Thesis (M Arch)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2009. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: John Brittingham. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 63-69).

M.A. / The proposal to build the Gautrain rapid-rail link between Pretoria, Johannesburg and Johannesburg International Airport was approved in June 2000 by the Gauteng Provincial Government. It was noted that this particular development could have serious environmental implications for the area involved. The aim of this research is therefore to identify the most suitable terrain in order to optimise the rail route alignment with minimal environmental impact. This will be accomplished by undertaking a terrain suitability analysis. The different high-speed railway types are discussed and their impact on the environment is considered, culminating in an evaluation of the background and status of the proposed Gautrain rapid-rail link. The different approaches to terrain evaluation are discussed in order to draw conclusions relative to the methodology used in this research. Subsequently the activity approach as described by Mitchell (1991) and Hugo et al (1997) was chosen as the methodology to use for this research and the terrain within the study area was classified according to its suitability for the development of the Gautrain rapid-rail link. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was utilised to aid in the terrain suitability analysis. As a result of the analysis an optimised route is proposed and compared to the rail routes already proposed for the Gautrain rapid-rail link. It is imperative that a terrain suitability analysis should form part of the preliminary phase of any environmental management cycle as portrayed in Fuggle & Rabie (1998), in order to identify suitable terrain for the development in question; the rapid-rail link route should be no exception.

Thesis (Ph. D. in Civil Engineering)--University of California, Berkeley, 2006. / Cover title. "Fall 2006." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 292-300). Also available online.

No description available.

Este trabalho utiliza uma metodologia simplificada de análise dinâmica para o estudo das vibrações em pontes ferroviárias, produzidas pela passagem de um trem de alta velocidade, associadas à presença de irregularidades nos trilhos. Iniciou-se o estudo a partir de um modelo do veículo composto por quinze graus de liberdade, referentes aos deslocamentos verticais e horizontais transversais, e rotações em torno dos eixos longitudinal, transversal e vertical. Os modelos dinâmicos do trem e da ponte foram tratados de forma desacoplada, sendo conectados pelas forças de interação trem-ponte. Desta forma, foram calculados os carregamentos provenientes da modelação dinâmica do trem, adotando-se inicialmente a hipótese de tabuleiro rígido e indeslocável e, ainda, considerando-se a presença de irregularidades geométricas nos trilhos no plano vertical. Neste trabalho, foi considerado um estudo de caso utilizando-se o modelo veicular Alfa Pendular, avaliando-se a resposta dinâmica do trem e da estrutura, considerando o efeito das irregularidades geométricas nos trilhos, bem como a presença do lastro. As forças de interação obtidas da modelagem do veículo foram aplicadas em um modelo estrutural de alta hierarquia da ponte, dividido em elementos finitos de casca, sendo que em cada nó do modelo da ponte foram especificados os esforços obtidos da análise dinâmica do veículo. Para representar a passagem do comboio sobre a ponte, foram utilizadas funções que descrevem as forças de interação trem-ponte em cada nó do modelo da ponte, em cada intervalo de tempo, até que todo o trem tenha percorrido o comprimento da ponte. A consideração de tabuleiro rígido indeslocável foi corrigida por meio de um processo iterativo, de forma que os deslocamentos do tabuleiro obtidos para a primeira determinação dos esforços de interação foram somados às irregularidades do trilho (excitação de suporte aplicada nas rodas do trem). Com isso, foi possível identificar a resposta dinâmica proveniente da carga em movimento e das irregularidades geométricas nos trilhos, avaliando o conforto dos passageiros no interior do vagão. Por fim, realizou-se uma análise de distribuição estatística para avaliar a probabilidade de se ultrapassar os limites estabelecidos pelo Eurocode. / This thesis resorts to a simplified methodology of dynamic analysis for the study of vibrations in railway bridges, produced by the passage of a high speed train, associated to the presence of irregularities in the rails. The study started from a vehicle model composed of fifteen degrees of freedom, namely, vertical and lateral displacements, and rotations about the longitudinal, lateral and vertical axes. The dynamic models of the train and the bridge were treated as uncoupled, yet being bound by the interaction train-bridge forces. Thus, the loads from the dynamic model of the train were calculated, adopting initially the hypothesis of rigid and fixed deck and also, considering the presence of geometric irregularities in the vertical track plane. In this work, we considered a case study using the Alfa Pendular vehicle model, evaluating the dynamic response of the train and the structure, considering the effect of the geometric irregularities at the tracks, as well as the presence of the ballast. The interaction forces obtained from the model of the vehicle were applied in a high hierarchy structural model of the bridge, divided into shell finite elements, specifying the forces obtained from the dynamic analysis of the vehicle at each node of the bridge model. To represent the train passage on the bridge, functions were used to describe the bridge-train interaction forces at each node of the bridge model at each time interval, until the entire train had travelled the bridge length. The consideration of rigid and fixed deck was corrected by means of an iterative process, so that the deck displacements obtained for a first determination of the interaction forces were added to the rail irregularities (excitation applied to the train wheels). Thus, it was possible to identify the dynamic response caused both by the moving loading and the geometrical irregularities of the tracks, evaluating the comfort of the passengers inside the wagon. Finally, a reliability study was carried out to evaluate the probability of exceeding the limits established by Eurocode.

