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To see the executive summary for a specific topic research plan, please go to the Topic Research Plans page.

Research Ideas

If you have a specific idea for a research project - whether you are from the railway industry, a potential supplier, or a member of the public - please complete an R&D Idea Form and email it to research@rssb.co.uk. Please note that any research idea may be the subject of competitive tendering.

Choose from the options below to view specific lists of projects and topic descriptions.

Project Status			Topic Area		Sort Order		Printer Friendly

relates to completed projects
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T000 User worked and footpath level crossing research :Understanding risk relating to user-worked and footpath level crossings by surveying 300 crossings, interviewing users and analysing accident data. Proposing improved risk control measures, incident reporting and data collection.

T009 Pooling of knowledge to promote rail safety (EU project: Trainsafe) :This project supported the ‘TRAINSAFE’ thematic network, consisting of 16 partners representing the rail industry across Europe aiming to share and co-ordinate safety information.

T011 Definition of abnormal and degraded working :Gaining a greater understanding of what constitutes 'abnormal' and 'degraded' working and proposing definitions that are practical and acceptable throughout the railway industry.

T012 Risks involved in setting and maintaining speed restrictions :Assessing the current standard for setting speed restrictions. Developing a risk based model to guide the setting of speed restrictions.

T013 Green zones: thinking strategically :Investigating cross-company co-operation processes to produce space in the timetable for regular infrastructure maintenance regimes.

T014 Safety critical communications :Defining the problem of poor safety critical communication between drivers and signallers, using data from site surveys. Categorising error types and identifying contributory factors. Guiding the development of remedial measures.

T021 Extended use of AWS :Understanding the implications of extending AWS to new applications, such as warning drivers of speed restrictions or of their approach to multiple-SPAD signals. Human factors appraisal and risk assessment.

T022 Driver reminder appliances - effectiveness study :Reviewing the use and safety-critical effectiveness of Drivers Reminder Appliances (DRAs). Exploring the human factors, reliability and operational issues affecting their use. Proposing strategies to standardise DRA use.

T023 Rolling Contact Fatigue of rail: Review of current understanding :This short piece of work was commissioned in the wake of the Hatfield accident to identify the state of rolling contact fatigue (RCF) knowledge at the time.

T024 Driver vigilance devices - systems review :This project identified various vigilance devices and technologies and evaluated their suitability for use in monitoring and maintaining train driver vigilance. Three devices were considered suitable within the constraints of UK railway operations but require further empirical evaluation before use.

T028 Development of a universal level crossing risk tool :Developing a risk tool to encompass all level crossings and locating the tool in a web browser environment in line with Network Rail Information Management strategy.

T031 Evaluation of satellite navigation for train detection (EU project: GADEROS, GAlileo DEmonstrator for Railway Operation System) :This project was contracted by the European Commission to a European consortium, of which RSSB is a member. It demonstrates the suitability of satellite navigation for train detection.

T032 Trials of median strips / lane separators at level crossings :Determining whether the provision of road median strips at the approaches to automatic half barrier crossings would assist in the prevention of accidents caused by drivers violating the crossing controls.

T034 Wind overturning study :Uncertainty in aerodynamics calculations has necessitated conservatism leading to an overestimation of the risk of vehicles overturning. This research conducted full scale testing and wind tunnel testing to remove some of this uncertainty

T035 Friction stir welding in rail vehicle manufacture (EU project: EUROSTIR) :This pan-European project aims to promote the use of friction stir welding (FSW) within Europe. A specific initiative under this banner has been to compare FSW against conventional welding techniques to identify any benefits.

T038 Glazing materials at height in stations and other public buildings :Providing advice on all safety aspects of the use of glazing materials at height within public buildings, including stations. Developing risk assessment guidelines for design, specification, installation, operation, maintenance and refurbishment.

T039 Reducing assaults on railway staff :Understanding the size of the growing problem of assaults on railway staff, and identifying measures to counteract it.

T040 Railway crime - industry perceptions :Assessing the attitudes of the British Transport Police and staff in key industry sectors to railway crime and its solutions. Comparing these attitudes to those of the general public.

T042 Low cost train control using Global Positioning System technology ('LOCO') :This project assessed the feasibility of using Global Positioning Systems for train control. Deployment of this technology is a significantly cheaper alternative to existing technologies especially when considering retrofitting.

T043 Application of satellite communications ('COMMUNE') :Satellite communications have potential to increase safety and reduce costs. This study reviews the operational and safety communication requirements for the rail industry and analyses how satellite communication can address them.

