Technical Reports

Computational Methods to Predict Railcar Response to Track Cross-Level Variations

The rocking response of railroad freight cars to track cross-level variations is studied using: (1) a reduced complexity digital simulation model, and (2) a quasi-linear describing function analysis. The reduced complexity digital simulation model employs a rail truck model that neglects the high-...

The Effect of Imperfections on the Vertical Buckling of Railroad Tracks

This report deals with an analytical prediction of the effect of geometric imperfections on the post-buckling characteristics of railroad tracks. The analysis is restricted to the case of vertical track buckling due to constrained thermal expansion in which the track is assumed to lift itself up...

Training Requirements for Railroad Dispatchers: Objectives, Syllabi and Test Designs

This report presents the results of a study to develop railroad dispatcher training objectives, syllabi for three types of training programs and test designs for the three programs. Information about current railroad dispatching methods and training programs, assembled through site visits and...

Feasibility Study on the Replacement or Upgrade of the T-6 Track Research Vehicle

This feasibility and cost study concluded that the FRA's aging T-6 can be replaced with a new state-of-the-art research platform costing approximately 3.5 million. The new, Track Research Instrumentation Platform (TRIP) is envisioned as a laboratory on wheels. This vehicle will provide: the means...

Ride Quality Evaluation of High Speed Trains on the Northeast Corridor

This document contains the results of testing to characterize the ride quality of high speed rail passenger vehicles. The lateral and vertical acceleration and vibration of standard Amtrak Metroliners, the Swedish X2000, and the German Intercity Express (ICE), were recorded during simulated and...

Safety of High Speed Guided Ground Transportation Systems: Potential Health Effects of Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Due to Maglev and Other Electric Rail Systems

The safety of magnetically-levitated (maglev) and high-speed rail (HSR) trains proposed for use in the United States is the responsibility of the Federal Railroad Administration. There are concerns for physical safety associated with equipment operation and high-voltage currents, and for potential...

Fire Safety of Passenger Trains: A Review of U.S. and Foreign Approaches

While the historical record has been very good and few serious passsenger train fires have occurred, minor incidents could develop into potentially life-threatening events. Fire safety is an area of particular interest for both conventional intercity and commuter trains, as well as new high-speed...

A Risk Assessment Study on the Transportation of Hazardous Materials over the U.S. Railroads

A comprehensive and generic risk assessment model has been developed for evaluating the risk to the public from the transportation of hazardous materials (Hazmat) on rail over specified routes. The model considers the various operational and hazmat property parameters. These include the make-up of...

Safety of High Speed Magnetic Levitation Transportation Systems: High-Speed Maglev Trains: German Safety Requirements RW-MSB (Translation of German Ragelwerk Magnetschnellbahnen-Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen )

This document is a translation of technology-specific safety requirements developed for the German Transrapid Maglev Technology. These requirements were developed by a working group composed of representatives of German Federal Railways (DB), Testing and Planning Company for Maglev Systems (MVP),...

Investigation of Rail Fastener Performance Requirements

An investigation was conducted to develop qualification requirements which reliably indicate the service performance of rail fasteners. The study included a review of available data from qualification tests, measurements of rail/tie deflections and fastener clip strains at the Facility for...

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Technical Reports