Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Board Action/Information Summary

Action Information MEAD Number: Resolution:
Yes No

TITLE:

5K Railcar Brake Disc Hub Investigation Report

PURPOSE:

To provide the Committee with a summary of the incident that occurred December 20, 2011.
DESCRIPTION:

The report describes the incident investigation including findings, conclusions and corrective actions.
FUNDING IMPACT:

RECOMMENDATION:

None

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Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

5K Railcar Brake Disc Hub Investigation Update

Safety & Security Committee March 8, 2012

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Investigation Overview
Determine cause of recent incident Isolate root cause Take Corrective Actions Review Historic Conditions Make Process Changes

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Incident Investigation
Original hub from car 5012 fractured on December 20, 2011 Investigation Committee began review Four hubs sent to Lehigh Laboratories for testing

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Findings
Visual examination of fractured hub Chemical Analysis and Metallurgy confirm original hub made of carbon steel Root cause identified as fatigue stress

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Conclusions
Replacement hubs required on 5K rail cars Lab tests confirm new design will last the life of the car 98% of the 5K hubs have been replaced 2% fleet remaining have been nonrevenue hold

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Further Corrective Actions

Daily inspections continue Hub replacements on 6Ks scheduled to begin July 2012

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A Look Back
Committee reviewed failures in 2006 Manufacturer and WMATA agreed hubs good for 10-12 years Hubs redesigned by manufacturer with stronger and thicker material New hubs included in truck overhaul program in 2009

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Systemic Approach
Department interaction Maximo maintenance system flags Additional rail infrastructure & car analysis Second round instrumentation tests to involve third party lab 7K cars will use new hub design

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