Abstract
This paper describes the methodology for safety assessment related to the risk of train overturning in strong cross-winds. Specifically it describes the process applied on the high-speed line "Botniabanan", being built for a maximum speed of 250 km/h in the north-east coastal region of Sweden. The process starts with a systematic identification of locations along the line having a potential high risk of overturning due to cross-winds. This is followed by followed by a cross-disciplinary study. The first step is to estimate probabilities of wind velocity and wind directions. The next step is aerodynamic computation of overturning forces and moments acting on relevant types of trains. Further, the critical overturning wind velocity is determined by multi-body simulation technique. Finally a risk assessment of overturning accident frequency is calculated. The calculated risk is compared with generally accepted risks levels in modern train operations.
