Railway Infrastructure Engineering

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the major components of the conventional and ballasted track systems; 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and properties of individual track components; 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the way in which track components degrade over time; 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the way in which the components of railway track are combined to form a structural system which can withstand the combined effects of traffic and the environment; 5. Demonstrate knowledge of slab track systems; 6. Demonstrate knowledge about track maintenance technologies of modern rail systems; and 7. Utilise and apply the knowledge, awareness and understanding of track components to develop the structural design of a conventional ballasted railway track.

Fundamental structural components of the railway track and how they are designed to withstand the effects of train and environmental forces so that the railway foundation is adequately protected and train / track operating costs, passenger comfort and safety are kept within acceptable limits. Track structure as a whole and its components parts including the rails, fastenings, sleepers, ballast, the formation and subsoil. Switches and crossings and the overhead line electrification system. Aspects of concreted (slab track). Track maintenance.