Rail vehicle impact ramp

In freight yards and on railway lines across North America, rail vehicles are subject to massive strains and impacts measured in hundreds of thousands of pounds every day.

To ensure that cars and their cargos can withstand the stress, ST offers a fully instrumented Rail Vehicle Impact Ramp to test, certify, and improve performance.

Controlled impacts

Unique in Canada, the facility consists of a ramp, tow-car and cable for accelerating rail vehicles to predetermined speeds for impact into stationary anvil cars.

The facility is one of few accredited by the Association of American Railroads to certify rolling stock and prototypes.

It performs impact tests for a variety of certification specifications, verifying design specifications, and conducting rolling squeeze tests.

Tests are conducted at speeds up to 25 km/hr and deceleration forces of up to 4 Gs.

Towards better performance

In addition to testing the strength and integrity of the rail vehicle itself, the facility tests load securement devices and lading containment.

• Military cargo systems.
• Intermodal container cars.
• Automobile carriers.
• Tank containers.

Testing of these – and many other – vehicles on ST's Rail Vehicle Impact Ramp make them perform better, last longer and meet safety standards on the rails.

Contacts

General information:
2320 Lester Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1V 1S2

Telephone: 613-998-9639
Fax: 613-957-0831
Email: inquiries.ST@nrc.gc.ca