Measuring Concrete Crosstie Rail Seat Pressure Distribution With Matrix Based Tactile Surface Sensors

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher T. Rapp ◽  
J. Riley Edwards ◽  
Marcus S. Dersch ◽  
Christopher P. L. Barkan ◽  
Jose Mediavilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
The United States ◽  
System Component ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Passenger Rail ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Increased Strength

A sustained increase in gross rail loads and cumulative freight tonnages, as well as increased interest in high and higher-speed passenger rail development in the United States, is placing an increasing demand on railway infrastructure. According to a railway industry survey conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), rail seat deterioration (RSD) was identified as one of the primary factors limiting concrete crosstie service life. Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need for infrastructure components with increased strength, durability, and ability to maintain the tighter geometric track tolerances under demanding loading conditions. Researchers have hypothesized that localized crushing of the concrete rail seat is one of five potential mechanisms that contribute to RSD. Therefore, to better understand this mechanism, UIUC is utilizing a matrix based tactile surface sensor (MBTSS) to quantify the forces acting at the interface between the bottom of the rail pad and the concrete tie rail seat. The MBTSS measures the forces and distribution of pressure as a load is applied to the rail seat. Preliminary laboratory testing has shown that higher modulus rail pads distribute forces poorer than lower modulus rail pads, leading to localized areas with high contact pressure and a higher probability of crushing. Testing has also shown that as the lateral/vertical (L/V) force ratio increases, the pressure on the field side of the rail seat also increases, possibly accelerating RSD. The objective of future field testing is to be able to validate the assumptions made from this preliminary laboratory data. Data collected and analyzed throughout this research project will provide valuable insight into developing future concrete crosstie and fastening system component designs that meet the operational and loading demands of high speed rail and joint passenger/freight corridors.

A Comprehensive Framework for Assessing Passenger Rail Services: A Case Study of the Hoosier State Line

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Dimitra Pyrialakou ◽  
Konstantina (Nadia) Gkritza
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Passenger Rail ◽  
Rail Services

The development of a nationwide commuter and high-speed rail (HSR) network has been suggested as a promising and “greener” passenger transport solution with the potential to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, given efficient planning that will ensure sufficient ridership and sustainable investment. It is anticipated that passenger rail growth will bring regional economic benefits as well as promote energy independence, transportation safety, and livable communities with improved accessibility and inter-connectivity. Much research has been conducted to identify the benefits and costs associated with the operation, maintenance, and improvement of passenger rail services. However, previous studies supporting investment in passenger rail have generally considered one evaluation factor at a time. Additionally, studies suggesting that investment in passenger rail is not cost-effective give more weight to quantifiable benefits and current conditions, and rarely consider changes in public preferences influenced by policies and fostered conditions to encourage mode shifts. Thus, the literature lacks a comprehensive approach that would evaluate investments in passenger rail, accounting for quantifiable and other benefits, in light of environmental, resilience and sustainability, economic, demand, and feasibility factors. Using a case study of the Hoosier State line, this study illustrates a systems approach for comprehensively assessing passenger rail services in the United States in terms of the system’s existing opportunities and future directions. The Hoosier State line operates four days per week between Indianapolis, Indiana and Chicago, Illinois with four intermediate stops. As of October 1, 2013, the State of Indiana, local communities, and Amtrak reached an agreement to support the Hoosier State line for the next fiscal year (2013–2014).

Technology Transfer of Tools for Passenger Rail Environmental Analysis

2000 ◽  
Vol 1713 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-47
Author(s):  
Marilyn Duffey ◽  
David Freytag
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Analysis ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
The United States ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Transportation Industry ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Passenger Rail ◽  
Transfer Of Information

