Knowledge Hub

ENSCO, a trailblazer in rail technology since 1970, offers a rich repository of resources authored by industry experts, providing innovative solutions that shape transportation's future. With over 50 years of experience, our engineers and data scientists collaborate closely with clients to deliver tailored track research, engineering, and inspection services. Explore our knowledge hub for cutting-edge insights and advancements in rail.

RT&S November 2023 Article - High-Speed Adjustable Perturbation Test Track (HS-APTT) for Vehicle Testing at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) - ENSCO

November 2023 — RT&S

High-Speed Adjustable Perturbation Test Track for Vehicle Testing at the Transportation Technology Center

by Radim Bruzek, R&D Program Manager, ENSCO, Inc.; Sean Woods, R&D Project Manager, ENSCO, Inc.; Jennifer Zahacewski, Project Manager, ENSCO, Inc; Alexandra D’Andrea, Program Manager, Track Research Division, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Research, Development, and Technology

A specially designed adjustable track at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colorado can be configured to introduce known geometry perturbations. The track, known as the High-Speed Adjustable Perturbation Test Track (HS-APTT), represents a unique capability for Track Geometry Measurement System (TGMS) development, assessment, and calibration.

Courtesy of Oklahoma State University - Railroad track condition monitoring
Courtesy of Oklahoma State University

October 2023 — RT&S

OSU Researchers Work with ENSCO, Inc. to Develop Railroad Track Monitoring Methods

Since 2019, Oklahoma State University has collaborated with ENSCO, Inc. and FRA on pioneering non-invasive railroad track monitoring methods. Their recent study at ENSCO's Chambersburg facility focused on precise measurement of train-induced loads and tie support reactions using differential shear strain, avoiding invasive installation techniques.

First U.S. Hydrogen Powered Passenger Trainset Testing at TTC - Railway Age Article, October 2023

October 2023 — Railway Age

First U.S. Hydrogen Powered Passenger Trainset Testing at TTC

By Boris Nejikovsky, Special Advisor, ENSCO, Inc.; Matt DeGeorge, Senior Railway Research Engineer, ENSCO, Inc.; and Lucy Andre, Chief of Staff, Stadler US Inc.

Decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in transportation is a pressing challenge facing the government, rail industry, and public. Making groundbreaking advancements in sustainable rail transportation, ENSCO is leading the charge within the industry.

Ballast Studies at the Transportation Technology Center - RT&S Article, September 2023

September 2023 — RT&S

Ballast Studies at the Transportation Technology Center

by Radim Bruzek, R&D Program Manager, ENSCO, Inc.; Sean Woods, R&D Project Manager, ENSCO, Inc.; and Hugh Thompson, Program Manager, Track Research Division, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Research, Development, and Technology

Throughout the years, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has sponsored numerous research projects aimed at enhancing the understanding of ballast behavior and performance. The FRA's Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colorado is the site of recent innovative programs.

Crashworthiness for Alternative Fuel Powered Vehicles - Railway Age Article, August 2023

August 2023 — Railway Age

Crashworthiness for Alternative Fuel Powered Vehicles

by Przemyslaw Rakoczy, Senior Rail Research Engineer; and Matthew Dick, P.E., Chief of Strategy & Development, ENSCO, Inc.

TTC has been instrumental to the introduction of alternative fuel and battery-powered trains to the rail network. Having provided a technical basis for crashworthiness assessments in the past, TTC is ready to aid alternative fuel and battery-powered train suppliers in the future, by ensuring safe operations while reducing fuel emissions.

ENSCO: Case Study of Autonomous Track Inspection Technology with MARTA and FTA to Gain Enhanced Safety and Asset Management - RT&S Article, July 2023

July 2023 — RT&S

Case Study of Autonomous Track Inspection Technology with MARTA and FTA to Gain Enhanced Safety and Asset Management

by Matthew Dick, P.E., Chief of Strategy & Development, ENSCO, Inc. Jennifer Streets Zahaczewski, Engineer, ENSCO, Inc. Abhay "A.J." Joshi, Director of Expansion Program Management, MARTA; and Raj Wagley, General Manager, Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), and ENSCO teamed up to demonstrate how autonomous technologies can be successfully implemented in transit operations. The goals are to decrease manual walking during track inspection and increase overall safety and state of good repair.

