eLibrary Search
The FRA eLibrary contains all the documents that are found throughout the FRA Public Website. Multiple pages on the website may link to the same eLibrary item based on its set of metatdata.
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11
Oct
2024
Technical Reports
Mixed Freight and Higher-Speed Passenger Trains: Framework for Superelevation Design
Subject
Track
Keywords: Superelevation, high-speed rail, freight operations, passenger operations
Abstract: As the demand for higher-speed passenger trains increases, the disparity between freight and passenger operations also increases. On mixed-use rail corridors, the result is a...
Report Number
DOT/FRA/ORD-19/42
Office
RDI-21
4
Oct
2024
Technical Reports
Modeling the Effects of Top-of-Rail Products on Creep Forces in the Wheel-Rail Interface
Subject
Track
Keywords: Wheel/rail interface; friction management; top-of-rail products; friction measurement; friction modelling
Abstract: The main aim of this project was to develop a wheel-rail creep force model that accounts for the effects of third-body layers resulting from the...
Report Number
DOT/FRA/ORD-24/42
Office
RDI-21
30
Sep
2024
Research Results
Detection of Rockfall-Prone Areas Through InSAR-SBAS Analysis
Subject
Track
Keywords: InSAR, Rockfall, SBAS, High Risk Area Detection, Satellite, Infrastructure
Abstract: Identifying and monitoring rockfall- and landslide-prone areas is crucial for effective risk mitigation, as these geohazard events present significant challenges and hazards to...
Report Number
RR 24-12
Office
RDI-21
19
Sep
2024
Research Results
Railroad Spike Failure Mitigation: Investigation of Tie Plate Hold-Down Elements
Subject
Research,
Track
Keywords: Broken spikes; spring washers; spring specifications; hold-down load; resiliency; elastic fasteners; stress relaxation
Abstract: The Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) investigated methods to mitigate timber tie spike failures. This...
Report Number
RR 24-11
Office
RDI-21
12
Sep
2024
Technical Reports
Advanced Track Geometry Forecasting Methods
Subject
Research,
Track
Keywords: Prediction; forecast; track geometry; time series; degradation; Autonomous Track Geometry Measurement System; ATGMS
Abstract: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) contracted ENSCO, Inc., to apply alternative forecasting approaches to foot-by-foot track geometry data. The research team used track...
Report Number
DOT/FRA/ORD-24/37
Office
RDI-21
11
Sep
2024
Technical Reports
Improved Polymer Composite Tie Performance
Subject
Track
Keywords: Composite ties, laboratory testing, in-track testing, performance and safety, maintenance practice
Abstract: For regions experiencing high rot and decay, engineered-polymer composite (EPC) ties offer a potential alternative to solid-sawn timber ties. However, these ties have a history...
Report Number
DOT/FRA/ORD-24/16
Office
RDI-21
30
Aug
2024
Technical Reports
An Investigation of the Effects of Positive Train Control Systems on Track Maintenance
Subject
Research,
Track
Keywords: Positive Train Control; PTC; Maintenance of Way; MOW; roadway worker protection; RWP; Employee-in-Charge; EIC; Roadway Worker in Charge; RWIC
Abstract: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) contracted Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) to conduct a broad analysis of the impacts of Positive Train Control (PTC)...
Report Number
DOT/FRA/ORD-24/32
Office
RDI-21
30
Aug
2024
Technical Reports
Monitoring and Modeling of Differential Movement at Railway Transitions
Subject
Research,
Track
Keywords: Transition zones; differential movement; bridge approach; unsupported; track geometry; track modulus; modulus
Abstract: The Federal Railroad Administration sponsored a research team from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to conduct laboratory and field research of railroad bridge...
Report Number
DOT/FRA/ORD-24/30
Office
RDI-21
29
Aug
2024
Technical Reports
Automated Weld Repair of Manganese Frogs for Extended Service Life
Subject
Research,
Track
Keywords: Constant voltage; CV; flux-cored arc welding; FCAW; pulse gas metal arc welding; GMAW-P; radiographic testing; RT; ultimate tensile strength; UTS; yield strength; YS; rail frog; rail turnout; frog point; frog wings; solid state welding
Abstract: EWI completed research and testing of an automated weld repair process for austenitic manganese steel railroad frogs. This report covers the second of two projects sponsored by...
Report Number
DOT/FRA/ORD-24/29
Office
RDI-21
22
Aug
2024
Technical Reports
Ballast Fouling Measurement Tool – Phase III
Subject
Track
Keywords: Ground-penetrating radar; ballast; fouling; moisture
Abstract: Researchers developed a second-generation RAdar Ballast Inspection Tool (RABIT) based on ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for use by track inspectors. This system is much lighter...
Report Number
DOT/FRA/ORD-24/27
Office
RDI-21