ENSCO Railway Research Engineer Md. Fazle Rabbi, Ph.D., will present new research on cost-effective, field-deployable monitoring systems assessing track support conditions at the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) 2025 Annual Conference in Indianapolis. His technical session, part of the Maintenance-of-Way program, is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 16, 8:05-8:35 a.m. ENSCO will also highlight its broader rail safety expertise throughout the Sept. 14–17 event.
Md. Fazle Rabbi, Ph.D. ENSCO Railway Research Engineer
Dr. Rabbi’s presentation, “Field Performance Study of Strain Gauge-Based Systems to Measure Wheel Loads and Tie Reaction Forces under Changing Track Support Conditions,” introduces a strain gauge-based monitoring system designed to assess track support conditions by measuring wheel loads and rail-tie reaction forces. The system was tested at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) under varying train speeds and track conditions including simulated degraded track sections and locomotive speeds ranging from 10 to 100mph, to evaluate accuracy under real-world dynamic conditions. Results showed that the system provides reliable and accurate measurements of moving train wheel loads and offers promising capability for monitoring track tie support conditions.
The research supports railroad operators and regulators by advancing noninvasive, cost-effective methods for detecting degraded track conditions and improving safety through proactive maintenance.
“AREMA brings together the rail industry’s top technical minds, and Dr. Rabbi’s research highlights our mission to develop cost-effective solutions that improve transportation safety, efficiency, and long-term infrastructure resilience.”
– Jeff Stevens, President of ENSCO, Inc.
In addition to the presentation, ENSCO will showcase its portfolio of rail inspection and safety technologies at booth 925, including systems from KLD Labs, an ENSCO subsidiary and leader in automated track and rolling stock inspection technologies.
ENSCO will also share updates on its operation of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) TTC in Pueblo, Colorado, a national resource for testing, training, and research. The facility features capabilities such as dedicated transit loops, bridge and track testing, crash energy management, and full-scale qualification programs that support design, construction, and maintenance needs across the rail industry.
For more information, contact Acacia Reber, Head of Brand Strategy & Engagement, reber.acacia@ensco.com.
About ENSCO Rail
ENSCO Rail is a global leader in railway infrastructure inspection technology, serving governments and railways in more than 40 countries. Its state-of-the-art products and services help prevent train derailments and protect lives, cargo, and economic interests. Operating as part of ENSCO, Inc.’s Surface Transportation Group (STG), ENSCO Rail has served the industry for over 50 years, pioneering advanced technologies that enhance safety, security, and efficiency in rail operations. Areas of expertise include automated inspection systems for track and rolling stock, asset management, and digital twin simulation and analytics.