T044 Wider sources for safety information (WSOSI) :An investigation into the rail industry's requirements for access to wider sources of safety information, to provide enhanced safety intelligence and thereby enable improved rail safety decisions to be made.

T045 Root cause analysis of red zone working :Identifying, analysing and understanding the reasons for selecting red zone working and the barriers to green zone working. Making this knowledge available for decision-making by those developing strategies for track safety.

T045 Root cause analysis of red zone work :Midland zone study

T045 Root cause analysis of red zone work :Extended zone study

T045 Root cause analysis of red zone work :Document review

T045 Root cause analysis of red zone work :Data management review

T045 Root cause analysis of red zone work :Track working practices on International Rail Networks

T047 Fears and experiences of assault and abuse on the railway :Investigating the fears and experiences of railway staff and customers in relation to assault and abuse on the railway. Identifying measures to improve personal security - better data, risk analysis, best practice and partnerships.

T049 Managing the competence of transport maintenance staff :Examining how a variety of transport maintenance organisations manage competence, highlighting areas for improvement that could improve railway safety.

T050 Survey of policies relating to alcohol and substance abuse in a range of industries :Surveying alcohol and drug policies in other industries involved in safety-critical work, identifying their strengths and weaknesses and comparing them with railway industry practice. Developing a 'best practice' policy for piloting in the railway industry.

T051 Discharge of toilet waste from trains onto the track :Verifying the results of previous theoretical studies that showed the health and safety risks to workers from toilet waste discharged onto the track from trains to be low.

T052 'Snap wands' and low location marking systems for emergency lighting on passenger vehicles :This project considers the use of low location marking systems and 'snap wands' as a means of providing lighting in an emergency. It addresses recommendation 75 in Lord Cullen's first report on the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry.

T052a Improvements to safety signage on passenger trains :This project addresses the recommendations made by Lord Cullen in his first report on the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry, pertaining to improvements in safety signage on passenger trains.

T052a Improvements to safety signage on passenger trains :Report on passenger safety signage

T052a Improvements to safety signage on passenger trains :Graphics guidelines for safety signs

T052a Improvements to safety signage on passenger trains :Guidelines for symbol design and testing

T052b Hammers for breaking carriage windows prior to emergency egress :This project addresses the recommendations made by Lord Cullen in his first report on the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry, pertaining to the use of hammers as a means of breaking windows prior to emergency egress.

T052c Signage and illumination of Emergency Door Release mechanisms in passenger vehicles :This project addresses recommendation 78 made by Lord Cullen in his first report on the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry, concerning signage and illumination of Emergency Door Release (EDR) mechanisms.

T052d Communication technology and functionality in passenger vehicles :This project addresses the recommendations made by Lord Cullen in his first report on the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry, pertaining to communication technology and functionality.

T052e Windows and hatches for emergency egress from railway carriages :This project addresses the recommendations made by Lord Cullen in his first report on the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry, pertaining to windows as a means of emergency egress and consideration of escape hatches.

T054 Independent review of 'Laserthor' railhead cleaner :This project conducted an independent review of a prototype railhead cleaning system called 'Laserthor', which uses lasers to remove railhead contamination and improve adhesion.

T058 Characterising vehicle track interaction (EU project: FOOTPRINT) :This pan-European project determines factors that relate the environmental footprint of a vehicle to infrastructure maintenance costs in order to inform access charging regimes.

T059 Human factors study of fatigue and shift work :Investigating the effects of fatigue on train drivers and optimising shift work practices to reduce risks arising from fatigue and to improve performance.

T059 Human factors study of fatigue and shift work :Appendix 1: Working patterns of train drivers - Implications for fatigue and safety

T059 Human factors study of fatigue and shift work :Appendix 2: Review of coping strategies to mitigate fatigue of train drivers

T059 Human factors study of fatigue and shift work :Appendix 3: Rail rostering culture - Interview findings

T059 Human factors study of fatigue and shift work :Appendix 4: Evaluation of current tools and techniques used for estimating risks associated with shift patterns

T060a Feasibility of detecting rail flaws using acoustic equipment fitted to vehicles :This project investigated the feasibility of detecting rail flaws and other track faults by acoustically measuring the rolling noise generated by the interaction of the wheel and rail.

T060b Early development of the Whole Life Rail Model :This project developed earlier work led by Railtrack to develop a Whole Life Rail Model (WLRM), which encapsulates the industries understanding of Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF).

T060b Whole Life Rail Model :Initial investigations into traffic pattern effects

T060b Whole Life Rail Model :Further developments and an investigation into new wheel profile combinations

T060c Review of techniques for rail axle inspection :Inspection techniques have been developed over a number of years to detect the smallest flaw in an axle and thus mitigate the risk of catastrophic failure. This research identifies where further improvements can be made.

