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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
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    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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      <title>Probabilistic Performance Evaluation of Cathodically Protected Pipeline Considering Alternating Current Corrosion</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2085762</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The main objective of this project is to probabilistically evaluate the performance of cathodically protected pipelines under Alternating Current-induced corrosion.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2022 14:15:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2085762</guid>
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      <title>Electric Aviation Infrastructure Assessment</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1906841</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study will examine the existing electrical capacity at two Washington airports. The two airports that WSDOT is proposing to study are Grant County International Airport and Snohomish County Paine Field. Grant County International was identified in the Washington State Electric Aircraft Feasibility Study as one of the Beta Test Airports and Paine Field is one of WSDOT’s Sustainable Aviation Partner Airports. The study will template the demand for electrical charging using three to five different use-cases, depending on the attributes of the airport and the surrounding community, to identify peak electrical demand.  The study will obtain existing and planned electrical capability/capacity from utility providers, and determine the gap, if any.  The study will capture electricity rates during days and hours to identify peak and off-peak rate variances.  The study will identify options for onsite electricity storage (such as battery banks) and opportunities for on-site power generation (such as solar and wind).  The study will provide a report that addresses each airport and its electrical power situation, opportunities, and recommends strategies to expand and improve electrical capacity at each site.  The study will provide a framework of the process followed to develop solutions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2022 18:54:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1906841</guid>
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      <title>Investigation and Mitigation of Insulated Joint Electrical Failure</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1753476</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Transit agencies use electrical traction (overhead catenary or third rail) for the propulsion of trains, which is typically designed using high AC or DC voltages. The running rails are used as part of the system to return negative power to substations. Insulated rail joints are track work components installed in the rails to provide a train control circuit and traction power segment separation between blocks. Insulated joints are implemented in the design of both freight and transit railroads, which operate in vastly different system environments. Freight railroads are typically designed to use low-voltage/low-amperage train control systems with diesel power while transit is typically designed to use train control systems that function in high voltage/high amperage (traction power negative return) systems. 

Some transit agencies have experienced significant failures of insulated joints related to arcing of the traction power negative return currents. With higher currents resulting from AC propulsion, insulated joint failures have become more problematic and more frequent across many transit systems. In some locations, the same insulated joints have failed multiple times in a short span of time. These failures result in unplanned delays to passengers; additional expenses related to repairs and damage to the track, train control systems, and traction power systems; and can contribute to stray currents that damage other infrastructure.  

Research is needed on insulated joint failures in high voltage/high current transit environments. Insulated joint failure of in-service designs needs to be investigated in order to develop new guidelines to locate and diagnose problematic insulated joints and recommendations leading to modified insulated joint practices, with possible recommendations for control of the heavy negative returns from AC propulsion rail cars.

The objectives of this project are (1) to identify potential causes of insulated joint electrical failures, particularly those under high currents resulting from AC propulsion; (2) to identify and document the electrical conditions under which various types of joint failures occur; (3) to develop guidelines for maintenance personnel to diagnose insulated joint electrical failures and determine the best mitigation of the root causes; and (4) to recommend additional research needed to address root causes of insulated joint electrical failures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2020 15:58:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1753476</guid>
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