48
Road, Railway and Airport Construction
REGGIO DI CALABRIA
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
Learning and development of the ability to apply the principles and techniques of railway line design, with particular focus on the railway cross-section, track structure, and the horizontal and vertical alignment of the railway axis.
The educational objectives also include the acquisition of skills to communicate the knowledge gained using appropriate technical-scientific language, as well as the ability to deepen and expand knowledge in order to fully develop railway design projects.
Course Prerequisites
No prerequisites are required
Teaching Methods
TYPE OF EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES:
- Lectures (hours/year in classroom): 36
- Practical Exercises (hours/year in classroom): 16
The educational activities will take place during the first semester teaching period.
INDEPENDENT STUDENT WORK
Independent student work consists of:
- Further study/research based on the bibliography (theoretical component)
- Exam preparation
Assessment Methods
Written Exam
1st Midterm Test (duration: 120 minutes)
It consists of four open-ended questions on topics related to the railway body and track structure, the mechanics of locomotion, and the horizontal and vertical alignment of railway lines. No teaching materials are allowed during the written test. The test is valid only if a score of at least 18/30 is achieved.
2nd Midterm Test (duration: 120 minutes)
It consists of four open-ended questions on topics related to switches, railway lines, stations, signaling, and traction systems. No teaching materials are allowed during the written test. The test is valid only if a score of at least 18/30 is achieved.
Evaluation of the Written Exam
The written exam is considered complete only if the score is at least sufficient for both midterm tests. The final score is calculated as the average of the scores obtained in the two midterm tests.
Oral Exam
The oral exam is optional for students who have passed the written exam.
The student can either accept the written exam grade or take the oral exam, which consists of questions related to the course topics.
The oral exam is mandatory for students who have failed the written exam or have only partially completed it (i.e., only one of the midterm tests).
Final Evaluation
The final grade is the average of the grades from the written exam and the oral exam (if taken).
Grading criteria:
30 - 30 with honors: Complete, in-depth, and critical knowledge of the topics, excellent command of language, full ability to independently apply knowledge to solve proposed problems.
27 - 29: Complete and in-depth knowledge of the topics, full command of language, ability to independently apply knowledge to solve proposed problems.
24 - 26: Knowledge of the topics with a good level of understanding, good command of language, ability to correctly apply most knowledge to solve proposed problems.
21 - 23: Adequate knowledge of the topics, but lacking mastery, satisfactory command of language, limited ability to independently apply knowledge to solve proposed problems.
18 - 20: Basic knowledge of the main topics, basic understanding of technical language, ability to apply the basic knowledge acquired.
Insufficient: Does not possess an acceptable knowledge of the topics covered during the course.
Texts
Tesoriere: Strade, Ferrovie, Aeroporti - Vol. I – Il progetto e le opere d’arte – UTET
Michele Agostinacchio – “Strade Ferrovie Aeroporti” - EPC Libri
Ennio Antonucci – Infrastrutture ferroviarie – Pitagora Editrice Bologna
Franco Policicchio: Lineamenti di infrastrutture ferroviarie – Firenze University Press.
Coenraad Esveld. Modern railway track. MRT Production second
Contents
The course provides the methodological approaches and knowledge necessary for the design of railway infrastructure. A central focus of the course is the definition of criteria for the design of the railway cross-section, the track bed and superstructure, the horizontal and vertical alignment of railway lines, including high-speed lines, and stations. Additionally, the course introduces fundamental concepts of electric traction systems and railway signaling.
More information
During the course, technical visits to infrastructure construction sites will take place to provide students with practical, hands-on experience that complements their theoretical training. The main objectives of these visits are:
- Practical Application of Theory: Enable students to see how concepts learned in the classroom are applied in practice, thereby consolidating their understanding and bridging the gap between theory and operational reality.
- Observation of Processes and Techniques: Provide the opportunity to observe construction processes, techniques, and technologies used in large infrastructure projects, facilitating a better understanding of the challenges and solutions adopted on-site.
- Understanding Engineering Challenges: Provide insight into the engineering challenges encountered during complex projects, such as managing time, costs, and resources, as well as solving problems in real time.
- Development of Professional Skills: Foster the development of professional skills and problem-solving abilities, thereby improving students' readiness for the workforce.
- Connection with Industry: Help students establish connections with industry professionals, facilitating networking and creating opportunities for future collaborations or employment.
- Integration of Multidisciplinary Knowledge: Illustrate how different areas of engineering and applied sciences are integrated into infrastructure projects, highlighting the importance of teamwork and a multidisciplinary approach.