It is time to transfer the advanced technology and processes specifically developed for conducting the environmental analysis of high-speed rail (HSR) corridors to other large-scale infrastructure projects. Because HSR projects cover thousands of miles and traverse multiple geographic and land use conditions, the most advanced electronic tools available have conveyed vast amounts of information into quantitative, tabular, and graphic format for analysis. A geographic information system allows comprehensive analysis of multiple layers of information in formats compatible with the electronic files used to engineer the alignment. A global positioning system can verify previously recorded data and locate and record new data, transferring information to a comprehensive database readily accessible to technical analysts and agency staff. Digital photographs and digital files of geographic contours, combined with engineering plans and profiles, provide the information needed to create a video simulation of HSR for public presentations. These tools have been used effectively in information exchange and decision making during environmental reviews for HSR projects, and they are compatible with personal computers and the Internet for transfer of information to potential users. The Florida HSR project and the ongoing California HSR project have used these tools effectively to streamline environmental review and to produce information in electronic formats for other projects in the same area. These advanced technological tools for HSR projects should be shared with the rest of the transportation industry, specifically for the environmental analysis of other planned passenger rail projects in the United States.

High Speed Rail for America’s Regional Transportation: A Study of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Wang ◽  
P. Bortner ◽  
W. Peterson ◽  
D. McCullough
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
The United States ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Rail Network ◽  
Passenger Rail ◽  
Near Term ◽  
Benefits And Costs

After 60 years and more than $1.9 trillion of investments, the United States has developed one of the world’s most advanced highway and aviation systems. However, these transportation systems are now at a gridlock. To reduce the congestion and increase efficiency of America’s regional transportation, rail transit should be considered as a promising, long-term solution. The recent stimulus package provides planners an opportunity to reconsider the potentials of regional passenger rail network, especially the high speed rail system. After examining the development history and current condition of America’s passenger rail network, the paper focuses on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor (NEC) and proposes three different improvement plans that can increase travel speeds and attract more ridership: (1) return the corridor to a state of good repair; (2) construct a new dedicated High-Speed Rail track; and (3) develop a multimodal-shared and connected corridor. Each plan has its advantages and drawbacks, and measuring the extent of each plan’s benefits and costs is known to be challenging. To evaluate these plans, the paper utilizes a non-traditional cost-benefit analysis method which considers changes in ridership, life-cycle costs as well as each plan’s economic and environmental impacts (negative or positive). It is found that returning the existing corridor to a state of good repair is the most efficient improvement plan in near term.

Field Testing of Intrusion Detection Technologies for High-Speed Rail Crossings

2005 ◽  
Vol 1918 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-17
Author(s):  
Ron Blacketer ◽  
J. R. Zaworski ◽  
K. M. Hunter-Zaworski
Keyword(s):  
Intrusion Detection ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Passenger Rail ◽  
Rail Systems ◽  
Detection Technologies

High-speed passenger rail is becoming a more common form of mass transit. A concern when high-speed rail systems are implemented is the provision of intrusion detection at rail crossings. High-speed rail equipment is lighter and faster than traditional rail equipment, and even small objects can damage or derail it. The goal of this project was to field-test two intrusion detection technologies–-a video detection system and a microwave detection system–-and determine whether they could effectively be used for intrusion detection at rail crossings. The tests used objects of varying size, color, and material composition to serve as intruders. The detection systems used were chosen as a result of several previously performed laboratory studies that suggested that both systems, though designed to detect automobiles and pedestrians, could meet the specified requirements. Field testing, however, showed that the performance level of both systems was lower than expected. Therefore, the conclusion was drawn that the technologies would require much testing and refinement before either could be implemented as a stand-alone rail crossing intrusion detection system. This report describes the field testing that was done to evaluate these systems. It includes a description of the detection systems, the test methods and results, and conclusions about the viability of these technologies for this particular application.

When is High-Speed Rail Fast Enough?

