Research Centre for Railway Engineering and Technologies

A key initiative in achieving this was the establishment, in 2001, of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Railway Engineering and Technologies, the first CRC aimed specifically at transport. A collaborative venture between Australia 's major railways, industry and six universities around the nation, it gives Australia 's railway industry a truly national focus for research and consultancy services.

The Centre has also established associations with international rail research bodies such as UIC - the International Union of Railways and British Rail, as well as several universities.

Research at the University of Wollongong focuses on innovative automated track maintenance and upgrading technologies aimed at improving the integrity of track structure, which is essential to safe and reliable rail operation.

To achieve this, researchers are evaluating the geotechnical properties of fresh and recycled ballast with effective use of geosynthetics to achieve technological advances in modern track design. After designing and constructing several unique, large-scale triaxial rigs with dynamic actuators to simulate rail track conditions, they have established an innovative way of stabilising tracks to cater for high-speed trains that carry heavy loads. Researchers are also developing automated inspection systems with the ability to detect rail breaks; investigating track dynamic response with a special reference to pre-stressed concrete sleepers; and optimized design of rail joints. These investigations will reduce construction, upgrading and maintenance costs as well as increase rail productivity by minimising inspection and maintenance time.

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Last reviewed: 16 February, 2007