Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Track Geometry and Rail Design

• Overview of track geometry concepts

• Design standards: AREMA, UIC, EN codes

• Key design parameters: gauge, cant, curvature, gradients

• Types of railway networks and corresponding design criteria

• Review: Rail alignment case studies and common design failures

Module 2: Horizontal and Vertical Alignment Fundamentals

• Design of tangents, curves, spirals, and transition curves

• Vertical profile elements: grades, crests, sags

• Combined geometric design rules and constraints

• Exercise: Manual plotting of rail alignment components

Module 3: Getting Started with OpenRail Designer

• Introduction to OpenRail Designer interface

• Project setup and file management

• Templates, seed files, coordinate systems

• Exercise: Creating a new rail design project in OpenRail

Module 4: Horizontal Alignment Design in OpenRail

• Creating and editing horizontal alignments

• Curve creation tools and design constraints

• Annotation and alignment validation

• Practical: Design a single-track alignment using OpenRail tools

Module 5: Vertical Alignment and Profile Design

• Creating profiles from existing terrain

• Designing vertical curves and gradients

• Profile annotation and stationing

• Hands-on: Add vertical geometry to the horizontal track alignment

Module 6: Turnouts, Crossovers, and Rail Component Design

• Insertion of turnouts, frogs, and crossovers

• Managing rail switches and alignment transitions

• Rail junction geometry rules and layout optimization

• Exercise: Design a turnout and crossover for a multi-track section

Module 7: Rail Corridor Modeling and Templates

• Creating rail corridor templates and cross-sections

• Corridor modeling workflows and dynamic updates

• Applying templates to full alignments

• Lab: Model a dual-track corridor with embankments and drainage zones

Module 8: Design Validation and Safety Analysis

• Track-train interaction: speed, cant deficiency, derailment risk

• Safety constraints in curves and transitions

• Clearance envelope checks and conflict detection

• Workshop: Analyze geometric safety and optimize alignment

Module 9: Drawing Production and Quantity Reporting

• Generating plan, profile, and section sheets

• Creating reports for quantities, alignments, and profiles

• Interoperability with other platforms (MicroStation, Civil 3D)

• Exercise: Produce a full drawing set from rail design project

Module 10: Final Design Project and Assessment

• Team-based project: End-to-end design of a 5 km railway alignment

• Incorporate horizontal/vertical geometry, turnouts, and modeling

• Final presentation and peer review

• Feedback, evaluation, and certificate issuance