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  • Collaboration and creative thinking lead to $1 million savings on ecosystem restoration project

    The past few years have seen significant increases in the cost of many things like labor, materials and supplies. Construction projects have not been immune to these rising costs. So, when federally funded construction projects can save taxpayer money, it’s worth celebrating. The government is a steward of taxpayer dollars and as such, has the responsibility to spend those dollars in the most cost-effective way. Sometimes this requires thinking outside the box.

  • ERDC Partners with US Department of State to develop innovative window solutions

    Inventors from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, Mississippi, developed a groundbreaking innovation in window systems that are resistant to blasts, ballistics and forced entry threats.

  • 'Essayons' in Action: Perseverance Delivers 3D Map for Lebanon

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District (TAM) recently completed a 3D topographical map for Lebanon, showcasing their perseverance and commitment to their motto "Essayons" ("Let us try"). Despite numerous challenges, including defective materials and delays, the project was completed on budget and on time. Mark Whitacre, a key technical expert, played a central role in overcoming obstacles and ensuring the map's success. The map will aid the Lebanese Armed Forces in military planning and is part of a larger infrastructure project. TAM's dedication to problem-solving and innovation was crucial in delivering this valuable tool.

  • U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center Board of Directors visits Nashville District projects

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Board of Directors visited the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on Sept. 16 to tour key projects, including the Kentucky Lock Addition construction project and the Barkley Power Plant and Dam. The visit aimed to explore opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

  • From antiquated to advanced: Army Corps navigates the future by modernizing locks across Ohio River Basin

    When people think of the Ohio River, they may think of a single, natural waterway traveling 981 miles from the Point of Pittsburgh to Cairo, Illinois. However, the river exists as part of the much larger and more complex Ohio River Basin, which urgently needs modernization.

  • Risk and reward: An innovative strategy pays off

    The toughest problems require the most creative solutions. Being willing to think outside the box to find the answers can feel risky, but often the rewards are great. This is something the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District’s Contracting Division knows firsthand. For the past three fiscal years, the Contracting Division has been able to successfully complete its mission, awarding upwards of $700 million in obligated funds and as many as 1,670 contracts per year. However, four years ago, the Contracting Division was facing a problem that was exhausting every current solution. It was time to get creative.

  • The Sounds of Freedom

    Follow the white buses marked U.S. Air Force as they pick up new recruits from San Antonio International Airport and transport them to a tucked away location on Joint Base San Antonio. This hidden gem sits on almost four thousand acres of land designated for training the newest enlistees of the Air Force for the next eight and a half weeks. Over the course of their basic military training, you can hear groups of individuals become one voice as they chant the melodic sounds of freedom — “Everywhere I go-o, there’s an MTI* there, hut, two, three, four,” to signify unity and the wingman concept.

  • Protecting Dam Facilities with innovative new technology

    As terrorists and extremist groups turn to less sophisticated methods to inflict harm, the use of vehicles in these types of attacks has shown the potential for catastrophic damages to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects. In response, USACE researchers developed the DETER (Deployable Expedient Traffic Entry Regulator) vehicle barrier for Soft Asset Protection at Dam Facilities.

  • Infrastructure Innovation: New Poe Lock arrestor arm is the largest U.S. civil works component produced by 3D printer

    As America’s civil works infrastructure ages, managers need innovative solutions to replace parts that have been in service for nearly a century. Often, these original components were fabricated using vintage material and manufacturing methods, making them costly, burdensome and time-consuming to replace. Responding to this need, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is employing cutting-edge 3D-printing techniques to manufacture these parts faster and at a lower cost while maintaining, and even improving, their properties.

  • Infrastructure Innovation: New Poe Lock arrestor arm is the largest U.S. civil works component produced by 3D printer

    As America’s civil works infrastructure ages, managers need innovative solutions to replace parts that have been in service for nearly a century. Often, these original components were fabricated using vintage material and manufacturing methods, making them costly, burdensome and time-consuming to replace. Responding to this need, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is employing cutting-edge 3D printing techniques to manufacture these parts faster and at a lower cost while maintaining, and even improving, their properties. In early March, the USACE Detroit District installed the largest U.S. civil works infrastructure component produced by a 3D printer – a 12-foot-long metal part for the ship arrestor system on the Poe Lock, one of the two active locks on the Soo Locks facility. Building on years of research performed by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), the part was manufactured in 12 weeks, compared to a projected 18-month lead time for conventional manufacturing. The part was installed, tested and commissioned during the Soo Locks’ winter maintenance cycle. The rapid repair ensured normal operations at Poe Lock, a major transit point for domestic iron ore.