ENSCO Railway Cybersecurity Regulations and Standards - Railway Age, June 2023

June 2023 — Railway Age

Railway Cybersecurity Regulations & Standards

by Matthew Dick, P.E., Chief of Strategy & Development; Jeffery Baca, Sr. Staff Cyber Systems Engineer; and Erin Plemons, Staff Cybersecurity Engineer, ENSCO, Inc.

Cybersecurity is a vital component to comprehensive railroad safety. Here, you’ll learn how it relates to the railroad industry and the roles of relevant regulatory agencies. This companion article in the January 2023 issue of RT&S provides discussion on cyber attackers and example attacks made to railways.

RFRA Tools and Training for CWR Management - ENSCO Rail Temperature Prediction Web App - RT&S Article, May 2023

May 2023 — RT&S

FRA Tools and Training for Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) Management

by Radim Bruzek, R&D Program Manager, ENSCO, Inc.; and Robert Wilson, Program Manager, Track Research Division, Federal Railroad Administration Office of Research, Development, and Technology, Amherst, MA

Proper Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) is a challenging but crucial aspect to railroad management. These advanced web applications are also accessible from mobile devices and available to the rail industry at no cost.

Fortis Prototype Fabrication and Testing - Railway Age, April 2023

April 2023 — Railway Age

Fortis Prototype Fabrication and Testing

by Przemyslaw Rakoczy, Senior Research Engineer; and Matthew Dick, P.E., Chief of Strategy & Development, ENSCO, Inc.

TTC, operated by ENSCO and its partners, is aiding the DOE to fabricate and test an eight-axle spent nuclear fuel cask-carrying railcar. This project is the first of many where TTC, under ENSCO’s operation, provides AAR qualification testing for future freight rolling stock.

Advanced Track Geometry Condition Forecasting Using ML/AI - ENSCO Article, RT&S March 2023

March 2023 — RT&S

Advanced Track Geometry Condition Forecasting Using ML/AI

by Radim Bruzek, R&D Program Manager; Serkan Sandıkçıoğlu, Product Manager, ENSCO, Inc.; and Jay Baillargeon, Program Manager, FRA Office of Research, Development, and Technology

Track geometry is one of the most common measurements utilized to assess track condition. With the emergence of Advanced Track Geometry Measurement Systems (ATGMS), the volume of harvested data has risen significantly the past few years. At TTC, forecast models are being evaluated for degree of accuracy.

Operational Testing of Stadler FLIRT DMU Trainsets - ENSCO Article featured in Railway Age, February 2023

February 2023 — Railway Age

Operational Testing of Stadler FLIRT DMU Trainsets

by ENSCO’s Senior Railway Research Engineer Matthew DeGeorge and Stadler US Chief of Staff Lucy Andre

Working in conjunction with ENSCO, Stadler US is completing qualification testing at TTC. This enables Stadler to ensure safe and reliable operation of its FLIRT Diesel Multiple-Unit (DMU) Trainsets, without interfering with Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) revenue operations. The testing is an example of the vast opportunity available to passenger rail at the facility.

The Center for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CCIP) at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC)

January 2023 — RT&S

Cybersecurity and What It Means to Track, Structures, and Signals

by Matthew Dick, P.E., Chief of Strategy & Development; Jeffery Baca, Sr. Staff Cyber Systems Engineer; and Erin Plemons, Staff Cybersecurity Engineer, ENSCO, Inc.

Cyberattacks are a threat to the rail industry, just like any other. Implementing proper cybersecurity practices is necessary to keeping track, structures, and signal systems protected. TTC’s new Center for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CCIP) aims to aid organizations in their mission for cybersecurity.

TTC

September 2022 — RT&S

TTC’s Second Half-Century: An Expanded Role

by Dr. Maryam Allahyar Wyrick and Sean Woody, Director, Office of Research, Development and Technology, FRA

With ENSCO at the helm of TTC for more than a year, its research and training capabilities have expanded to encourage collaboration across federal agencies. Through the change, ENSCO and FRA have remained committed to providing important safeguards on data privacy and protection for the facility’s commercial partners.

TTC ENSCO - Quote from Jeff Stevens, ENSCO, Inc. President

July 2022 — International Railway Journal

ENSCO embarks on new era at TTC

ENSCO’s president Jeff Stevens sat down with the International Railway Journal to discuss the company’s five-year plan to manage TTC. Stevens highlighted ENSCO’s commitment to the confidentiality of proprietary information, and the creation of world-class training facilities for federal personnel.