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Engineer Research and Development Center

The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is the Corps of Engineers' premier research and development organization, established on October 1, 1998, to conduct and scientific research supporting operations, , , and needs. Headquartered in , ERDC operates seven specialized laboratories across four states, including the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory in , Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in , Environmental Laboratory, Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, Information Technology Laboratory—all in Vicksburg—and the Geospatial Research Laboratory in . These facilities focus on five core research areas: , installations and operational environments, , geospatial research and , and engineered resilient systems, delivering innovative solutions for challenges such as , climate adaptation, and sustainable . With an annual research program of approximately $2.2 billion and a of approximately 2,600 employees and contractors—including over 1,000 engineers and (as of 2022, 32% of whom hold doctoral degrees and 45% master's degrees)—ERDC collaborates with universities, industry partners, and other agencies to translate scientific advancements into practical applications for the U.S. Army and broader national interests.

Overview

Mission and Scope

The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) serves as the primary arm of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), dedicated to solving the nation's most challenging problems in civil and , geospatial sciences, , and environmental sciences. As USACE's flagship R&D entity, ERDC delivers innovative solutions to address complex challenges in military operations, resilience, environmental , and public safety needs. Its work supports the U.S. Army, Department of Defense, federal civilian agencies, and broader public interests by advancing technologies and methodologies that enhance and economic vitality. ERDC's vision is to become the world's premier public engineering and environmental sciences R&D organization, fostering groundbreaking advancements that inform , operations, and long-term efforts. The scope of its activities encompasses a wide array of disciplines, including , , , environmental restoration, and integration, all aimed at providing actionable, science-based solutions for diverse stakeholders. Through collaborative partnerships, ERDC extends its expertise to international allies when aligned with U.S. objectives, ensuring global challenges are met with U.S.-led innovation. ERDC administers an annual research program exceeding $2 billion, supported by a workforce of more than 2,600 employees, including approximately 1,000 engineers and scientists—28% of whom hold PhDs and 42% hold master's degrees. This robust scale enables ERDC to tackle multifaceted problems, from rooted in its historical expertise to contemporary issues in resilient and , while maintaining a commitment to ethical, high-impact research.

Headquarters and Scale

The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is headquartered in , at 3909 Halls Ferry Road, where it occupies a 700-acre that functions as the central hub for administrative and research activities. This expansive site, originally developed from the historic Waterways Experiment Station grounds, hosts four of ERDC's laboratories and supports collaborative work across disciplines through specialized testing areas, facilities, and administrative . ERDC extends its operational footprint across four states—Mississippi, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Virginia—integrating seven laboratories that enable distributed, specialized research capabilities. The laboratories are strategically located to leverage regional expertise, such as coastal hydraulics testing in North Carolina's Duck Field Research Facility, cold regions in New Hampshire's Hanover site, construction research in Illinois' Champaign facility, and multiple domains in Mississippi's Vicksburg campus. With facilities valued at over $2 billion, ERDC maintains world-class that underpins diverse R&D efforts in and sciences, including advanced laboratories, computational centers, and testing sites. These resources, managed by more than 2,600 personnel, facilitate an annual research program exceeding $2 billion in scope. ERDC's scale enables a global operational reach through partnerships with , , other government agencies, and international allies, as well as direct technical deployments. This network supports U.S. troops by providing deployable technologies for operations and enhances worldwide via solutions for environmental challenges and innovations.

