Researchers
Terry Wipf
About the research
The primary objective of this project is to identify, describe, and prioritize a list of research needs that will serve as a basis for developing and funding research related to the use of timber by both mainline and shortline railroads. Thus, this research needs study will guide research that should re-establish wood as a more significant construction material in the railroad industry and significantly influence research related to wood transportation structures over the next six years. The expected outcomes will be a series of proposed research projects that would address the identified research needs areas. It is anticipated that research needs will be classified as short-term (high-priority), medium-term (medium priority), and long-term (low-priority) such that research resources can be most efficiently allocated.