<p>Utvecklingen inom järnvägssektorn går mot snabbare och mer effektiva transporter, dock begränsas utvecklingen av att det krävs nya och mer utvecklade spår och tåg för att uppnå det. Med dagens infrastruktur och tågmodeller är hastigheter på 200 km/h det maximala. Behovet att öka kapaciteten och införa höghastighetstrafik i Sverige utreds i nuläget. Med höghastighetstrafik avses hastigheter på minst 250 km/h. Banverket har som förvaltare av järnvägen ett sektorsansvar för miljön och således även buller. I och med ökade hastigheter ökar även bullret från tågen. Dessutom uppkommer nya former av buller vid hastigheter över 300 km/h. Det buller som uppstår vid dessa höga hastigheter är så kallat aerodynamiskt buller som kommer av turbulenta luftflöden runt tåget.</p><p>Syftet med examensarbetet har varit att samla in kunskap som finns internationellt angående bulleremissioner och åtgärder mot dessa. Information har samlats in genom en litteraturstudie samt genom personlig kontakt med personer inom den internationella järnvägssektorn. Utifrån kunskapsläget internationellt har en modell skapats med de åtgärder som bedömts viktigast. Tanken med modellen är att ge en bild av de åtgärder mot och källor till bullret som främst kommer av höghastighetstrafik. Men även för att ge Banverket en kompetensgrund att stå på inför en framtida implementering av höghastighetstrafik.</p><p>Bullerskyddsåtgärder som prioriteras internationellt är planeringen om var banan ska dras. Denna åtgärd utreds under planerandefasen vid nybyggnation av bana. I denna fas kan problem likväl skapas som elimineras och det är här som grunden läggs för framtiden. Utvecklingen av tågen och tekniska lösningar som räldämpare, bullerskärmar och optimal design av banunderbyggnaden är även det prioriterade områden inom höghastighetstrafiken internationellt. Då är det främst utveckling av tekniska lösningar för att minimera det aerodynamiska buller som uppkommer samt buller från kontakten mellan hjul och räl.</p><p>Den generella arbetsgången är att fokus ligger på åtgärder mot källbullret. Därefter prioriteras åtgärder som ligger längs ljudutbredningsvägen och sist kommer de åtgärder som tillämpas vid mottagaren av bullret.</p> / <p>The development within the railway sector is heading towards faster and more effective transports. The limitations are that new developments must be applied on the trains as well as the tracks. With the infrastructure and train models that we have today, speeds up to 200 km/h is the maximum speed. The needs to raise the capacity and implement high-speed trains in Sweden are under investigation. The speed of the trains must exceed 250 km/h to be labeled as high-speed trains. Banverket as the infrastructure manager has a responsibility for the environment and the noise pollution created by train traffic. As the speed increases so does the noise as well, but it is also new forms of noise that appear with speeds over 300 km/h. The noise that appears around these velocities is called aerodynamic noise and it is coming from the turbulence in the air around the train.</p><p>The aim of the thesis has been to gather knowledge internationally on the issues concerning noise emissions and measures to prevent them. The information has been gathered thorough a literature survey and by interviews with people within the international railway sector. By the inventory of the knowledge a model has been developed with the issues that are judged to be the most important. The idea with the model is to give a picture of the measures to prevent the noise and sources of the noise that are coming from high-speed traffic. It is also made for Banverket to get the competence to deal with a future implementation of high-speed traffic.</p><p>A noise preventive measures that is prioritized internationally is planning the localization of the track. This measure is treated during the land use planning when a new line should be built. In this phase problems can either be created or eliminated and it is here the foundation is built for the future. The development of the trains and technical solutions such as rail dampers, noise screens and optimal track design are also measures that have high priority internationally. It is mainly the development and the technical solutions to minimize the aerodynamic noise that occurs and also the noise that are emitted from the contact between the wheels and the rail.</p><p>The general working process is that the focus is on reducing the noise from the source. After that the priority is to minimize the noise along the propagation path and at last measures at the recipient.</p>

