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Economics of Concrete- and Wood-Tie Track Structure

This report presents results from an evaluation of the economic benefits of concrete- versus wood-tie track. The analysis includes the life-cycle capital, maintenance, and renewal costs for concrete- and wood-tie track for four specific test cases and traffic ranges from 15 to 40 annual million...

Draft Gear/Cushioning Unit Optimization for Train Action - Interim Report

This interim report describes the work done to date under Task 5 - Draft Gear/Cushioning Unit Optimization of the Track Train Dynamics program. Existing analysis tools for estimating train action forces were reviewed. Alternative approaches for analytical representation of currently used draft...

Assessment of Washington Metropolitan Area Rail Rapid Transit System

[From the Preface] This report is the result of an assessment of the WMATA Metrorail System which took place over a six-month period between April and October of 1978. The report not only provides a general description and status of the system at that time, but also focuses on those current problem...

An Evaluation of Performance Requirements for Cross Ties and Fasteners

This report was prepared as part of the Improved Track Structures Research Program managed by the Transportation Systems Center. This program is sponsored by the Office of Rail Safety Research, Improved Track Structures Research Division, of the Federal Railroad Administration. The report...

A Prospectus for Change in the Freight Railroad Industry

This report outlines prospective changes for the freight railroad industry. It details the status of the industry, the causes of railroad problems, estimated capital requirements, restructurings, intermodal policy, economic regulations, and alternatives for federal financial assistance. Its three...

A New Approach to Railroad Cost Estimation

Cost functions for railroad firms are an important element of management decision-making. They are also a principal basis for regulatory policy. Standard ICC cost-finding procedures which are based on a number of untenable assumptions regarding, the allocation of common and joint costs, are...