3D Methodology for Evaluating Rail Crossing Roughness

Quality of surface is an important aspect affecting both the safety and the performance of at-grade rail-highway crossings. Roughness may increase the risk of crashes for both trains and automobiles. The goal of this research is to test and develop low-cost sensors and methods for measuring rail crossing surfaces and a method for evaluating the crossings to support both safety and maintenance programs. This report covers work done to develop and test a 3D methodology to assess the ride-ability of rail highway grade crossings. It is comprised of introductory and background material that motivates the need for such a methodology and previous work related to the same. Two conference papers are attached as appendices. These papers cover the development of a low-cost 3D sensor and the potential use of accelerometers to evaluate crossing roughness.