T060d Survey of wheel/rail lubrication practices :Lubrication of the wheel rail interface is an activity commonly undertaken by rail administrations. This research reviewed international practice in this area and identified potential benefits and disadvantages.

T060e Feasibility of reducing the number of standard wheel profile designs :There are nine wheel tread profiles that are accepted for use on Network Rail controlled infrastructure. This research aims to review the historic and critical features of these profiles and consider the scope for future reduction.

T060f Possible re-design of P8 wheel profiles :This project reviewed the recommendations from previous ARUP/Transport Technology Center Inc research regarding hollow wear limits and false flange damage on stock rails caused by P8 wheel profiles.

T060g Overview of magnetic brakes :Magnetic track brakes, which are used extensively on the continent, are often suggested as a solution to braking in low adhesion. This research conducted a brief investigation into the feasibility of their introduction to Great Britain.

T060h Review of vertical dynamic track forces :Safe and cost-effective operation of the railway system requires that vehicles do not impart excessive vertical forces to the track. This research examined these forces and the controls in place to limit them, recommending changes as necessary.

T060j Establishment of vehicle braking trends :The level of adhesion demanded during braking, and the ability of the railway vehicle and infrastructure to provide it, are critical to maintaining safety. This research reviewed whether 'new' vehicles demand more adhesion than older vehicles.

T060k Brief review of automatic vehicle identification and location systems :Automatic vehicle identification (AVI) systems could enhance the value of condition monitoring equipment now employed extensively on the GB railway. This short project examined three broad technologies used for AVI.

T060m Friction Transformation Processing (FTP) to repair rails :This project investigates the practicalities of using a technique called Friction Transformation Processing (FTP) to repair shallow micro cracking on the railhead instead of traditional methods such as grinding or rail renewal.

T060m Friction Transformation Processing (FTP) to repair rails :Report 1

T060m Friction Transformation Processing (FTP) to repair rails :Report 2: Further trials

T060n Investigation into the origin and validity of criteria specified in wheelset Railway Group Standards :The criteria against which wheelsets are managed have been established over very many years, some going back 50 years. This research conducts a review of the origin and validity of these criteria to inform future standards.

T061a Maximising benefits from CCTV on the railways - executive summary :Summarising the research work undertaken into the use of CCTV on the railway. This comprises separate projects on existing CCTV systems, new and emerging technologies and pilot project proposals.

T061b Maximising benefits from CCTV on the railway - existing systems :Identifying the current uses of CCTV systems on the railway and simple means of improving their effectiveness.

T061c Advanced CCTV pilot projects :Identification of three advanced CCTV systems to assess their suitability for use in the rail environment: Intelligent Station Surveillance; Digital Video Recording; and Wireless CCTV.

T061d New and emerging CCTV technology :Assessing the type, availability, potential railway applications and benefits of new CCTV technology. Maximising benefits from existing and future systems to counter vandalism and other security problems.

T062a Evaluation handbook for route crime and other initiatives :Evaluation Quick Guide

T062b Evaluation handbook for route crime and other initiatives :Evaluation Reference Guide (1.4MB)

T062c Rail participation in the work of youth offending teams :Investigating the reasons for low levels of participation in Restorative Justice schemes for young offenders who trespass and/or vandalise the railway. Proposing measures to increase participation.

T062d Vandalism - lessons to be learned from the USA and other initiatives :Reviewing USA and other international experience arising from zero-tolerance and other anti-vandalism initiatives. Evaluating the transferability to the British context of lessons learned.

T063 Trespass and vandalism cost modelling :Identifying the direct and indirect costs of railway trespass and vandalism, by populating an industry-wide model, which expresses them by organisation, event and region to support investment decision-making.

T064a Development of rail safety material for teachers and schools :Development of a curriculum-led framework for incorporating rail safety messages enabling web based rail safety resources to be accredited by the National Grid for Learning.

T064b Raising awareness of third and fourth rail risks :Investigating the attitudes of teenage boys to the risk associated with the third and fourth rail. Using the knowledge thus gained in a campaign to increase awareness.

T064b Raising awareness of third and fourth rail risks :Communications strategy research

T064b Raising awareness of third and fourth rail risks :Public perceptions of the risk

T064b Raising awareness of third and fourth rail risks :The pilot advertising campaign for RSSB: Summer 2003

T064c Trespass - transferable lessons from a review of safety campaigns :Reviewing advertising campaigns that have addressed large-scale societal behaviour issues such as drink driving, to identify lessons that might transfer to a railway trespass reduction context.

