Power of ERDC

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Latest Episodes:

#72: CLARITY: AI tool lightens the load of heavy military logistics Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

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

#71: Spinning Big Science: How ERDC’s Centrifuge Helps Predict Infrastructure Failure Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

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.

#70: Building Tomorrow’s Engineering Workforce: STEM outreach has produced talent pipeline and reshaped ERDC’s future Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

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

#69: Sizing Up Sand: National project to chart grain size will improve beach management Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

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

#68: Navigating the Dangerous & Chaotic: Surf observation science supports military’s critical amphibious operations Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

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

#67: Mapping movement in contested terrain Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

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

#66: When the Storm Follows the Fire: Research helps predict, mitigate post-wildfire flood risk Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

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

#65: Paint Technology Center of Expertise: Engineering Protection at the Surface Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

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.

#64: TAK: Global situational awareness tool for Warfighters, first responders Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

ERDC, along with partners, ensure TAK and its products allow military, first responders and more to navigate any environment.

#63: Accelerating port assessments for contested logistics Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Learn how ERDC’s PORT and SPEAR tools enable rapid port assessment, improve throughput analysis and support resilient logistics operations.