History

Origins in Waterways Experiment Station

The devastating Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 highlighted the urgent need for systematic flood control measures along the Mississippi River, prompting Congress to enact the Flood Control Act of 1928 (Public Law 391, 70th Congress, May 15, 1928). This legislation authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to undertake comprehensive projects for flood prevention and river management, including the establishment of a research facility to support these efforts. On June 18, 1929, the Chief of Engineers directed the creation of such a station, initially planned for West Memphis, Arkansas, but relocated to Vicksburg, Mississippi, due to its strategic proximity to the river and available land. Land acquisition for a 147-acre site, approximately 4.5 miles southeast of downtown Vicksburg along Durden Creek, was approved on February 14, 1930. The Waterways Experiment Station (WES) was officially established on July 1, 1930, under the oversight of the President of the Commission, with its primary mission centered on research for . Early operations focused on hydraulic studies and the development of small-scale models to simulate river dynamics and test flood mitigation strategies. By late summer 1930, the first hydraulic model for the Illinois River was constructed, followed in 1931 by studies on backwater effects that set flood limits at mile 120. The Soils Division emerged in to analyze sediments and stability, evolving into formalized research by 1933 and expanding with a dedicated Soils Research Center in 1936, which incorporated foundational work like Dr. J. Hvorslev's treatise on subsurface investigations. These efforts directly contributed to the and Tributaries Project, including the "Old 94" model completed in 1935 to replicate 600 miles of the river, aiding cutoffs such as the 1933 Diamond Point project, which shortened the channel by 10 miles, contributing to an overall shortening of 151.8 miles through multiple projects in the region, as well as constructions like the 1939 Pendleton, , structure and underseepage analyses. During , WES underwent significant expansion to address military engineering needs, shifting resources from civilian flood control to wartime applications while maintaining core hydraulic and soils expertise. Starting in 1941, the station supported amphibious operations through model studies for artificial harbors and breakwaters used in the 1944 Normandy Invasion, as well as port construction projects like the expansion at Midway Island. Innovations in led to the development of the (CBR) method for pavement design and pierced steel plank () landing mats for temporary airfields, enabling rapid deployment of military infrastructure from 1944 to 1945. Trafficability studies initiated in 1945 further enhanced vehicle mobility assessments on varied terrains, with WES personnel handling classified projects and procuring scarce materials through resourceful means. These wartime advancements laid the groundwork for WES's broader evolution into multifaceted engineering research.

Consolidation into ERDC

In the mid-1990s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) undertook a major reorganization of its (R&D) activities to streamline operations and adapt to shifting national priorities following the end of the . In 1996, Lt. Gen. Joe N. Ballard, as Chief of Engineers, directed the consolidation of USACE's dispersed R&D laboratories into a unified entity, aiming to foster integrated science and technology delivery while achieving greater efficiency and cost savings through a more compact organizational structure. This initiative responded to the need for enhanced coordination amid diverse post-Cold War threats and resource constraints. The effort culminated in the official establishment of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) on October 1, 1998, via the merger of seven pre-existing laboratories previously operating independently under USACE. These included key facilities such as the Waterways Experiment Station in , along with others specializing in coastal, construction, cold regions, environmental, geotechnical, and topographic . Headquartered at the former Waterways Experiment Station site, ERDC centralized command to promote synergy across these domains, enabling a single point of contact for R&D requirements. From its formation, ERDC emphasized integrated teams of engineers and scientists collaborating across hydraulics, , , and related fields to address multifaceted challenges. The center's initial priorities centered on bolstering readiness—through innovations in areas like mobility and precision—while supporting environmental compliance via efforts in protection and habitat modeling, and optimizing civil works efficiency for and . This unified framework facilitated resource sharing and interdisciplinary problem-solving, marking a pivotal shift toward more cohesive R&D support for USACE missions.

Post-Formation Developments

Following its formation in , the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) experienced significant growth in computational capabilities during the early , particularly through its integration into the Department of Defense (DoD) Modernization Program (HPCMP). ERDC's Information Technology Laboratory hosted the DoD Supercomputing Resource Center (DSRC), which supported advanced simulations for challenges, including the transition from systems like the C90 to more efficient architectures in preparation for enhanced modeling needs. This expansion enabled ERDC to process complex datasets for applications such as vehicle mobility and environmental modeling, marking a pivotal upgrade in resources. In response to 21st-century challenges, ERDC directed research toward , , and counter-terrorism . For climate adaptation, ERDC contributed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) 2014 Climate Change Adaptation Plan, developing s to assess risks to installations from rising sea levels and , with subsequent reports in 2017 outlining resilience planning frameworks. On , ERDC advanced natural and engineered solutions, such as ecosystem-based approaches to mitigate damages from events, including floods and storms, exceeding $15 billion at sites over the past decade (as of 2025), integrating these into broader USACE efforts adopted in 2002. In counter-terrorism , ERDC developed the Anti-Terrorism Planner for Bridges (ATP-Bridge) starting in the early , using empirical models and finite to predict blast damage and inform protective designs, drawing on over a decade of physical testing. Key milestones in the 2010s included the integration of geospatial and resilient systems research, enhancing ERDC's ability to support adaptive military operations. The Geospatial Research and Engineering (GRE) thrust area evolved to provide data analytics and decision frameworks for awareness, incorporating automated systems for real-time terrain mapping to bolster system resilience against environmental threats. Concurrently, the Engineered Resilient Systems (ERS) business area formalized advanced modeling techniques with , generating expansive design tradespaces for platforms like and vehicles in hours rather than months, thereby optimizing acquisition processes across services. Ongoing expansions in partnerships have amplified ERDC's impact, fostering collaborations with universities, industry, and international allies. Educational Partnering Agreements with institutions like the (2024) and (2024) facilitate STEM research in areas such as and graphene applications, providing internships and joint projects. Industry ties, including with ARA and Robotic Construction Technologies (2025) for innovations, support for military needs. Internationally, partnerships like the 2020 agreement with a United Kingdom university on research leverage ERDC's conventional weapons effects software for global allies. These alliances, coordinated through ERDC's International Research Office, continue to advance shared solutions.

