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Program evaluation is the systematic assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of a program with respect to implementation, impact, and long-term viability. The goal of evaluation is to provide documentation for accountability, direction for policy making, and guidance...
In 2002, FRA’s office of Research and Development (R&D) noted that there had not been any major improvements in human-factors-caused accident levels in recent years. On the basis of this observation, FRA decided to implement and evaluate an approach to safety...
The objectives of FRA's Human Factors R&D Program, consistent with Departmental strategic goals, are to improve the safety of rail transportation. This goal is achieved through applied and theoretical research activities, dissemination of research results...
Human errors now account for more than one third of all train accidents in the U.S. railroad industry. Railroads depend on the adaptability of people, as well as the performance of infrastructure, equipment, and control systems to keep the system safe. Railroad workers need knowledge, training,...
The following reports and papers were produced and published under this cooperative effort with FRA, VOLPE, The Chlorine Institute, Tank Car and Railroad industries:
ARA Applied Research Associates, Inc.Detailed Puncture Analyses of Various Tank Car Designs: Final Report - Revision...
Papers and reports are listed by their document titles starting with the most recent published document. Click on the title under "Report" for an electronic copy of the document, if available. Notice and Disclaimer: These documents are disseminated under the sponsorship of the...
The AAR Manuals (referenced in US DOT hazmat regulations) set forth guidelines for tank car structural integrity determination and design parameters. These guidelines are very general in nature and their use in tank car integrity evaluation, e.g., periodic inspection...
A better understanding of the in-service loads tank cars are subjected to is needed for several reasons. Severe loads seen in normal service are responsible for numerous incidents of tank car structural damage or complete failure. A...
On October 16, 2008, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) was enacted. Section 307(b)(j)(2) of the Act directed the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to "develop a long-range national rail plan...
Studies, by both industry and academia, have shown that it is not practical to use ZigBee-based Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) for monitoring an entire train. The resulting network is too large, with a very long chain-like topology that results in excessive data losses...