Topic A. Research and Technology Update
For more than 80 years, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) has maintained a steadfast commitment to research and development for its members. In its current form, the program is called the AAR Strategic Research Initiatives (SRI) program. The primary objectives for the SRI program have remained constant and are aimed strategically to enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of rail operations. A critical cross-cutting initiative in the SRI program is the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST). Launched in 1976, FAST operates up to 140-million gross tons per year on a durability test bed for railroad track, rail vehicles, and their component parts. At FAST, a 17,600-ton, full-scale train, comprising 3 SD-70 locomotives and 110, 315,000-pound cars, operates at 40 mph over 2.7 miles of track termed the High Tonnage Loop (HTL). In addition to ongoing testing at FAST, this presentation will highlight several of the AAR Strategic Research Initiatives.
Most of the AAR’s research is performed at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) which is a federal laboratory and proving ground facility located near Pueblo, CO. The TTC facility is operated by the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the AAR.
- Speaker: Lisa A. Stabler, President, Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
Topic B. Access to AAR Rules and Standards
Session Information Coming
- Speaker: David L. Cackovic, Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
Session Sponsor: David Cackovic, Assistant Vice President and Chief, Technical Standards and Inspections, TTCI