Technical Reports
Railroad Test Track (RTT) Fiber Optic Acoustic Test Bed Expansion
he Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funded an expansion of the Railroad Test Track (RTT) Fiber Optic Acoustic Detection (FOAD) test bed. This test bed was designed for continued research of FOAD technology applications at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC). The FOAD test bed is...Conventional Coupling Test Between Coach Car and Passenger Locomotive
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sponsored Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) in conducting impact tests between a Budd M1 Car and a F40 locomotive to evaluate the performance of both vehicles under dynamic conditions. This set of impact tests were performed on November 18 and...Handbook for the Measurement, Analysis, and Abatement of Railroad Noise
This handbook gathers together in one place the necessary background material, the required measurement and analysis procedures, and the currently available abatement techniques to respond to and meet current railroad noise regulations. The first chapter of the handbook briefly describes Its...A Theory for Track Maintenance Life Prediction
The objective of this study is to develop a methodology for predicting cumulative permanent deformation of track structures under traffic loading as a basis for maintenance life determination. This report presents the progress achieved in the second year of the research. A computer model named...2017 Grade Crossing Research Needs Workshop
In August of 2017, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) held the fourth Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Workshop in St. Louis, MO. The workshop brought together national and international subject matter experts to collaborate, identify, and prioritize specific research needs. The attendees...Railroad Implemented Countermeasures to Prevent Suicide: Review of Public Information
The public discussion of railroad safety initiatives can help to improve safety, either directly with the public through an increased awareness, or by encouraging other carriers to consider similar safety efforts. Rail carriers are often quick to promote trespass and crossing safety efforts,...
Railroad Freight Car Remote Controlled Electrically Driven Set & Release Hand Brake (EDHB) – Optimization for Increased Reliability and Performance
From April 2014 to September 2019, the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Office of Research, Development and Technology worked with Sharma & Associates, Inc. (SA) on an ongoing project to develop prototype Electrically Driven Set and Release Hand Brakes (EDHB) that were engineered and...
Data Analysis for Maintenance-of-Way Worker Fatigue
This report examines the relationship between accidents and incidents amongst U.S. maintenance-of-way (MOW) employees and their corresponding work schedules to determine if fatigue-related factors potentially contributed to the events. Ten U.S. railroads participated in the study by providing...