'Comparative Research on the Engineering and Economics of US and International High Speed Rail Standards'

摘要

As high speed passenger rail systems develop around the world, standardization of both vehicle technologies and infrastructure could bring about cost efficiencies for system operators. In 2013, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published a report which compared FRA regulations to international High Speed Rail (HSR) standards with regards to operational safety. This paper builds on that work by comparing and contrasting international design standards and guidance with US HSR systems regulations, through comparison of the differing operating characteristics such as maximum train speed, vehicle weights, sizes, aerodynamic characteristics, infrastructure engineering considerations, etc. As part of the comparing and contrasting process, the forces and stresses involved in the interaction between a system's vehicles and track infrastructure were studied. The paper reviewed information from the United States, the European Union, Japan, and China.