Organization

Laboratories

The U.S. and Development Center (ERDC) comprises seven specialized laboratories that conduct foundational in and environmental sciences to support military and civil works missions. These laboratories are distributed across four states, enabling regionally tailored expertise while fostering collaboration on national challenges. The Coastal and Laboratory (CHL), headquartered in , with a key field site in , focuses on coastal processes, inland and coastal , and dynamics to inform , risk management, and shoreline strategies. The Environmental Laboratory (EL), located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, specializes in ecosystem restoration, environmental sustainability, and remediation technologies, developing science-based solutions for contaminated sites, preservation, and . The Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), based in , addresses , , and development, providing expertise in foundation design, , and resilient for military installations and civil projects. The Information Technology Laboratory (ITL), situated in , develops computational modeling, simulation tools, data analytics, and applications to enhance decision-making in and environmental contexts. The Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), headquartered in , with field offices in , researches weather operations, , snow and ice mechanics, and polar environmental impacts to support operations in extreme climates. The Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), located in Champaign, Illinois, focuses on construction technologies, sustainable building practices, and installation management systems to optimize military facility lifecycle performance and . The Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL), based in , provides , , and mapping technologies to deliver accurate terrain data and visualization tools for warfighter applications and mission planning. ERDC promotes inter-laboratory integration to enable cross-disciplinary projects, leveraging the complementary expertise of its seven laboratories for comprehensive solutions that address complex, multi-domain challenges such as and security.

Leadership Structure

The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) operates under the direct authority of the Chief of Engineers of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), ensuring alignment with broader military and objectives. The ERDC Director serves as the principal executive, responsible for overseeing all research, development, and operational activities across the organization, including , , and coordination with USACE . This reporting structure facilitates rapid integration of ERDC's technical outputs into national defense and infrastructure priorities. Supporting the Director is the Deputy Director, who manages day-to-day administrative and operational functions, while Technical Directors oversee major portfolios such as , civil works, environmental sciences, and . These Technical Directors ensure that research initiatives across disciplines remain focused and integrated, directing efforts in areas like resilient infrastructure and geospatial analysis to meet USACE mandates. Laboratory Directors, each heading one of ERDC's seven specialized laboratories located at sites including ; ; and , handle site-specific management, research execution, and team coordination, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration to advance innovation. ERDC's decision-making framework incorporates a model through its , comprising the Director, Deputy Director, Technical Directors, and Laboratory Directors, which sets the organization's vision, mission, and top research priorities in alignment with USACE and Department of Defense goals. This board fosters internal synergy and influences strategic directions, such as addressing and cybersecurity threats. Additionally, external advisory boards, including domain-specific groups like the Coastal Engineering Research Board, provide expert input on emerging challenges and partnerships with industry, academia, and government entities to shape long-term priorities and enhance research impact.

