The ASCE Grand Challenge puts significant focus on Life Cycle Cost Analysis when considering the overall success of a project, such as the following success story of Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) research. Defects in railroad tracks caused by use or impurities in the manufacturing process can be largely invisible to the human eye until an incident occurs. To find solutions to these issues before they strike, new technologies using ultrasound and lasers, along with wayside detectors that monitor rail tracks, are being tested at TTCI and then put into production by private entities.
These technologies are becoming widespread and are mounted to HiRail trucks and cars that ride the rails to find issues and possible problematic areas. TTCI, a partnership organization between the private railroads’ association along with the Federal Railroad Administration, helps test and bring new rail products to market that are proven to work. The success of joint research by TTCI and the industry will continue to improve safety, keep the rail industry moving, and ensure that the entire life cycle costs of projects are efficiently planned.