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth G. Sislak
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Hampton Roads ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
Passenger Rail ◽  
Rail Service

The vision for high-speed rail in America includes corridors that are “emerging” as candidates for investment in passenger rail service improvements including increasing maximum authorized speeds to 90 and 110 mph. Will increasing speeds up to 110 mph be cost effective in terms of attracting new riders? This paper will explore the results of studies examining incremental capital costs and the marginal ridership and revenue increases in the Richmond – Hampton Roads passenger rail project and other current emerging high-speed rail corridors throughout the United States.

scholarly journals Benchmark of the Trends of Spatial Inequality in World Megaregions

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6456
Author(s):  
Ziqi Liu ◽  
Ming Zhang ◽  
Liwen Liu
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Investment Strategy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Spatial Inequality ◽  
Theil Index ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
International Learning ◽  
Regional Product ◽  
Index Measure

There have been growing concerns around the world over the rising spatial inequality (SI) amid fast and vast globalization. This paper presents an effort to benchmark the conditions and trends of spatial inequality in 37 megaregions in the United States, Europe, and China. Furthermore, the study selected three megaregion examples and analyzed the effect of developing high-speed rail (HSR) as an infrastructure investment strategy on reshaping the spatial pattern of job accessibility. The study measures spatial inequality with the Theil index of gross regional product and with the rank-size coefficient of polycentricity. Results show that spatial inequality exists and varies in magnitude within and between megaregions. On average, Chinese megaregions exhibited the level of spatial inequality about two times or more of those in the U.S. and European megaregions. The decade between 2006 and 2016 saw a decrease in the Theil index measure of megaregional inequality in China, but a slight increase in the United States and Europe. Fast growing megaregions exhibit high levels and rising trends of spatial inequality regardless of the country or continent setting. HSR helps improve mobility and accessibility; yet the extent to which HSR reduces spatial inequality is context dependent. This study presents a first attempt to assess and compare the spatial inequality conditions and trajectories in world megaregions aiming at promoting international learning.

Compound Poisson—Gamma Regression Models for Dollar Outcomes That Are Sometimes Zero

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin E. Lauderdale
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Simulated Data ◽  
The United States ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Compound Poisson ◽  
Compound Distribution ◽  
Tweedie Distribution ◽  
United States Federal Government

Political scientists often study dollar-denominated outcomes that are zero for some observations. These zeros can arise because the data-generating process is granular: The observed outcome results from aggregation of a small number of discrete projects or grants, each of varying dollar size. This article describes the use of a compound distribution in which each observed outcome is the sum of a Poisson—distributed number of gamma distributed quantities, a special case of the Tweedie distribution. Regression models based on this distribution estimate loglinear marginal effects without either the ad hoc treatment of zeros necessary to use a log-dependent variable regression or the change in quantity of interest necessary to use a tobit or selection model. The compound Poisson—gamma regression is compared with commonly applied approaches in an application to data on high-speed rail grants from the United States federal government to the states, and against simulated data from several data-generating processes.

California High-Speed Rail

2016 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Jeff Morales
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Job Creation ◽  
The United States ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Environmentally Sensitive ◽  
Rail Station

California has started construction on the first true high-speed rail system in the United States. In this chapter, the CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority describes how the state's historic investment in new high-speed rail infrastructure will benefit Californians. Benefits include job creation, statewide modernization of existing local rail lines, short and long-term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, preservation of agricultural land and environmentally sensitive habitats, advanced clean and green construction practices and technologies, a commitment to 100% renewable energy use, and assistance to partner cities on transit-oriented planning for high-speed rail station areas.

Impact of Spatial Filtering on the Least Cost Path Method

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 32-44
Author(s):  
Amy E. Rock ◽  
Amanda Mullett ◽  
Saad Algharib ◽  
Jared Schaffer ◽  
Jay Lee
Keyword(s):  
Land Cover ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Least Cost Path ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Highway Infrastructure ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Passenger Rail ◽  
The Face ◽  
Cost Paths ◽  
Cost Factors

In the face of renewed interest in High-Speed Rail (HSR) projects, Ohio is one of several states seeking federal funding to relieve pressure on aging, overburdened highway infrastructure by constructing passenger rail routes between major cities. This paper evaluates the creation of a new rail route in Ohio’s 3-C Corridor utilizing GIS. The authors consider two primary cost factors in construction, slope and land cover, to generate alternative least-cost paths. To assess the importance of the cost factors, two separate paths are created using two different weighting methods for the land cover layer. The land cover is weighted first by difficulty of construction, and second by relative acquisition costs. These two paths are then compared against a path selected by the Ohio Hub Project which uses existing track lines, advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed.

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