eLibrary Search
The FRA eLibrary contains all the documents that are found throughout the FRA Public Website. Multiple pages on the website may link to the same eLibrary item based on its set of metatdata.
Can I find All FRA Documents in the Library?
Some "documents" may not appear here for the following reasons:
- Document resides on an external site for the record of source, links to the document are provided in context but not in the library as FRA does not maintain this record. This document lives on another website.
- Document has not yet been assigned keywords.
- Document is historical and has been removed from library to avoid confusion with current publications.
- Document is public affairs & policy related, such as press releases, speeches, testimony, or fact sheet. These press-related documents can now be found in the FRA Newsroom.
- Document is related to rules and notices. This information can now be found on the Rulemakings search and the Notices search, respectively.
Technical Reports
Very Long Trains – Phase II - Rack Tests
Keywords: Very Long Train, VLT, Air Brake System, Distributed Power
Abstract: In Phase II of this research project, FRA sponsored Wabtec to perform train air brake tests on long trains at their facility in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, between January 2021...
Technical Reports
Ballast Fouling Measurement Tool – Phase II
Keywords: Ground-penetrating radar, ballast, fouling, moisture
Abstract: Researchers developed a second-generation RAdar Ballast Inspection Tool (RABIT) using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for use by track inspectors. This system is much lighter (...
Technical Reports
Mitigation of Differential Movement at Railway Transitions for U.S. High-Speed Passenger Rail and Joint Passenger/Freight Corridors
Keywords: Railway transitions; bridge approach; differential movement; high-speed passenger rail; freight rail; ballast; tie-ballast gap; settlement; transient response; numerical modeling
Abstract: To address the need to minimize differential movement at railway transitions for joint high-speed passenger and freight routes in the U.S., this research study identified and...
Technical Reports
A 3D Scanning Method to Measure Concrete Crosstie Geometry
Keywords: infrastructure, railroad ties, 3D scanning, tie cross-section parameters, transfer length, shape factor, prestressed concrete, high speed rail
Abstract: The Federal Railroad Administration sponsored Kansas State University (K-State) in research to improve the design and performance of crossties. K-State used a Creaform...
Technical Reports
Very Long Trains – Phase III - Stationary Train Tests
Keywords: Very Long Train, VLT, Air Brake System, Distributed Power
Abstract: In Phase III of this research, FRA sponsored Sharma & Associates, Inc. (SA), with significant assistance from Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, to conduct a...