Research Areas

Military and Resilient Systems Engineering

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) conducts research in military and resilient systems engineering to enhance force protection, mobility, and operational effectiveness in contested environments. This work integrates advanced materials, computational modeling, and high-performance computing to develop systems that withstand threats such as blasts, ballistic impacts, and environmental challenges. Through its Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) and other facilities, ERDC focuses on innovative solutions that support the Department of Defense's (DoD) needs for adaptive and deployable technologies. ERDC develops resilient infrastructure for bases, emphasizing -resistant designs and deployment technologies to protect personnel and assets. Researchers at the GSL have engineered -, ballistic-, and forced-entry-resistant operable windows and doors that maintain functionality under high-intensity pressures while allowing and in secure facilities. The Advanced Blast Load Simulator Facility enables testing of structural responses to loads, supporting the of hardened structures using numerical methods for . For deployment, ERDC's Ready Armor Protection Instant Deployment () system provides a portable barrier that soldiers can erect in minutes to secure entry points against vehicular and threats, as demonstrated in field tests at events like . Additionally, the Modular Anti-Ballistic, , and Forced-Entry Resistant (MABFERS) offers prefabricated, transportable units for temporary bases, patented in 2019 for use in high-risk areas. These technologies prioritize lightweight materials and modular to facilitate quick setup in austere locations. Vehicle mobility research at ERDC addresses performance across diverse terrains, including deserts, arctic regions, and soft soils, using physics-based models to predict and improve trafficability. The Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) develops soil-trafficability models, such as the Mobility Index (MI), a dimensionless metric that integrates parameters with properties like and moisture to assess off-road capabilities. Experiments on highly organic soils, like , have tested military in field sites to refine models for reduced rutting and enhanced maneuverability, informing designs for next-generation ground . Ground matting systems, researched for soft soils, distribute loads to prevent bogging, enabling operations in wetlands or thawed . These efforts incorporate for simulations of complex geo-environments, supporting autonomous and manned systems in extreme conditions. ERDC advances precision targeting and systems by integrating geospatial data to account for environmental effects on and munitions. Through the Geospatial (GRL), researchers analyze terrain and atmospheric conditions to improve accuracy and targeting algorithms, enabling precise strikes in degraded visibility. simulations evaluate weapon effects on structures and integrate geospatial layers for real-time planning, reducing while enhancing lethality. This work supports platforms by providing decision aids that fuse models, data, and performance metrics for . The Engineered Resilient Systems (ERS) portfolio at ERDC focuses on adaptive technologies for future warfare, leveraging multidisciplinary to create dependable systems with extended lifecycles. ERS employs high-fidelity modeling to generate design tradespaces—evaluating thousands of configurations in hours—for ground vehicles, aircraft, and protective structures across services. Key thrusts include operational environment simulations that predict system against evolving threats, such as cyber-physical attacks or climate extremes, and for lifecycle optimization. This approach has transitioned technologies like lightweight bridging and automated planning, ensuring warfighters have scalable solutions for multi-domain operations.

Environmental and Water Resources

The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) conducts extensive research under its and Installations portfolio, focusing on of natural resources to support both civilian and military needs. This work, primarily through the (EL), addresses protection and restoration by developing tools for assessing and mitigating environmental impacts on installations. Key efforts include advancing for remediation and providing guidance for modernization that enhances environmental . A core component involves wetland protection, where ERDC researchers develop delineation manuals and automated tools to improve accuracy in identifying and preserving boundaries. For instance, regional supplements to the 1987 Corps of Engineers Delineation Manual offer standardized procedures for national application, aiding in and ecosystem conservation. Additionally, the Regulatory Assistance (WRAP) integrates research to streamline and modeling of systems, identifying trends and disturbances to inform protection strategies. ERDC also specializes in endangered species habitat modeling through its Ecological Resources Branch, employing advanced techniques such as modeling, habitat selection analysis, and the Eulerian-Lagrangian-agent Method () to forecast animal movement and assess risks. These models integrate , , and data to evaluate impacts on , supporting mitigation for species like the interior and . Such efforts ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act while preserving in sensitive habitats. In the Civil Works and Water Resources domain, led by the Coastal and Laboratory (CHL), ERDC tackles through risk-based modeling of natural, engineered, and hybrid systems to quantify performance against s, droughts, and storms. With average annual damages of approximately $46 billion (2014-2023) underscoring the urgency, innovations like AI-driven hazard evaluation and enhance risk reduction for rivers, reservoirs, and coastal areas. Dredging operations, costing over $1 billion yearly, are optimized via next-generation sensors and management models to maintain channels while minimizing environmental disruption. Coastal erosion mitigation integrates dredged material beneficially, placing sediments to restore shorelines, reduce , and support habitat creation, as guided by best management practices for . These approaches not only stabilize eroding coasts but also deliver ecosystem benefits, such as enhancement and flood protection, in high-wave-energy environments. Restoration projects draw heavily from ERDC's Mississippi River legacy, where certified models guide stream and ecosystem rehabilitation in the Lower and Upper basins. For rivers and coasts, initiatives like the Engineering With Nature (EWN) program repurpose dredged sediments from the region's annual maintenance of navigation waterways, which involves about 80 million cubic yards, with portions strategically placed at sites like Horseshoe Bend Island on the —to accelerate marsh formation using natural river dynamics, earning multiple environmental awards. Similar efforts extend to sites and Gulf reefs, optimizing habitat restoration through field studies and sediment placement to bolster coastal . Annually, over $500 million is invested in such restorations, including control and habitat recovery. Climate adaptation strategies emphasize resilient water , incorporating nature-based features into planning, design, and construction to counter sea-level rise, , and erosion. ERDC's guidelines on natural and nature-based solutions, informed by EWN, promote hybrid systems that integrate across scales for , with probabilistic models assessing long-term coastal dune stability and flood risks under changing conditions. These efforts, aligned with national strategies, enhance durability while providing co-benefits like habitat restoration and reduced disaster impacts.

