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This report gives a roadmap for applying model-assisted probability of detection (MAPOD) to the ultrasonic detection of rail flaws. Researchers at ENSCO, Inc., selected this type of track inspection as the most suitable for the MAPOD approach.
MAPOD analysis involves identifying...
Model-assisted probability of detection (MAPOD) is a method for evaluating the effectiveness of inspection processes. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), through a contract with ENSCO, Inc., researched the feasibility of applying the MAPOD approach to the inspection of track flaws. ENSCO...
Kansas State University researchers produced two, fully functional, longitudinal strain measurement and transfer length assessment devices that address specific needs of the industry. The devices are: (1) an automated computer-controlled traversing device and (2) a 6-camera stationary strain...
Emergency warning signal (EWS) sounds have been developed to improve safety for railroad workers and warn trespassers. Researchers conducted a literature review that addresses the need for a new EWS sound, the types of warning sounds used in railroad and non-railroad settings, and fundamental...
Research shows that a strong safety culture can influence a railroad’s safety outcomes, resulting in less frequent, less severe accidents. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safety Council defines safety culture as “the shared values, actions, and behaviors that demonstrate a...
This report presents the concluding results related to Phase 1 of the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) project Categorizing Track Mud Spot Risk by Measurement of Vertical Track Deflection. The overall goal of the project was to develop a means of using...
This report describes the results of a program to modify the existing state-of-the-art end structure design for a Budd Pioneer cab car so it can be installed on a Budd M1 car and used to test the performance of end frames built to meet current APTA and proposed Federal Railroad Administration (...
Researchers from General Electric (GE) Research and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Human Systems Lab are studying ways to improve the man-machine interface for the locomotive driving task and train handling with the assistance of advanced automation. This man-machine...
Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) developed, tested, and implemented a tool to support Interoperable Train Control (ITC)-compliant Positive Train Control (PTC) monitoring and troubleshooting. The tool, called the Monitoring and Analysis of the Integrated Network (MAIN)-Core Data...
A new web application tool called the Monitoring and Analysis of the Integrated Network-Core Data Exchange (MAIN-CDX) can support the monitoring and troubleshooting of Interoperable Train Control (ITC)-compliant Positive Train Control (PTC). The tool provides a standard method of requesting ITC-...