course-details-portlet

TBA4225

Railway Engineering 2

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

Railway engineering covering the following topics:

  • Track geometric design,
  • Track superstructure,
  • Track substructure - ballast, formation and drainage,
  • Track forces and track design,
  • Continuously welded track,
  • Signal and interlocking system
  • Wheel-rail interaction
  • Structural gauge,
  • Switches and crossings
  • Railway catenary system,
  • Track maintenance.

Learning outcome

Upon completion of the course

Knowledge

The candidate should:

  • have fundamental knowledge in track alignment and geometry design.
  • have basic knowledge of components and its functionality in railway superstructure and substructure, as well as catenary system .
  • have fundamental knowledge in designing a well functional and sustainable railway infrastructure
  • understand how rolling stocks interact with track
  • have basic knowledge about railway track maintenance

Skills

The candidate should be able to:

  • design railway track geometry.
  • select correct components for track superstructure, substructure and catenary system.
  • select and calculate structural gauge of railway infrastructure.
  • calculate and design a stable railway track
  • ensure stable wheel-rail interaction and predict derailment risk.

General competence

The candidate should be able to:

  • apply railway track engineering knowledge with confidence
  • communicate with professional railway terminology independently
  • apply railway engineering in research and development as well as relevant advanced assignments.
  • contribute to railway engineering field both locally and internationally.

Learning methods and activities

Physical lectures + assignments + site visit

Compulsory assignments

  • Exercises

Further on evaluation

Examination form: Digital school examination.

Examination requirements: Approval of at least 80% of the exercises.

Re-sit examination: If there is a re-sit exam, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Course materials

  1. Albert Lau; Railway Engineering Compendium (English), NTNU, Trondheim.
  2. Powerpoint slides, Book Chapters, and published articles

Subject areas

  • Building and construction technology
  • Railway Engineering
  • Railway Engineering
  • Transportation Engineering

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.

Re-sit examination - Summer 2027

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.