Geospatial and Information Technology

The Engineer Research and Development Center's (ERDC) Geospatial Research and Engineering (GRE) portfolio advances data-driven tools and methodologies to support engineering applications across military and civil domains, emphasizing , geographic information systems (GIS), and predictive modeling for enhanced . Remote sensing technologies at ERDC's Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL) include for high-resolution 3D mapping, passive and active spectral signature analysis, , and , enabling precise terrain characterization and environmental assessments. For instance, GRL researchers have deployed automated systems to conduct hourly 3D scans of dynamic landscapes, such as volcanic terrains at , , to model real-time changes in elevation and surface features. GIS capabilities integrate these data sources for terrain analysis, supporting spatio-temporal reasoning and visualization to evaluate factors like signal propagation and sensor performance in complex environments. Predictive modeling within the GRE portfolio leverages geospatial data to forecast environmental and operational scenarios, with a focus on dynamics and . ERDC scientists have developed GIS-based models using LiDAR-derived elevation metrics to predict distributions—such as herbaceous, sparse, and woody vegetation—on barrier islands like , achieving an overall classification accuracy of 67.6%. More recently, algorithms applied to hyperspectral imagery and geomorphological data have predicted seagrass suitability in the Mississippi-Alabama Barrier Islands with over 70% accuracy, aiding coastal restoration and efforts. These models incorporate from and airborne sources to simulate responses to stressors like sea-level rise, providing scalable tools for infrastructure vulnerability assessments. The Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) complements GRE efforts by advancing (HPC) and (AI) to process vast geospatial datasets and enable sophisticated simulations. ITL's HPC resources, part of the Department of Defense Modernization Program, support near-real-time analytics and for , allowing engineers to run complex models that integrate terrain, spectral, and temporal data. and integrations at ITL enhance predictive simulations, such as fusing multi-sensor data for operational planning, where analytics inform infrastructure siting and resilience strategies by forecasting risks from environmental variables. For operational , these technologies enable geo-enabled systems that provide warfighters with dynamic geospatial frameworks for decision support. ERDC has developed specialized software tools to apply these geospatial and IT advancements to practical challenges, including and . Tools like the Spectral Temporal Signature (STS) method utilize multi-temporal to map vegetation health and watershed-scale changes, supporting long-term environmental surveillance. In flood-related applications, ERDC's GIS integrations with hydrologic models, such as those analyzing Landsat data for impacts on reservoirs, have reduced assessment costs by up to 88% compared to traditional surveys, facilitating rapid and . platforms at ITL further enable these tools by handling fused datasets for habitat prediction and operational scenarios, ensuring scalable solutions for civil works projects like flood risk management.

