B5616 - Fundamentals of Railway Design

Learning outcomes

Once completed the course, the student owns the required knowledge to design a railway infrastructure, from both a geometric and structural standpoint, with a focus on both traditional and high-speed lines. He/she knows the main elements that make up railway lines and he/she is able to design the railway superstructure, both for embankments and trenches, the armament, and the maintenance. Moreover, He/she gets basic knowledge of infrastructures dedicated to tram and metro systems, which are fundamental for sustainable urban mobility.

Course contents

Within the course, different themes of the railway system will be developed. The railway infrastructure and all its components will be analysed first: rail vehicles, winding motion, railway superstructure, harnesses (rails, sleepers, couplers, joints), track, ballast, the sub-ballast, superstructures without ballast; the thermal track; railway maintenance and diagnostics.
The following analysis will be carried out on the railway track: the movement of rail vehicles, the resistance to movement, the dynamics of the vehicle in curves; the classification of railway lines; the plane-altimetric trend of a railway track, Track gauge, transition curves, elevating connections; track fixtures; railway stations; high-speed rail.
Finally, the project of the road body will be developed: railway trenches and embankment, transitions between railway embankment and works; railway underpasses and equipment for temporary support of the railway line.

In the urban context, tram and metro systems will be studied: vehicles and their motion; superstructure and armament, insertion into the urban context, mobility hub; line design and maintenance.

Readings/Bibliography

• Tesoriere G. (1993). Strade, Ferrovie, Aeroporti, Vol. III: Sovrastrutture aeroportuali, UTET;
• Marco Guerrieri. (2023). Fundamentals of Railway Design Springer Tracts in Civil Engineering;
• Sirong Yi (2017). Principles of Railway Location and Design, Academic Press
• Dondi G., Lantieri C., Simone A. & Vignali V. (2013). Costruzioni stradali - Aspetti progettuali e costruttivi. Ed. Hoepli.

Teaching methods

Theorical lessons and practical project. During the course, a project of railway design will be implemented and carried out in a group of maximum 3 people.

Assessment methods

The exam includes a written test. The presentation of the projects developed during the course is mandatory for the exam and is an integral part of the final mark.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations

Office hours

See the website of Margherita Pazzini