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Introduction
Railway traffic does not simply travel from one place to another along the same single piece of track. In an urban network of rail lines, trains travel in all sorts of directions depending upon customer demand and availability of rollingstock. As a result, rail tracks are required to cross some tracks, and to merge with or diverge from others. This is particularly true where lines converge in population centres, city centres and marshalling yards. There are many types and forms of track crossings, a vast array of methods for merging or diverging trains, and a bewildering range of different types of terminology used to describe these track structures. In this unit those structures are known as turnouts and crossings, and you will be provided with foundational information about their design, defects, operation, maintenance, and terms used; the unit will expose you to some of their specialised applications. The unit is located early in your course and does not require detailed track knowledge, though a familiarity with the components comprising railway track would be an advantage in your study.
Summary
| Unit name | Turnouts |
| Unit code | JEE156 |
| 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
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 4/7/2027 | 26/7/2027 | 29/8/2027 | 23/10/2027 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the types of turnouts, and their main components, which are commonly used in a suburban network so that the infrastructure engineer can install and maintain turnouts appropriately.
- List the applications, advantages and disadvantages of those types of turnouts to help ensure informed choice of turnout for a particular application.
- Diagnose defects in those commonly used turnouts using applicable rail standards to assist with determining appropriate rectification of those defects.
- Explain the appropriate selection of turnout properties.
- Describe turnout operation, performance and technology in different operating conditions.
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. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Quiz (30%)|Short Essay Questions (30%)|Short Essay Questions (40%) |
| Timetable | View 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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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.