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The objectives of this study were to evaluate the long-term performance of various coatings on steel piles in seawater and to investigate non-destructive electrochemical corrosion testing techniques for coating evaluation in the field. Steel H piles which were 20.3 cm x 20.3 cm and 12.2 m long were installed in Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The piles were coated with various coatings such as coal tar epoxy, polyurethane, flame sprayed zinc and aluminum. Several of the piles were left uncoated for baseline comparison. Sacrificial cathodic protection was provided by anodes to some of the bare and coated steel pilings. Corrosion rate measurements using electrochemical polarization resistance and Tafel plots were conducted periodically in the field during the twenty year study. The results of the Cape Cod, MA, corrosion study were compared with a similar study conducted at the La Costa Island, FL. The long-term coating evaluation showed that flame sprayed aluminum with a topcoat sealer performed best at the cooler temperatures in Massachusetts and polyester glass flake was the best performer in Florida. Coal tar epoxy coatings with zinc-rich primers performed well at both of the locations.

In October 1999, General Eric K. Shinseki, Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA), announced the establishment of an interim force, known as the Interim Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), to fill a perceived void in force capability and strategic responsiveness. The expectation of the IBCT is that it is totally air deployable anywhere in the world within 96-hours of the first aircraft taking off. The IBCT Operations and Organization (O&O) design postulates the IBCT to employ immediately upon arrival. This is accomplished using several innovations in technology as well as conceptual.These new expectations demand a serious look at the method of deployment for the unit and the deployment system in total. In order for the IBCT to employ upon arrival it must deploy in combat configuration. Historically, units divide into deployable pieces, to maximize the limited strategic lift assets, and reconfigure in the theater of operations. Examining the deployment process to understand the complete system and then focus specifically on the last leg of the four-legged process -port-to-foxhole.Port-to-foxhole, also known as Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOI), is the process to piece together the deploying pieces into combat effective units. RSOI takes from three to nine days depending on the theater and size unit. The question is whether the new IBCT innovations can eliminate all or part of RSOI. In an attempt to answer the question, this monograph analyzes RSOI functions and how the affects of the IBCT innovations. Finally, it summarizes the previous analysis and presents several recommendations for the logistical community's consideration.iii

The Corps of Engineers has historically used solvent-refined napthenic-type base oils (Group I) for lubricating hydroelectric turbines and associated governor systems. Products now being supplied by the lubrication industry for the same purpose are based on hydro-cracked paraffmic oils (Group II). While these Group II products are advertised to have superior properties for use in gas and steam turbines, they have been reported to result in foaming and sludge formation when used in hydroelectric turbines. A survey of Corps of Engineers hydropower facilities was conducted to determine the extent of such problems. In-service evaluations were conducted to more clearly define the problem. Purpose-designed oil filtration and warming devices were installed at one Corps powerhouse to determine whether foaming and sludge formation could be prevented when using Group II oils. Initial results were positive, and four modified filtration/warming systems were subsequently installed to compare performance and refine technical specifications for a recommended system. DISCLAIMER:The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents.