Subject Datasheet
Completion requirements
Subject Datasheet
Download PDFI. Subject Specification
1. Basic Data
1.1 Title
Railway Track Structures and Diagnostics
1.2 Code
BMEEOUVMSFIN04-00
1.3 Type
Module with associated contact hours
1.4 Contact hours
| Type | Hours/week / (days) |
| Lecture | 3 |
1.5 Evaluation
Exam
1.6 Credits
4
1.7 Coordinator
| name | Dr. Fischer Szabolcs |
| academic rank | Associate professor |
| fischersz@sze.hu |
1.8 Department
Department of Highway and Railway Engineering
1.9 Website
1.10 Language of instruction
hungarian
1.11 Curriculum requirements
Compulsory in the Highway and Railway Engineering (MSc) programme
1.12 Prerequisites
1.13 Effective date
1 September 2025
2. Objectives and learning outcomes
2.1 Objectives
The aim of the course is to familiarize the students with the latest developments in track structures and some of their special stress and stability analysis methods. After completing the course, they will be able to determine the behavior of different types of superstructures (conventional fishplated jointed, as well as CWR), the interaction between superstructure and structures. Case studies of the (most) modern superstructures will also be presented.The second aim of the course is to learn about diagnostic tools, methods and applications of railway track (superstructure and substructure) and the operation of measurement systems. An overview of degradation models and possible life cycle analysis processes. Processing of diagnostic results, certification methods, understanding of the requirements of some relevant standards.
2.2 Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject, the student:
A. Knowledge
1. knows the elements and mechanisms of ballasted and ballastless tracks, as well as jointed and CWR tracks,
2. knows the railway track superstructure types and their properties, characteristics,
3. knows the construction technologies of railway tracks (superstructures),
4. knows the important calculation methods to determine mechanical stresses and deformations in railway permanent ways’ elements and layers,
5. knows the types of railway bridges and the related railway track structures, as well as he/she is familiar with the interaction between railway track and railway bridge,
6. knows the special set-up of transition zones,
7. knows the modern tramway and subway superstructures,
8. knows the diagnostic tools of railway track structures and the reliability of the data they provide,
9. knows the concept of life cycle analysis,
10. knows the deterioration models of track structures and intervention levels (limits),
11. knows the methods, significance, application areas, and tools of railway track diagnostics,
12. has detailed knowledge of handheld tools and measurement trains used for the geometric measurement of railway superstructure and the data they provide,
13. understands the processing of railway diagnostic results, classification methods, and limits, as well as relevant regulations and standards.
B. Skills
1. is able to form an opinion on construction technologies of railway tracks (superstructures),
2. is able to form an opinion on normal and special railway superstructure types,
3. is be able to form an opinion on superstructure dimensioning procedures (methods),
4. is able to determine the maximum inner forces in complex cases using the Zimmermann (and Zimmermann-Eisenmann) method,
5. is able to determine the theoretical loads of the multilayer railway track structure,
6. is able to compile rail gap tables,
7. is able to perform track stability testing in simpler cases,
8. is able to form an opinion on case studies that are related to railway track structures,
9. can select the appropriate diagnostic tool for identifying a specific defect,
10. is capable of evaluating a raw dataset from a railway diagnostic measurement,
11. is able to infer the track condition based on railway diagnostic measurements,
12. understands what data is required for the operation of track management systems,
13. is capable of using different diagnostic tools for measuring railway track conditions and analyzing the data,
14. is able to interpret and utilize railway diagnostic results for track quality assessment and the development of maintenance strategies,
15. applies regulations related to railway track diagnostics in practice.
C. Attitudes
1. cooperates with the instructor in the preparation of partial performance assessments,
2. strives for an accurate and error-free solution,
3. strives for precise, professional wording in his/her oral and written statements,
4. in his/her written performance appraisals, strive for orderly, engineering-quality and strives to produce orderly documentation of the quality and appearance expected at the engineering level during his/her written performance evaluations.
D. Autonomy and Responsibility
1. prepare responsibly for the successful completion of tasks,
2. carry out the independent sub-tasks, independently and to the best of his/her ability,
3. openly accepts substantiated critical remarks,
2.3 Methods
Lectures with presentations, communication in writing and orally: performance appraisal, exam, and active participation in contact classes.
2.4 Course outline
1. General studies 1. Introduction into railway permanent ways I. (Set-up of railway vehicles; Railway track and vehicle; Loading gauge and structural gauge; Cross-sectional dimensions of railway permanent ways; Railway traction force and resistances; Geometrical design of railway tracks in general).
2. General studies 2. Introduction into railway permanent ways II. (Railway track structures: ballasted and ballastless tracks; Elements of railway tracks I.).
3. General studies 3. Introduction into railway permanent ways III. (Elements of railway tracks II.).
4. General studies 4. Introduction into railway permanent ways IV. (Tracks with normal ‘gapped’ (fishplated) rail joints as well as CWR tracks; Set-up of substructure and supplementary layers).
5. Construction of ballasted railway tracks (construction technologies).
6. Calculation of mechanical stresses and deformations in railway permanent ways’ elements and layers. Interaction between railway track and railway bridge. Set-up of transition zones.
7. Tramways, subways.
8. The basics of diagnostics. Lifetime of railway permanent ways. Maintenance of railway tracks. Supervision of railway tracks.
9. Deterioration process of railway tracks. Railway track diagnostics system. Measurement possibilities of the clearance gauge. Measurement possibilities of the railway track geometry.
10. Geometrical evaluation of the railway track.
11. Diagnostics of the railway earthworks (substructures).
12. Diagnostics of railway rails.
13. Diagnostics of other superstructural elements in railway tracks (sleepers, rail fasteners, fishplates, ballast).
14. Reserve week.
The above programme is tentative and subject to changes due to calendar variations and other reasons specific to the actual semester. Consult the effective detailed course schedule of the course on the subject website.
The above programme is tentative and subject to changes due to calendar variations and other reasons specific to the actual semester. Consult the effective detailed course schedule of the course on the subject website.
2.5 Study materials
a) Textbooks
1. Lichtberger, B.: Track compendium, Eurailpress Tetzlaff-Hestra GmbH & Co. Publ., Hamburg, 2005
2. Esveld, C.: Modern railway tracks, MRT Production, Zaltbommel, 2014
3. Mundrey, JS: Railway Track Engineering, 5th Edition, Mc Graw Hill India, 2017
b) Online materials
1. Presentations
Fischer, S.: Railway track structures and diagnostics, BUTE, 2025
2. Electronic lecture notes
Fischer, S., Eller, B., Kada, Z., Németh, A.: Railway engineering, Universitas-Győr Nonprofit Kft., Győr, 2015
2.6 Other information
1) Attendance to lectures is compulsory. The signature and credits from the subject will be refused to students missing more than 4 (i.e., attending less 9 classes).
2) Students are evaluated based on their actual individual performance. Students are required to show evidence of their own knowledge and skills. Submitting a work of others, obtaining or giving unauthorized help (e.g., during an exam or test) cheating and plagiarism in any form is unacceptable. Whoever violate the respective Regulations of the University will be given a failing grade (1), without the possibility of retake and repeat, and will be reported to the Dean’s Office.
2.7 Consultation
According to the information on the Dept.’s website.
This Subject Datasheet is valid for:
2025/2026 semester II
II. Subject requirements
Assessment and evaluation of the learning outcomes
3.1 General rules
The assessment of the learning outcomes specified in clause 2.2. above and the evaluation of student performance occurs via examination.
3.2 Assessment methods
| Assessment Name (Type) | Code | Assessed Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Exam | E | A.1-A.13; B.1-B.15; C.1-C.4; D.1-D.3 |
The dates of deadlines of assignments/homework can be found in the detailed course schedule on the subject’s website.
3.3 Evaluation system
| Code | Weight |
|---|---|
| E | 100% |
| Total | 100% |
3.4 Requirements and validity of signature
Attendance at 70% of the lectures is compulsory.
3.5 Grading system
| Grade | Score (P) |
|---|---|
| excellent (5) | 87≤P |
| good (4) | 75≤P<87% |
| satisfactory (3) | 62≤P<75% |
| pass (2) | 50≤P<62% |
| fail (1) | P<50% |
3.6 Retake and repeat
Exams can be repeated in accordance with the Study and Examination Regulations.
3.7 Estimated workload
| Activity | Hours/Semester |
|---|---|
| contact hours | 14×3=42 |
| continuous preparation for the lectures | 14×2=28 |
| preparation for the examination | 50 |
3.8 Effective date
1 September 2025
This Subject Datasheet is valid for:
2025/2026 semester II