Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate:

• Can describe and is familiar with the railways as a system
• Has knowledge of the various railway installations
• Understands how the individual components of the railways work together and affect each other
• Is able to apply knowledge of the railway tracks’ components, railway track geometry and factors that affect the tracks
• Has basic knowledge of faults in railway tracks and is able to monitor these
• Has knowledge of the interdisciplinary areas that are fundamental for the development, operation and maintenance of railway operations

Skills

The candidate:

• Can design a track geometry plan
• Can apply dimensioning criteria and alignment parameters for speed and geometry
• Is familiar with the technical regulations for the railways
• Is able to plan substructures and superstructures
• Has basic knowledge of power supply, signals and telecommunications installations
• Is able to assist in planning and prioritizing rail track maintenance

General competence

The candidate:

• Has basic knowledge of the laws and regulations governing rail construction planning in Norway, including knowledge of land use management when relevant
• Can describe the impacts of the railways on the environment, including noise and traffic conditions
• Understands the relationship between the various forms of transport and their effect on the environment and society
• Is able to view society’s transportation needs from a broader sustainable perspective

Course Description

The course provides a basic introduction to railway engineering. It is a course with interdisciplinary elements that focuses on the dimensioning principles of railway construction, including track construction, sub- and superstructures, and tunnels and bridges. Other elements of the railways are also important such as power supply, signals installations and telecommunications systems. The course thus combines fields such as building, construction and electricity with areas such as electrical power engineering, electronics and telecommunications. In addition, the course focuses on the impact of railways on the environment and society from a sustainable perspective. Railway installations and operation and maintenance of the railway system is also discussed.

The course provides an introduction to railway construction focusing on the substructures, planning, track geometry, track components, track switches, welded tracks and the interaction between tracks and trains.

The course also briefly covers the types of planning for infrastructure projects in the form of development plans, municipal development plans and concept assessments.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures will be given on the various topics with exercises, and the course also includes visits to various National Rail installations.

The course includes two mandatory assignments.

Assessment Methods

The course grade will be based on:

Final examination: Individual written examination (weighted 100%).

In order to gain a final passing grade for the course, students must also have their 2 mandatory assignments approved.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean