Home / Media / News / NewsSearch

  • Estimating Bridge Reliability by Using Bayesian Networks

    Abstract: As part of an inspection, bridge inspectors assign condition ratings to the main components of a bridge’s structural system and identify any defects that they observe. Condition ratings are necessarily somewhat subjective, as they are influenced by the experience of the inspectors. In the current work, procedures were developed for making inferences on the reliability of reinforced concrete girders with defects at both the cross section and the girder level. The Bayesian network (BN) tools constructed in this work use simple structural mechanics to model the capacity of girders. By using expert elicitation, defects observed during inspection are correlated with underlying deterioration mechanisms. By linking these deterioration mechanisms with reductions in mechanical properties, inferences on the reliability of a bridge can be made based on visual observation of defects. With more development, this BN tool can be used to compare conditions of bridges relative to one another and aid in the prioritization of repairs. However, an extensive survey of bridges affected by deterioration mechanisms is needed to confidently establish valid relationships between deterioration severity and mechanical properties.

  • USACE announces contract solicitation for Ogdensburg Harbor deepening project

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District has announced a contract solicitation to deepen the Ogdensburg Harbor, April 22 2021, to modify a 300 foot by 500 foot section of the federal channel to an authorized depth from 19 feet to 27 feet.

  • Spring Spill begins facilitating fish passage at Snake and Columbia river dams

    Federal water managers have begun the annual spill of water past hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers to help juvenile salmon and steelhead migrate to the ocean this spring. The spill began April 3 on the lower Snake River and April 10 on the lower Columbia River. Spill for juvenile fish passage helps reduce the proportion of juvenile fish that pass dams through the turbines and helps reduce passage delay at each dam, thereby shortening their travel time through the Snake and Columbia rivers.

  • Corps seeks public comment on service base modernization project

    ST. PAUL, Minn. –The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, seeks comments on a draft environmental assessment for proposed upgrades to the Corps’ service base in Fountain City, Wisconsin, that will improve the efficiency of the facility as well and provide a safer working environment for employees.

  • 21-025 Dworshak Dam has transitioned to refill for the spring

    AHSAHKA, Idaho –Dworshak Dam has decreased discharges to minimum releases of 1,600 cubic feet per second (cfs) as the reservoir enters the spring refill season.

  • Employee Spotlight: Memphis District Administrative Professionals

    They are hard-working, reliable, flexible, exceptional communicators, organized, can multitask, and problem-solving, all while having a smile on their face. Their list of responsibilities is endless and can change from day to day depending on what is needed. Anyone who has an Administrative Professional or other specialist in this role knows how critical this person is. While appreciated daily, today, April 21, is the day these professionals should feel extra special and valued, as today is the National Administrative Professionals Day.

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to host christening ceremony for Motor Vessel Quincy

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, invites the public and media to attend a christening ceremony for the Motor Vessel Quincy at the Clat Adams Bicentennial Park in Quincy, Illinois, Friday, April 30, at noon. Following the ceremony, public tours of the vessel will be available until 4 p.m.

  • KC Levees Provides Safety Improvements for Aged System

    The Kansas Citys Levees Project stands out as one of the largest and most complex ever undertaken by the Kansas City District, with life-safety and economic benefits to match.

  • USACE Vicksburg, Memphis districts to host Virtual Small Business Industry Day

    VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District and Memphis District will host their combined Virtual Small Business Industry Day Thursday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Oahe Dam planning prescribed grassland, dam embankment burns

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District announces, in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks and local volunteer fire departments, plans to conduct several prescribed fires on USACE property around Oahe Dam in the coming weeks.