for identifying concrete prone to sliver spalling. Concrete mix designs with good and poor performance were analyzed for trends in mixture proportioning and aggregate gradation. Spall density mapping indicated sliver spalling was more likely to occur on longitudinal joints and that the distress was not solely a material or mixture design-related issue. The laboratory study concluded that surface resistivity measurements were able to differentiate edge-finishing techniques (normal versus overworked, mortar-rich edge) after seven days of curing. An analysis of particle packing theory and mixture proportioning trends showed there was substantial overlap in the gradations for good and poor performing pavement. Thus, acceptable mixture designs can produce poor quality pavement if not constructed properly. The main contributors to early age sliver spalling of concrete airfield pavement occur during pavement construction.

  • Composite Material Applications and Research Roadmap for US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works

    Abstract: This report discusses and ranks the remaining research, development, and deployment opportunities for fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials in USACE marine infrastructure applications. Following the successes of at least 10 fiber-reinforced polymer composite pilot projects from 2015 to 2022, Public Law 117-58, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, allocated funding for a roadmap report that articulates lingering implementation barriers and prioritizes steps to overcome those challenges through laboratory and field experimentation. The objective analysis herein draws from real Operational Condition Assessment data generated in the field. Key opportunities lie in inspection techniques, standardized design approaches for molded components, and improved guidance to ad-dress abrasion, fatigue, and concentrated load cases at the 10-meter scale.

  • Energy experts converge for annual energy efficiency workshop

    This year’s workshop emphasized the benefits of collaboration between the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

  • Pulling a Rescue Out of a Recovery

    It was a beautiful Texas summer day in June, with the sun shining brightly and waves crashing gently against the shore of Stillhouse Hollow Lake. A group of friends decided to beat the heat with a mid-day swim and entered one of the many parks closed due to excessive flood waters.

  • $132 Million Contract Kicks Off Army Corps Flood-Risk-Reduction Project on Staten Island

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, in conjunction with the New York City Dept. of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) and State of New York (NYSDEC), announces a $132 million contract award for the construction of large interior drainage ponds and associated stormwater infrastructure for the South Shore of Staten Island (SSSI) Project, specifically within South Beach, Staten Island.

  • Corps of Engineers hosts open house at Lock and Dam 4

    ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, will host an open house at Lock and Dam 4, on the Mississippi River, in Alma, Wisconsin, on July 27.

  • Large Turnout For Industry Day: Small Businesses Learn About Army Corps Procurements

    The New York District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently held Industry Day in New York City where more than 150 professionals from small businesses around the region gathered for a full afternoon learning more about how to do business with the Army Corps of Engineers ─ it was the largest turnout for this event in recent memory.

  • A blast from the past: Pittsburgh District completes first demolition on historic Monongahela River dam

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District successfully breached the fixed-crest dam at the Monongahela River Locks and Dam 3 using controlled explosives near Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, July 10, 2024.

  • Honolulu District welcomes 74th commander

    Lt. Col. Adrian Biggerstaff became the 74th commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, during a change of command ceremony July 10, at the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.