Advanced Model for Predicting Buckling in Rails

It is well-known that track buckling is one of the most commonplace causes of train derailments. Accordingly, with partial funding provided by the research team's previous US Department of Transportation (DOT) University Transportation Center (UTC) and the Technology Transportation Center, Inc. (TTCI, now MxV Rail), the team is continuing to develop a track buckling model for deployment by MxV Rail as a tool for predicting track buckling, A significant advancement over currently deployed track buckling models, the team's technology includes an open-source nonlinear finite element algorithm that is user-friendly. Briefly, the team's track buckling model accounts for the effects of the following on track buckling: both longitudinal and lateral track walk; rail neutral temperature (RNT); both lateral and longitudinal cross tie aggregate interfacial friction; track modulus; nonlinear track liftoff; and broken spikes. In addition, it is sufficiently robust to be capable for additional environmental causes to be described herein and in a companion proposal. Given these advanced capabilities, track engineers will be able to dramatically improve track safety.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.utrgv.edu/railwaysafety/research/infrastructure/index.htm
• Supplemental Notes:
  • MxV Rail is a partner for this project.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $137,103.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348340

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Texas A&M Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System
  3135 TAMU
  College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135
• Managing Organizations:

  Texas A&M Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System
  3135 TAMU
  College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135
• Project Managers:

  Stearns, Amy

• Performing Organizations:

  Texas A&M Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System
  3135 TAMU
  College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135
• Principal Investigators:

  Allen, David

• Start Date: 20250601
• Expected Completion Date: 20260831
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Buckling; Computer models; Railroad safety; Railroad tracks
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01960649
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: University Transportation Center for Railway Safety
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348340
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jul 14 2025 1:01PM