T066 Identification and quantification of injuries in railway vehicles during accidents :This project identified the nature of passenger injuries caused to passengers in railway vehicles during accidents. In so doing it provides a means by which the rail industry can consider whether there are any reasonable practicable changes that could be made to interior design and crashworthiness, that would enhance passenger safety.

T066a Development of a train evacuation risk model ('Stay or Go') :The research seeks to answer the question as to whether it is safer to remain on the train after an incident or to evacuate.

T070 Common factors in SPADs :Developing a comprehensive and definitive SPAD research library as a resource for SPAD investigation and as a research tool for SPAD reduction and mitigation.

T078 Derailment mitigation - Categorisation of past derailments :Derailments due to vehicle-track interaction problems remain a significant contributor to risk. This research analyses derailments over a 10-year period as a first stage towards identifying potential mitigation measures.

T080 Managing low adhesion risk in the European Rail Traffic Management System :This research proposes a method by which the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) can effectively manage the risk of low adhesion without compromising the level of train protection.

T080 ERTMS adhesion management :Review of automatic train protection (ATP), automatic train operations (ATO) and ERTMS

T080 ERTMS adhesion management :An assessment of the available adhesion and slip risk for ERTMS

T080 ERTMS adhesion management :The feasibility of adhesion control and monitoring for ERTMS

T080 ERTMS adhesion management :Review of adhesion dependent odometry

T080 ERTMS adhesion management :An overview of low adhesion factors for ERTMS

T084 Impact of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on driver workload :This research assesses the human factors implications of the introduction of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) with respect to driver workload and human error.

T087 Defining a standard train control interface for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) :The aim of this project was to define the interface between European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) equipment and existing train systems, maximising the number of trains to which a 'standard interface' can be fitted thus reducing costs.

T087 Defining a standard train control interface for the ERTMS :ERTMS train interface specifications - Engineering interfaces initial report

T087 Defining a standard train control interface for the ERTMS :ERTMS train interface specifications - ERTMS engineering interfaces

T087 Defining a standard train control interface for the ERTMS :ERTMS train interface specifications - Fitment of ERTMS to existing vehicles - mechanical aspects

T088 Vibration environment for rail vehicle mounted equipment :This project investigated the true vibration loadings to rail vehicle mounted equipment and compared them to the current design requirements. Loadings in excess of those specified were found.

T091 Identification and management of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) train parameters :This project identified the train parameters required to enable the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) to understand the physical characteristics of the train to which it is fitted, and hence the train's performance.

T091 ERTMS train parameters :Collating, recording and configuration management

T091 ERTMS train parameters :Availability of fixed train characteristics necessary for implementing ERTMS in the UK

T091 ERTMS train parameters :Variable train parameters - UK implementation issues

T092 Lifecycle management of data used for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) :This work identified appropriate systems to ensure that satisfactory levels of integrity are achieved for data used for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) throughout its lifecycle.

T093 Development of national values for European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) train control parameters :This work recommends national values for European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) train control parameters to ensure robust operation in Great Britain.

T096 Safety implications of weather, climate and climate change :Some hazards on the railway are weather and climate related and future climate change may increase the system's susceptibility to these hazards. This research identifies the implications.

T101 Managing the competence of rolling stock maintenance staff :Understanding train operators' concerns about the current Railway Group Standards requirements in respect of the competence of rolling stock maintenance personnel.

T103 Assessing the cost of assaults :Assessing the financial impact of physical and verbal assaults on rail staff and passengers on the railway.

T105 Wayside horns at level crossings :Establishing the best way to deliver audible warnings to crossing users should noise bans make it impossible to rely on horns operated by train drivers.

T108 Mixed passenger and freight operations :Improving the current understanding of risk associated with mixed passenger and freight traffic working. Developing measures to mitigate this risk.

T112 Impact of scour and flood risk on railway structures :This project investigated the 'priority rating' system currently used by Network Rail to prioritise the risks of railway structures failing from scour or flood damage. Various enhancements were recommended.

T114 Measurement of safety culture in the rail industry :Developing methodologies to measure safety culture in the UK rail industry, and using these to promote cultural development at organisational and industry levels.

T115 Development of a Whole Life Rail Model (WLRM) to manage Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) :This project developed earlier work led by Railtrack (now Network Rail) to develop a Whole Life Rail Model (WLRM), which encapsulates the industry's understanding of Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF).

