A team of researchers, under the direction of Dr. Tony Szwilski and Dr. Richard Begley, are working on a project with the Nick J. Rahall II Appalachian Transportation Institute, evaluating the sub-surface features that influence railroad track stability.  The project, Integrated Railroad Track Stability Assessment and Monitoring System, began in July of 2000 and funding of $550,000 has been awarded for the year 2002/2003.

This first phase involved evaluating non-invasive (geophysical) technologies for potential use in a rail track inspection vehicle (ITSAMS) with new generation functionality and capability. Currently the CITE and RTI research team is establishing baseline measurements of track positions from key points  using High Accuracy Differential  Global Positioning System (HADGPS) instrumentation.  HADGPS can provide positioning accuracies to within 1 to 2 cm.  CITE students and faculty can be seen along the rails measuring points to establish this baseline.

This research will help understand and reduce derailments. Project objectives will aid in the development of an improved integrated system for monitoring the stability of railways using several non-intrusive remote sensing technologies: ground penetrating radar and laser interferometry. Integration of other non-destructive technologies, appropriate spatial instrumentation, and assessment of the applicability of these technologies to other transportation modes advance the principal objectives .

To view the complete project description, please select one of the links below:

CITE Students set up GPS Measuring Instrumentation along RT2 in Cabell County