This study defines the information gathering and communication and response needed for safety at highway-rail crossings. It examines technologies for low-cost, high-safety treatments for low volume highway crossings of higher speed (130-200 kph) rail. Crossing closure and consolidation is a necessary first step. Existing train control and crossing safety systems are examined. Intelligent Transportation System technologies are examined for applicability to the information gathering, communicating, and control functions of grade crossing safety. Guidelines are offered for low volume crossings of the high speed rail line in Oregon. A preliminary cost benefit analysis is presented. Above 200kph, crossing closure or grade separation is required. In the range of 130-200 kph, ITS technologies have the potential to enhance crossing safety at much lower cost than grade separation. A global positioning system based positive train control system provides the train location and speed information needed for advanced crossing control. A traffic management center can receive train and crossing information, operate crossing systems, and grant clearance for train or highway users through the crossing. Remote lock gates provide safety at private crossings. Increased traveler information and four quadrant warning gates increase motorist compliance at public crossings. At train speeds above 175 kph, barrier gates protect rail movements. Video monitoring and detection systems provide reliable, redundant information should a vehicle become trapped in a crossing. / Graduation date: 1996

The Svealand line opened in 1997 and the services areoperated with regional high speed trains. While the Svealandline was being built, the slow trains that had been inoperation on the old railway between Eskilstuna and Stockholm(a distance of 115 km) were replaced by buses with a highfrequency of service. In a case study of the effects of regional high speed trainservices, field surveys were made of residents and publictransport passengers along the line, and in a reference centreof population, before and after the Svealand line opened.Changes in knowledge, valuations and travel behaviour have beenanalysed, as have changes in accessibility. The supply and thedemand for regional journeys by car, bus and train have alsobeen examined. The results show that the Svealand line has meant anincrease of up to seven times in regional travel by railcompared to the old railway between Eskilstuna and Stockholm,and the market share has risen from 6% to 30%. Those who travelmost are people who have access to a car at times. Habitualmotorists, on the other hand, account for the largest increasein travel by public transport. In areas close to the railwaystations in Strängnäs and Eskilstuna new patterns ofcar ownership, travel behaviour, choice of transport mode andchoice of destination have been found since the regional highspeed trains began operating on the Svealand line. Commuting towork has also shown a marked increase. Travelling times arevalued highly and especially motorists value the high speedtrain mode of transport highly. Poorer train services and busservices are not attractive to motorists other than as areserve alternative to their own cars. A general conclusion is that the regional high speed trainservices have had a major impact on the travel market, travelbehaviour and accessibility. The improved accessibility toStockholm in particular is especially noticeable amongresidents close to the railway stations. Keywords:The Svealand line, high speed trains, regionaltravel, travel behaviour, choice of transport mode,accessibility / QC 20100608

