The Chair in Railway Engineering has established itself in the following research areas and intends to continue with under and post-graduate research in these fields.
| No. | Research Field | Examples of specific research topics |
|---|
| 1. | Track Structures | - The performance of conventional ballasted track structures.
- The performance of non-conventional track structures, e.g. slab track and Tubular Modular Track.
- Numerical modelling of track structures and vehicle/track interaction.
|
| 2. | Track Components | - The performance and characteristics of track components, i.e. foundation layers, ballast, sleepers, pads and rails.
- Formation failure, repair and investigation.
- Standard laboratory testing of components.
- New developments in track components.
|
| 3 | Track Instrumentation | - The development of optical track deflection measurement systems.
- The development of non-destructive track condition monitoring technologies (e.g. Ground Penetrating Radar).
- Stress and strain measurement systems.
|
| 4. | Continuously Welded Rails | - The development of new or verification of current stress free temperature measurement technologies.
- The effect of external factors on the stress free temperature.
|
| 5. | Track Maintenance | - Track maintenance models (e.g. tamping).
- Maintenance limits and condition monitoring.
- The effectiveness of different maintenance actions and philosophies.
- Asset management and maintenance management strategies and philosophies.
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