Covert Engineering Techniques Using Electrokinetic Technology

In order to obtain and maintain battle space dominance through rapid force insertion it is necessary to have the ability to construct and maintain theatre landing zones, runways etc., that may be undersized, under strength or severely deteriorated. Modern construction and engineering techniques does not have the capabilities to rapidly upgrade or construct contingency sites to support future force mission requirements. Electrokinetic processing of soils and other porous media is an emerging, innovative solution to many of these problems; but, there are critical technical challenges foremost is the gradual loss of processing capability over time. During the course of this research Lynntech has made several fundamental advances in electrokinetcs processes for geochemical engineering. Barrier formation and soil hardening techniques were optimized through precisely controlling the movement of charged species through changes in applied voltage and electrolyte pH. In addition a system was established that could allow the progress of the geochemical engineering project to be monitored by satellite or surveillance aircraft. In Phase II we will demonstrated a fully automated electrokinetic-based site preparation and maintenance system technology that could be easily adapted for real military scenarios such as the Joint Rapid Airfield Construction (JRAC) initiative.