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Informing safer and more efficient heavy rail operations through control of mud pumping

April 24, 2018

Image: 'instrumented rail track testing facility at University of Wollongong' The Australasian Centre for Rail Innovation (ACRI) is an industry partner in research that has now commenced at the University of Wollongong to improve the assessment and control of mud pumping. Mud pumping is an issue for Australian east coast heavy haul rail operations, where the repeated loading on soil formations can move ground water further to the surface, resulting in track failure when this becomes excessive. This research is being conducted at the University of Wollongong under the guidance of Distinguished Professor Buddhima Indraratna and supported by funding from…

ACRI rail station safety research update

April 23, 2018

Understanding the underlying causes of slips, trips and falls in rail station environments ACRI is researching the underlying causes of slips, trips and falls from the perspective of the rail user within station and train environments. The second stage of this research used eye-tracking technology to investigate behaviour and interactions as recruited participants navigated three stations in Brisbane. The most common risky behaviours identified included: People moving more quickly Looking at a mobile phone Looking upwards in a risky location The final stage due for completion later in 2018 will focus on: Issues that can be attributed to the…

Research Report – Assessing the Potential of a Loco Mounted Rail Condition Monitoring System: Marvin

March 26, 2018

Technologies of interest emerge that, with initial review may then warrant more in-depth research. Despite significant technological advancements rail foot flaws resulting in breakages of rails still occur. ACRI has recently completed an initial engineering review of the Marvin system, which was been developed by CPE Systems in New Zealand to highlight areas of potential rail stress, and which has undergone selected trials with KiwiRail. This included a review of published literature, assessment of the scientific instrumentation, operating principles, and the current state of development of Marvin. Discussions are continuing on potential next stages of investigation.

Federal Railroad Administration – Research and Development Current Projects

March 25, 2018

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) presented its current research and development projects recently in Washington. Research areas covered include Track Rolling Stock Train Control & Communications Human Factors the full presentation and research projects are available at the following link: https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/Details/L19275. ACRI and the FRA work closely together for opportunities to exchange research and facilitate access to publically available material.

UIC – Deputy Director General Position from 1-1-2019

March 25, 2018

UIC is looking for a Deputy Director General (from 1.1.2019) who can accompany the Director General and take over his functions at the end of his contract (mid 2019) Job description for the UIC future Director General The Job description of the future Director.General shall be in conformity with the provisions of the UIC Statutes, in particular art.9, and the UIC Internal regulations. The Director-General (DGS) shall have sole responsibility for the management, administration and financial performance of UIC, in accordance with the application of French law however, the DGS may delegate part(s) of the powers concerned to one or…