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Fundamentals of Track Engineering unit (JEE151)

Introduction

Railways were invented in Britain over 200 years ago, and it is difficult to overstate the fundamental and critically important role they have played in the development of nations, the progress of wars, and the prosperity of peoples the world over. Railways tend to be divided into two segments: above rail (ie trains, rollingstock, wagons) and below rail (ie railway tracks). The two segments interact closely in the development and transmission of complex dynamic forces into the earth beneath the tracks. As a track engineer it’s vital that you know what the components are in modern rail tracks, their role, how they perform, the influence of their manufacture, and their interaction with the trains passing over them. For this purpose in your railway course the first unit you encounter is Fundamentals of Track Engineering, in which you learn these rudiments of track and its behaviour. This unit is essential to your progress through the course and you must successfully complete this unit before you can tackle units dealing with issues such as track design, track defects, track maintenance, etc.

Summary

Unit name Fundamentals of Track Engineering
Unit code JEE151
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
Australian Maritime College
Discipline National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics
Coordinator Doctor Mark Symes
Available as an elective? No
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the purpose and behaviour of the main components in the railway track to know how they interact
  • Describe the material properties and manufacture of the track components to ensure the track functions correctly
  • Discuss the role of drainage in a track deterioration to prevent track failure
  • Name and describe the basic types of rollingstock vehicles and components to know their impact on rain infrastructure
  • List the geotechnical problems which can influence track behaviour to mitigate risk of track incidents or failure

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

All assessment, study material, schedules, written guides, etc are presented to students via MyLO.  During the semester there are four 1-hour web conferences in each unit. These web conferences are recorded for future access by students if desired.

AssessmentQuiz (50%)|Short Essay Questions (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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