Rail Sciences - Train Derailment Analysis and Safety Risk Assessment

Rail Sciences Inc. (RSI) was founded in 1987 with the mission of providing the highest level of analytical consulting services to the rail industry. Our railroad experience encompasses:

• Engineering
• Operations research
• Track / train dynamics
• Operating practices
• Testing and instrumentation
• Data acquisition and analysis

RSI brings an objective viewpoint to every project. We strive to provide our clients with accurate analysis along with reported findings, conclusions, and (if requested) specific recommendations.

DERAILMENT ANALYSIS AND INVESTIGATION CAPABILITIES

RSI has studied derailments on rail systems worldwide. Now entering its 20th year of practice, Rail Sciences has investigated thousands of individual derailments and has directed industry sponsored research on a multitude of different systemic causes.

RSI is often called to investigate major incidents to provide third party oversight or to act as lead investigator. Techniques utilized by RSI to investigate derailments include scientific computer modeling, laboratory analysis and testing, and solid experience to properly assess and quickly determine derailment cause closeout.

There are several reasons why railroads have turned to Rail Sciences to perform derailment investigations:

Expertise - RSI has extensive knowledge in all three major disciplines involved in derailment cause finding: track, mechanical, and operational.

Tools - RSI can reconstruct the derailment by selecting the most applicable computer simulation models and testing programs to use in the analysis.

Unbiased - RSI can approach a derailment without any of the departmental biases that invariably creep into any investigation.

Cost-effective - RSI can quickly assimilate and relate the important facts of a derailment. Because we have significant derailment investigation experience under a broad spectrum of circumstances, we can quickly get at the root causes.

DERAILMENT CAUSE-FINDING SEMINARS AND WEB-BASED TRAINING

Accurate derailment cause-determination is the best way to prevent recurrences of accidents. With the development of our Derailment Cause Finding and Prevention Seminar, Rail Sciences has trained over 2,500 railway professionals on the correct scientific methods to accurately investigate train derailments and determine their root causes. Upon completion, attendees are equipped with:

• A systematic procedure for derailment investigation
• The analytical tools for determining root causes
• A plan for preventing the recurrence of derailments

This is an intensive curriculum that covers all phases of derailment investigations. The seminar is designed especially for a multiple-discipline format. Whether you are in engineering, mechanical or operations, you will gain the necessary basics to conduct a good investigation. We can present seminars on-site or assist you in setting up a structured derailment prevention program.

RSI has recently converted the classroom derailment seminar material to an internet-based learning environment with the development of TransportationU.com. RSI believes that this will allow a cost-effective training option for clients as well as providing unparalleled access to the best and most up-to-date information on derailment cause-finding and corrective actions.