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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...
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),...
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...
A linear model of the vertical dynamics of a railcar was validated by the application of spectral techniques to experimental data. Track input spectra were computed from test track surface measurements gathered in the TDOP test program. Acceleration measurements of a freight car were used to...
Recent dynamometer tests on a composition metal brake shoe with a high metal powder content developed slight tread metal pick up during testing at the Federal Railroad Administration's Transportation Technology Center. Additionally, the brake shoes and wheels that developed tread metal buildup...
The purpose of the work is to validate the safety assessment methodology previously developed for passenger rail vehicle dynamics, which requires the application of simulation tools as well as testing of vehicles under different track scenarios. This report specifically addresses the evaluation of...
Predictions and evaluations of settlement were made for revenue and the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) track, both containing concrete and wood tie sections. The ballast physical state were investigated by field tests done before and after track maintenance. Borings were also taken...
This report is the first of three volumes which describe a comparative study of concrete tie track in U.S. revenue service and at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST). The work was undertaken to develop an understanding of the degree to which FAST represents the "real world" of...
This report describes analyses performed to examine the growth rate of a particular transverse defect that forms in the rail head. The most common transverse defect found in rail, known as the detail fracture, has been studied in previous work. The present analyses, however, focuses on another...
Thermal buckling of railroad tracks in the lateral plane is an important problem in the design and maintenance of continuous welded rails (CWR). The severity of the problem is manifested through the increasing number of derailments which are attributable to track buckling, indicating a need for...