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.
Research Results
Railroad Spike Failure Mitigation: Investigation of Tie Plate Hold-Down Elements
Keywords: Broken spikes; spring washers; spring specifications; hold-down load; resiliency; elastic fasteners; stress relaxation
Abstract: The Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) investigated methods to mitigate timber tie spike failures. This...
Technical Reports
Advanced Track Geometry Forecasting Methods
Keywords: Prediction; forecast; track geometry; time series; degradation; Autonomous Track Geometry Measurement System; ATGMS
Abstract: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) contracted ENSCO, Inc., to apply alternative forecasting approaches to foot-by-foot track geometry data. The research team used track...
Technical Reports
Improved Polymer Composite Tie Performance
Keywords: Composite ties, laboratory testing, in-track testing, performance and safety, maintenance practice
Abstract: For regions experiencing high rot and decay, engineered-polymer composite (EPC) ties offer a potential alternative to solid-sawn timber ties. However, these ties have a history...
Technical Reports
An Investigation of the Effects of Positive Train Control Systems on Track Maintenance
Keywords: Positive Train Control; PTC; Maintenance of Way; MOW; roadway worker protection; RWP; Employee-in-Charge; EIC; Roadway Worker in Charge; RWIC
Abstract: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) contracted Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) to conduct a broad analysis of the impacts of Positive Train Control (PTC)...
Technical Reports
Monitoring and Modeling of Differential Movement at Railway Transitions
Keywords: Transition zones; differential movement; bridge approach; unsupported; track geometry; track modulus; modulus
Abstract: The Federal Railroad Administration sponsored a research team from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to conduct laboratory and field research of railroad bridge...