Facilities and Capabilities

Key Research Facilities

The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) maintains several specialized physical facilities across its laboratories to support experimental research in coastal processes, , structural resilience, and cold environment simulations. These infrastructures enable large-scale, real-world testing that complements numerical modeling efforts, providing critical data for and applications. At the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL) in , the Field Research Facility in , features a 1,840-foot and that serves as a primary platform for wave and studies. This allows researchers to collect long-term observational data on coastal dynamics, including wave propagation, , and nearshore processes, under natural environmental conditions. The facility supports experiments that inform coastal protection strategies and for both installations and . The Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), also in Vicksburg, houses the Centrifuge Research Facility, which simulates high-gravity conditions to study geotechnical behaviors at accelerated scales. Equipped with one of the world's most powerful beam centrifuges, commissioned in 1995 and upgraded in 2023 for enhanced functionality, it enables instrumented physical modeling of soil-structure interactions, foundation stability, and infrastructure responses under extreme loads, such as those from blasts or environmental stresses. This capability is essential for validating designs in geotechnical, coastal, and protective engineering contexts, allowing tests under varied climatic simulations from desert to polar environments. GSL further supports structural resilience research through its Blast Load Simulator Facility in Vicksburg, which replicates blast effects for testing materials and components without relying on open-field explosives. Upgraded in , this controlled environment facilitates full-scale experiments on propagation and structural damage, enhancing understanding of protective measures for military facilities and . The Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in , operates test beds dedicated to and engineering, including the 80-foot by 160-foot Engineering Research Area. This refrigerated facility allows for large-scale physical modeling of formation, heave, and interactions in rivers, lakes, and terrain, simulating and sub-Arctic conditions to develop solutions for mobility, construction, and environmental adaptation in climates. Additional effects facilities enable studies on freezing and thawing cycles, supporting resilient in extreme regions. CHL's Vicksburg campus also features extensive river and coastal hydraulic models, including physical scale models for simulating flood flows, , and navigation channel dynamics along major waterways like the . These models, such as those used for lock and dam operations, provide hands-on validation of hydraulic designs and risk reduction measures, contributing to broader environmental on management. ERDC's Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) in Champaign, Illinois, includes the Triaxial Earthquake and Shock Simulator (TESS), a three-dimensional shake table used to test seismic performance of structures, facilities, and equipment. As of January 2025, TESS supported testing of mass timber shelters for seismic resilience.

Computational and Modeling Resources

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) hosts the Department of Defense () High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP), which provides supercomputing resources through the ERDC Supercomputing Resource Center (DSRC) in . The DSRC supports computational needs for engineers and scientists, offering access to advanced , software, , and expertise in areas such as simulations and . Key systems include the supercomputer, a Liqid-based platform with 81,502 cores and 4.2 petaFLOPS of performance; the Barfoot, an HPE EX4000 system with 212,736 cores and 8.2 petaFLOPS; and the Carpenter, another HPE EX4000 with 313,344 cores and 17.65 petaFLOPS (as of 2023). These systems collectively enable over 30 petaFLOPS of computing power, far exceeding 3.5 quadrillion calculations per second, to handle complex modeling tasks in and environmental sciences. ERDC employs specialized software suites for finite element analysis and geospatial simulations, enhancing structural integrity assessments and terrain modeling. The XMESH program serves as a finite element preprocessor and postprocessor, facilitating and input file creation for structural simulations. In coastal and hydraulics applications, the CGWAVE model applies two-dimensional finite element methods based on the elliptic mild-slope to simulate wave propagation and interactions. For broader structural and multi-physics simulations, the Computational Research and Engineering Acquisition Tools and Environments (CREATE) suite integrates high-fidelity codes to replace physical testing in design and resilient systems evaluation. The Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) and associated tools, part of ERDC's analytical suites, support geospatial simulations by processing multidimensional data for environmental and water resource predictions. A notable historic modeling resource associated with ERDC is the , a 200-acre physical hydraulic representation of the and its tributaries, replicating 41% of the ' drainage area at a horizontal scale of 1:2000 and vertical scale of 1:100. Constructed between 1949 and 1971 for flood control studies, the model was deeded to the City of , in 1993 and is preserved as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, no longer maintained or used by ERDC. Its principles continue to inform modern computational flood modeling efforts. ERDC integrates and (AI) to enable modeling for resilient systems, particularly in climate and disaster . A 2021 agreement with leverages cloud services and AI tools to enhance extreme weather simulations, increasing modeling capacity and data dissemination for natural disaster resilience. This integration supports by processing vast datasets in near , such as for resilience and infrastructure vulnerability under environmental stresses. These resources are also applied in geospatial to refine terrain and environmental simulations.

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