Author: M.J. Reilly

Sponsoring Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Research and Development

Performing Organization: Boeing Vertol Co.

Date of Publication:  July 1978

Report No:  FRA/ORD-77/33, IV

Abstract:

The Department of Transportation, Transportation Systems Center (TSC), is presently engaged in providing technical assistance to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA in a program directed at improving railroad safety and efficiency by providing a technological basis for improvement and possible regulation in rail vehicle crash-worthiness, inspection of equipment, and surveillance of equipment, and other areas. As part of this program, TSC has conducted technical analyses of passenger railcar collisions, derailments, and other accidents, directed towards minimizing occupant injuries.

This document, the fourth of four volumes, summarizes the activities and documentation conducted under this contract. The analysis of the accident data highlighted areas where improvements could be made to improve the occupant protection of passenger rail vehicles. Design criteria were determined and some suitable design changes proposed. For the proposed areas of change, typical Federal Standards documentation were prepared.

Volume I reports on the collection of data for a representative accident sample. Volume II is a design guide to assist engineers in understanding the problems associated with the development of crashworthy interiors of locomotives, cabooses, and passenger railcars.  Volume III proposes engineering standards in the format of the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 49, Transportation, Parts 200).
 

No. of Pages:   75