Results from the Car Coupling Impact Tests of Intermodal Trailers and Containers

摘要

Results are presented from car coupling impact and lift/drop tests conducted in April 1985 under the Safety Evaluation of Intermodal and Jumbo Tank Hazardous Material Cars Program. The program was conducted to develop information for analyzing the safety of transporting hazardous material containers by rail in trailer-on-flat-car or container-on-flat-car service. The 106 car coupling impact tests included 10 different arrangements of cargo tanks (tank trailers) and intermodal tank containers mounted on a flat car. No tendency for trailers or containers to become dislodged during impact was observed, properties of end-of-car cushioning devices were found to be different at each end of the car, and drop tests caused significant damage to support legs of the tank trailers.