Illinois Sustainable Technology Center - University of Illinois
INRS State Scientific Surveys
ISTC Sustainability Seminar Series
Railroads and Energy Efficiency
Presented by Chris Barkan, UI Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering
November 18, 2009
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Rail transportation is widely touted as the most energy efficient form of overland transport with correspondingly low environmental impact. This presentation will consider the basic physical factors that contribute to railroad efficiency. Then it will describe research being conducted by the University of Illinois Railroad Engineering Program to further improve the energy efficiency of railroad intermodal transportation, which is the fastest growing and most energy intensive form of rail freight transportation in North America.