Opportunity/Problem:

In 2011 U.S. railroads reported 52 wheel related train accidents to the FRA.  Half of the derailments that occurred on Class I railroads were reported as derailments occurring from a broken wheel.  Detecting and eliminating cracked wheels before they break will have a significant positive effect on railroad safety and operational efficiency. 

Description:

FRA is sponsoring research into the next generation of automated cracked wheel detectors.   The Automated Cracked Wheel Detection Research project is being conducted in co-operation with the AAR Strategic Research Initiative program.

Objective(s):

• Install ACWD systems for evaluation and testing at TTC
• Develop testing plans and test the systems according to these testing plans
• Develop implementation practices and procedures
• Develop plans for migrating the acceptable systems into revenue service

Rail Impact:

• Facilitates detection of cracked wheels