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INSTRUCTORS:
Erol Tutumluer
Coleman Froehlke
Bruce Bush
Mohsen Naghdi
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the International Conference on Transportation & Development 2025.
Evaluation of Field Ballast Degradation at FT. Campbell Army Installation Using Computer Vision and Comparison with Ground Penetrating Radar (25 minutes)
This presentation highlights a field evaluation of ballast degradation at the Fort Campbell Army installation, conducted as part of the EPLAC project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Researchers from the University of Illinois and Applied Research Associates deployed an automated ballast scanning vehicle (BSV) to assess ballast conditions using computer vision techniques. The study compares the BSV’s findings with traditional ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data and laboratory sieve analysis to evaluate fouling index accuracy. The team demonstrated the ability of deep learning-based segmentation to detect degraded particles and assess the ballast layer profile in depth. Challenges such as moisture content and mud-covered aggregates were noted, but the computer vision approach showed promise for rapid, in-field ballast evaluation. Overall, the work supports transitioning toward automated condition assessment in military rail infrastructure.
Track Structural Capacity Rating 2.0 (12 minutes)
This presentation introduces the development of the Track Structural Capacity Rating (TSCR), a tool designed to assess the load-bearing capacity of military rail lines. The TSCR expands upon the Track Structure Component Index (TSCI), which only considers the visual condition of rail components. By incorporating Level 2 and Level 3 surveys using LiDAR, GPR, and non-destructive tests like Falling Weight Deflectometers (FWD), the TSCR provides a more comprehensive structural analysis. The tool models track response using both beam-on-elastic-foundation and finite element methods to estimate stress, deflection, and capacity thresholds. The presentation also showcases a user-friendly dashboard that identifies weak spots and recommends maintenance actions to meet required load ratings.
Reduction in Railway Maintenance Costs Through the Addition of Ductile Elements Within the Track (12 minutes)
This presentation outlines a practical engineering solution to reduce maintenance costs and improve the performance of freight railways using GeoSpike—a polymer-based ductile support element. The GeoSpike is installed between railroad ties to reinforce weak subgrades and reduce dynamic deflection and pumping. This system eliminates the need for track shutdowns during installation, unlike more invasive techniques like undercutting or panel replacement. A case study from Canada demonstrated significant reductions in tie deflection and maintenance frequency, with long-term performance exceeding expectations. The presentation also covers the design methodology, including load analysis using Cooper E-80 standards and dynamic load considerations.
Remote Sightline Inspection at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Using LiDAR Data and Geospatial Analysis (12 minutes)
This presentation demonstrates a novel approach to evaluating sightline visibility at highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs) using LiDAR and GIS technology. Given the high number of annual incidents at HRGCs and the limitations of field inspections, the study uses remote sensing to automate visibility assessments. Twelve crossings in Minnesota were analyzed by generating digital elevation models and conducting viewshed and observation point analyses. The study ranked crossings based on average visible area and identified obstructions such as vegetation and buildings. This remote method enables the rapid evaluation of hundreds of crossings and could be expanded using AI-based natural language processing in future work.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how computer vision and automated scanning can be used to assess ballast degradation in military railway infrastructure and how it compares to traditional GPR methods.
- Describe how the TSCR tool integrates inspection data and modeling techniques to evaluate the structural capacity of military rail lines.
- Discuss how ductile elements like GeoSpikes can enhance subgrade support and reduce rail maintenance frequency without requiring track closures.
- Identify how LiDAR and GIS-based geospatial analysis can be used to remotely assess sightline visibility at highway-rail grade crossings.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Transportation Engineers
- Transportation Professionals
- Traffic engineers
- Highway engineers
- Materials engineers
- Construction engineers
How to Earn Your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]