T115 Whole Life Rail Model :Initial assessment of the influence of wheel profile changes on RCF formation

T115 Whole Life Rail Model :Results of modelling, testing, investigations, August 2002 to January 2003

T115 Whole Life Rail Model :Application and development - dynamic modelling of RCF

T115 Whole Life Rail Model :Application and development - development of an RCF damage parameter

T115 Whole Life Rail Model :University of Sheffield and AEAT Whole Life Rail Model, interim report

T115 Whole Life Rail Model :Application and development - continued development of an RCF damage parameter

T115 Whole Life Rail Model :RCF laboratory testing

T117 Framework for evaluating control measures to improve accident survivability :This research investigated the feasibility of developing a quantitative framework within which control measures to improve accident survivability can be assessed and priorities determined.

T118 Whole train dynamic behaviour in collisions and improving crashworthiness :This research aims to improve accident survivability by establishing how crash energy can be better absorbed through improving the ability of vehicles to remain upright and in-line during collisions.

T119 Literature review of rail vehicle structural crashworthiness :A worldwide literature review has been performed to identify significant recent research work and best practice in the areas of railway vehicle structural integrity and crashworthiness.

T120 Review of measures to reduce risk from passenger train fuel tanks :This project quantifies the risks associated with the carriage of diesel fuel on passenger trains, and identifies viable risk mitigation measures using the ALARP principle.

T121 Communication for effective passenger behaviour immediately following an incident :This research conducts a holistic review of how staff should communicate with passengers following an accident/incident to promote survivability and reduce injury.

T122 Human factors and injury information to be collected during accident investigations :This research defined what information should be obtained from future accidents and how it should be managed, so that it can be used to inform future train design and egress strategies.

T123 Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry Part 1 Recommendation 60: Rail passenger survey :This research surveyed rail passengers to establish their perception and awareness of risk, investigating their preferences for safety interventions. It responds to recommendation 60 in Lord Cullen’s first report on Ladbroke Grove.

T124 Review of tank wagon end protection :This research reviewed the provision of buffer override protection on tank wagons containing dangerous goods, in particular improvements to design requirements and justification of retrospective fitting to existing vehicles.

T126 A survey of current practices in safety-related decision making :Surveying current practices in safety decision-making to identify and promulgate good practice, and to identify training needs to support decision makers in the railway industry.

T127 A statistical review of the RSSB Safety Risk Model :Reviewing the statistical basis of the Safety Risk Model (SRM) and analysing how it treats rare events.

T127 Review of statistical methodology, possible reasons for lack of calibration, and methods used in other industries :

T127 Development of methods for pooling data, and procedures for structured expert judgement :

T129 Design study for emergency exit on MK III vehicle windows :This research investigates how an escape hatch could be incorporated into the window of a typical vehicle, using a practical arrangement that minimises risk of inappropriate use.

T132 Train despatch - risk tool :Improving the understanding of risk associated with current train despatch procedures, and with the operation, provision, and replacement of platform based equipment. Developing guidance to mitigate this risk.

T132 Train despatch - risk tool :Risk Tool Justification Report

T132 Train despatch - risk tool :Train despatch risk tool user manual

T132 Train despatch - risk tool :Risk Tool

T133 Review of drug testing methodologies :Evaluating the key drug testing methods and determining their accuracy in assessing the possibility of impaired performance due to drug abuse.

T138 Management strategies for workplace trauma :This project identified good practice in training, management and monitoring to minimise the effects of workplace trauma.

T139 Risk assessment training course :Developing a course to assist in the formulation and maintenance of risk assessments for railway safety cases.

T143 UIC project to improve safety culture at interfaces :Providing information on how to manage interfaces across organisations with different safety cultures, which is increasingly important as Europe strives for increasing interoperability.

T143 "SafeCulture" A method for assessing organisational safety at interfaces :An overview and introduction to running a SafeCulture workshop

T143 The track to Safety Culture (SafeCulture) :A toolkit for operability analysis of cross border rail traffic, focusing on safety culture

T144 Laboratory and on-track testing of 'Laserthor' railhead cleaner :This project conducted laboratory and on-track testing of a prototype railhead cleaning system called 'Laserthor', which uses lasers to remove railhead contamination and improve adhesion.

T145 Safety critical rule compliance :Investigating the causes of non-compliance with rules and procedures and deriving a list of the key influencing factors as a basis for developing tools to improve compliance.

T146 Improving team working in the rail industry :Identifying opportunities for improving safety through facilitating effective team working, and producing practical guidance for management and staff for the development and control of team working.

T147 Mental workload assessment for train drivers :Defining a mental workload assessment tool for the rail industry, and developing and validating it for use by railway personnel.

T147 Mental workload assessment for train drivers :Project summary and mental workload assesment tools