Utvecklingen inom järnvägssektorn går mot snabbare och mer effektiva transporter, dock begränsas utvecklingen av att det krävs nya och mer utvecklade spår och tåg för att uppnå det. Med dagens infrastruktur och tågmodeller är hastigheter på 200 km/h det maximala. Behovet att öka kapaciteten och införa höghastighetstrafik i Sverige utreds i nuläget. Med höghastighetstrafik avses hastigheter på minst 250 km/h. Banverket har som förvaltare av järnvägen ett sektorsansvar för miljön och således även buller. I och med ökade hastigheter ökar även bullret från tågen. Dessutom uppkommer nya former av buller vid hastigheter över 300 km/h. Det buller som uppstår vid dessa höga hastigheter är så kallat aerodynamiskt buller som kommer av turbulenta luftflöden runt tåget. Syftet med examensarbetet har varit att samla in kunskap som finns internationellt angående bulleremissioner och åtgärder mot dessa. Information har samlats in genom en litteraturstudie samt genom personlig kontakt med personer inom den internationella järnvägssektorn. Utifrån kunskapsläget internationellt har en modell skapats med de åtgärder som bedömts viktigast. Tanken med modellen är att ge en bild av de åtgärder mot och källor till bullret som främst kommer av höghastighetstrafik. Men även för att ge Banverket en kompetensgrund att stå på inför en framtida implementering av höghastighetstrafik. Bullerskyddsåtgärder som prioriteras internationellt är planeringen om var banan ska dras. Denna åtgärd utreds under planerandefasen vid nybyggnation av bana. I denna fas kan problem likväl skapas som elimineras och det är här som grunden läggs för framtiden. Utvecklingen av tågen och tekniska lösningar som räldämpare, bullerskärmar och optimal design av banunderbyggnaden är även det prioriterade områden inom höghastighetstrafiken internationellt. Då är det främst utveckling av tekniska lösningar för att minimera det aerodynamiska buller som uppkommer samt buller från kontakten mellan hjul och räl. Den generella arbetsgången är att fokus ligger på åtgärder mot källbullret. Därefter prioriteras åtgärder som ligger längs ljudutbredningsvägen och sist kommer de åtgärder som tillämpas vid mottagaren av bullret. / The development within the railway sector is heading towards faster and more effective transports. The limitations are that new developments must be applied on the trains as well as the tracks. With the infrastructure and train models that we have today, speeds up to 200 km/h is the maximum speed. The needs to raise the capacity and implement high-speed trains in Sweden are under investigation. The speed of the trains must exceed 250 km/h to be labeled as high-speed trains. Banverket as the infrastructure manager has a responsibility for the environment and the noise pollution created by train traffic. As the speed increases so does the noise as well, but it is also new forms of noise that appear with speeds over 300 km/h. The noise that appears around these velocities is called aerodynamic noise and it is coming from the turbulence in the air around the train. The aim of the thesis has been to gather knowledge internationally on the issues concerning noise emissions and measures to prevent them. The information has been gathered thorough a literature survey and by interviews with people within the international railway sector. By the inventory of the knowledge a model has been developed with the issues that are judged to be the most important. The idea with the model is to give a picture of the measures to prevent the noise and sources of the noise that are coming from high-speed traffic. It is also made for Banverket to get the competence to deal with a future implementation of high-speed traffic. A noise preventive measures that is prioritized internationally is planning the localization of the track. This measure is treated during the land use planning when a new line should be built. In this phase problems can either be created or eliminated and it is here the foundation is built for the future. The development of the trains and technical solutions such as rail dampers, noise screens and optimal track design are also measures that have high priority internationally. It is mainly the development and the technical solutions to minimize the aerodynamic noise that occurs and also the noise that are emitted from the contact between the wheels and the rail. The general working process is that the focus is on reducing the noise from the source. After that the priority is to minimize the noise along the propagation path and at last measures at the recipient.

published_or_final_version / Transport Policy and Planning / Master / Master of Arts in Transport Policy and Planning