OVERVIEW

The course describes the main aspects related to the rail transport with a particular attention to the practical applications and operational issues of the sector. The major trends of development and technological innovation are analyzed as well as the main research topics according to the vision of the main rail stakeholders at European level.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide the basic knowledge about the characteristics of rail and maritime transport systems both from the technical and functional point of view. A focus on the relevant sustainability is also provided.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course is aimed at providing to the students the main notions on the operation of railway lines and metro lines, focusing on signaling systems and safety requirements and standards.

At the end of the course, the student will be able:

• to demonstrate his/her knowledge on technical aspects and operational issues of rail transport;
• to describe the main technological innovation and future development scenarios of the sector;
• to understand  and to use in a proper way the technical terminology of the sector;
• to solve operative problems knowing the available instruments/tools and the current rules and standards;
• to interact with Companies that operate in the sectors.

PREREQUISITES

None

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of theoretical lessons and practical activities. Moreover, interactive lessons, with a central role of the students, and group activities, to be performed during the course, are planned in order to promote the acquisition of team working skills. In particular, the students will be required to prepare a presentation (Power Point slides) on a defined topic agreed with the professor.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

RAIL TRANSPORT    

1. Railway Infrastructure
2. Maintenance and monitoring of railways: the Continuous Welded Rail
3. Rolling stock: traction and braking systems
4. Liberalization and certification
5. Railway Interoperability 
6. Railway Safety 
7. RAMS parameters and CENELEC standards
8. Operations of rail lines
9. Rail line Capacity and Timetables
10. Railway signaling system
11. Innovative solutions for rail signaling
12. Satellite Technologies for railways
13. Rail Transport automation
14. High Speed rail lines
15. Metro lines
16. European Research on rail transport: the Shift2Rail Research Programme

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The teaching materials are provided by the professor on Aulaweb

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ALICE CONSILVIO (President)

NICOLA SACCO

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons will take place during the second semester of the second year according to the official Timetable.

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of:

• Final optional written test at the end of the lessons
• Oral Test 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment methods  consist of:

• The evaluation of the student capability to present a specific topic
• The evaluation of the student capability to answer to theoretical questions on the course

The main evaluation parameters are the quality of the presentation, the correct use of the specialized terminology, the competence of critical analysis acquired during the course.

Exam schedule