• Muddy River FRM project work to cause temporary road closure October 5 on Netherlands Road

     The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District announced today an upcoming temporary road
  • Accelerating the Tactical Decision Process with High-Performance Computing (HPC) on the Edge: Motivation, Framework, and Use Cases

    Abstract: Managing the ever-growing volume and velocity of data across the battlefield is a critical problem for warfighters. Solving this problem will require a fundamental change in how battlefield analyses are performed. A new approach to making decisions on the battlefield will eliminate data transport delays by moving the analytical capabilities closer to data sources. Decision cycles depend on the speed at which data can be captured and converted to actionable information for decision making. Real-time situational awareness is achieved by locating computational assets at the tactical edge. Accelerating the tactical decision process leverages capabilities in three technology areas: (1) High-Performance Computing (HPC), (2) Machine Learning (ML), and (3) Internet of Things (IoT). Exploiting these areas can reduce network traffic and shorten the time required to transform data into actionable information. Faster decision cycles may revolutionize battlefield operations. Presented is an overview of an artificial intelligence (AI) system design for near-real-time analytics in a tactical operational environment executing on co-located, mobile HPC hardware. The report contains the following sections, (1) an introduction describing motivation, background, and state of technology, (2) descriptions of tactical decision process leveraging HPC problem definition and use case, and (3) HPC tactical data analytics framework design enabling data to decisions.
  • Alternative Analysis for Construction Progress Data Spatial Visualization

    Abstract: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) construction projects have multiple stakeholders that collaborate with project delivery team members during the execution of these projects. Many of these stakeholders are located across the U.S., which makes virtual interactions a common communication method for these teams. These interactions often lack spatial visualization, which can add complications to the progress reports provided and how the information is received/interpreted. The visualization of project progress and documents would be invaluable to the stakeholders on critical projects constructed by the USACE. This research was conducted to determine alternatives for migrating Resident Management System (RMS) data into a portal web viewer. This report provides proposed solutions to creating these links in efforts to better harmonize data management and improve project presentation.
  • Determination of Residual Low-Order Detonation Particle Characteristics from IMX-104 Mortar Rounds

    ABSTRACT: The environmental fate and transport of energetic compounds on military training ranges are largely controlled by the particle characteristics of low-order detonations. This study demonstrated a method of command detonation, field sampling, laboratory processing, and analysis techniques for characterizing low-order detonation particles from 60 mm and 81 mm mortar rounds containing the insensitive munition formulation IMX-104. Particles deposited from three rounds of each caliber were comprehensively sampled and characterized for particle size, energetic purity, and morphology. The 60 mm rounds were command-detonated low order consistently (seven low-order detonations of seven tested rounds), with consumption efficiencies of 62%–80% (n = 3). The 81 mm rounds detonated low order inconsistently (three low-order detonations of ten tested rounds), possibly because the rounds were sourced from manufacturing test runs. These rounds had lower consumption efficiencies of 39%–64% (n = 3). Particle-size distributions showed significant variability between munition calibers, between rounds of the same caliber, and with distance from the detonation point. The study reviewed command-detonation configurations, particle transfer losses during sampling and particle-size analysis, and variations in the energetic purity of recovered particles. Overall, this study demonstrated the successful characterization of IMX-104 low-order detonation particles from command detonation to analysis.
  • Incorporating Terrain Roughness into Helicopter Landing Zone Site Selection by Using the Geomorphic Oscillation Assessment Tool (GOAT) v1.0

    ABSTRACT: The Geomorphic Oscillation Assessment Tool (GOAT) quantifies terrain roughness as a mechanism to better explain forward arming and refueling point (FARP) suitability for Army aviation. An empirically driven characteristic of FARP consideration, surface roughness is a key discriminator for site utility in complex terrain. GOAT uses a spatial sampling of high-resolution elevation and land cover data to construct data frames, which enable a relational analysis of component and aggregate site suitability. By incorporating multiple criteria from various doctrinal sources, GOAT produces a composite quality assessment of the areal options available to the aviation commander. This report documents and demonstrates version 1.0 of the GOAT algorithms developed by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). These details will allow users familiar with R to implement it as a stand-alone program or in R Studio.
  • Autonomous Transport Innovation (ATI): Integration of Autonomous Electric Vehicles into a Tactical Microgrid

    Abstract: The objective of the Autonomous Transport Innovation (ATI) technical research program is to investigate current gaps and challenges then develop solutions to integrate emerging electric transport vehicles, vehicle autonomy, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging and microgrid technologies with military legacy equipment. The ATI research area objectives are to: identify unique military requirements for autonomous transportation technologies; identify currently available technologies that can be adopted for military applications and validate the suitability of these technologies to close need gaps; identify research and operational tests for autonomous transport vehicles; investigate requirements for testing and demonstrating of bidirectional vehicle charging within a tactical environment; develop requirements for a sensored, living laboratory that will be used to assess the performance of autonomous innovations; and integrate open standards to promote interoperability and broad-platform compatibility. The research performed resulted in an approach to develop a sensored, living laboratory with operational testing capability to assess the safety, utility, interoperability, and resiliency of autonomous electric transport and V2G technologies in a tactical microgrid. The living laboratory will support research and assessment of emerging technologies and determine the prospect for implementation in defense transport operations and contingency base energy resilience.
  • TRAINING FOR SUCCESS

    An antiterrorism training exercise highlights Japan Engineer District's readiness.
  • Parts of Lost Creek Lake recreation area temporarily close for logging

    Upcoming timber harvest will close the Fire Glen Campground, as well as the Rogue River Trail between Lewis Road Trailhead and the Blue Grotto at Lost Creek Lake, October 15th – December 31st, 2021. The Viewpoint Mike trail will also be closed.
  • Operation Blue Roof sign-up for hurricane damage extended through October 15

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Blue Roof program sign-up deadline is extended through October 15, 2021 for the residents who sustained Hurricane Ida damage in the 25 eligible parishes in southeastern Louisiana.
  • USACE Kansas City District holds exercise at Truman Lake to strengthen dam safety coordination with local authorities

    Local Emergency Management Agencies are the front lines of emergency preparedness in your community. They work in close coordination with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies. USACE regularly assesses conditions and risks associated with our Civil Works projects, which include 18 dams with reservoirs. Eight are in Missouri, eight are in Kansas with one each in Iowa and Nebraska.