Power of ERDC

U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)

Satisfy your curiosity and learn how some of our country’s smartest engineers and scientists are solving many of the toughest challenges facing the nation and the Warfighter. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is comprised of seven research laboratories across four states, and one of its greatest strengths is its ability to combine the expertise from multiple laboratories into powerful, cross-disciplinary projects. Each month, we dive into one of these complex problems across its broad civil works and military mission space and ask ERDC’s world-class researchers about how they are discovering, developing and delivering practical cutting-edge solutions that make the world safer and better.

  1. 13h ago

    CLARITY: AI tool lightens the load of heavy military logistics

    Learn how ERDC and the Defense Logistics Agency are exploring how artificial intelligence can improve Class IV logistics planning.

  2. Aug 11

    #71: Spinning Big Science: How ERDC’s Centrifuge Helps Predict Infrastructure Failure

    Failure is something engineers work every day to prevent, but at ERDC, researchers can study failure before it happens in the real world. Dr. April Bowman, a research civil engineer with ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, joins the Power of ERDC podcast to explain how the Centrifuge Research Complex helps scientists and engineers model large-scale infrastructure problems in miniature while recreating real-world stress conditions. The centrifuge allows ERDC to study how soil and structures interact under load, giving researchers a safer and more cost-effective way to examine dams, levees, walls, tunnels, foundations, protective barriers and other large infrastructure systems. Bowman explains how spinning a small model at increased gravity can make it behave like a full-scale system, allowing researchers to test failure mechanisms that would be too dangerous, expensive or impractical to recreate in the field (3:40). Topics discussed include why soil behavior depends on stress (5:34); how centrifuge testing can reduce costs while increasing the number of tests (7:17); how ERDC research has supported military protection systems (9:09) and civil works infrastructure (12:28); and how current mechanically stabilized earth wall research is using fiber optic strain sensing and acoustic sensing to detect early warning signs of failure (16:03). For more information, visit PowerofERDCPodcast.org/71-spinning-big-science_resources. Watch a video of this podcast at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/71-spinning-big-science_video.

  3. Aug 4

    #70: Building Tomorrow’s Engineering Workforce: STEM outreach has produced talent pipeline and reshaped ERDC’s future

    STEM outreach has built a talent pipeline for ERDC and reshaped its future.

  4. Jul 28

    #69: Sizing Up Sand: National project to chart grain size will improve beach management

    Learn how ERDC researchers are building a national database of sand-grain size, filling a critical knowledge gap that will enable better beach management.

  5. Jul 21

    Navigating the Dangerous & Chaotic: Surf observation science supports military’s critical amphibious operations

    ERDC surf observation research supports military’s amphibious operation mission.

  6. Jul 14

    #67: Mapping movement in contested terrain

    Learn how ERDC’s PLANS and WGAP tools support contested movement by improving route analysis, gap-crossing planning and engineer-informed decision support.

  7. Jul 7

    When the Storm Follows the Fire: Research helps predict, mitigate post-wildfire flood risk

    Listen to learn how ERDC research into post-wildfire flooding is helping USACE protect communities from this unique phenomenon.

  8. Jun 30

    #65: Paint Technology Center of Expertise: Engineering Protection at the Surface

    Protecting critical infrastructure starts at the surface. For ERDC researchers working in coatings science, that surface determines performance, longevity and cost. Brooke Divan, a research physical scientist at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Paint Technology Center of Expertise, supports projects across the country by connecting coatings science with real-world infrastructure performance. Her team provides technical guidance, validates materials and develops the standards that ensure coatings systems perform as intended. From early project planning to failure analysis, the team’s work reduces corrosion risk, prevents costly rework and extends the service life of critical infrastructure. By testing every batch of paint used on hydraulic steel structures and supporting more than 30 USACE districts, the team plays a direct role in protecting billions of dollars in assets. Divan explains how the Paint Technology Center of Expertise bridges research and operations, supports industry standards, and trains those who apply coatings. Topics discussed include how the team supports real-time field questions and failure investigations (2:04), the role of coatings testing and national specifications in ensuring performance (12:03), and how training and contractor certification improve project outcomes (17:53). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/65-engineering-protection-at-the-surface_video. You can also see additional resources at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/65-engineering-protection-at-the-surface_resources.

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About

Satisfy your curiosity and learn how some of our country’s smartest engineers and scientists are solving many of the toughest challenges facing the nation and the Warfighter. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is comprised of seven research laboratories across four states, and one of its greatest strengths is its ability to combine the expertise from multiple laboratories into powerful, cross-disciplinary projects. Each month, we dive into one of these complex problems across its broad civil works and military mission space and ask ERDC’s world-class researchers about how they are discovering, developing and delivering practical cutting-edge solutions that make the world safer and better.

Information

  • Creator
    U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © This podcast, its associated website and their contents are the copyright of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. All rights are reserved.
  • Show Website
    Power of ERDC