Seminars

The following seminars are being held in conjunction with the AREMA 2024 Annual Conference & Expo.
Conference registration not required. Separate registration and fee necessary.

Introduction to Practical Railway Engineering

Saturday, September 14, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, September 15, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM


Seminar Description:
Participants benefiting the most from this 2-day course are those with limited exposure to the railway industry or railroaders with highly specialized positions. For example, a structural engineer well versed in highway bridge design but with some exposure to railway bridge design would gain valuable knowledge about track, signals, and railway operations typically unfamiliar to those outside the industry.

The benefits from this seminar include contact with other railroad professionals through our low student/instructor ratio. Participants will gain a greater appreciation for the technical and not-so-technical aspects of railroad engineering and operations.

The seminar workbook containing the presentation and a copy of the Practical Guide to Railway Engineering ($225 value) - an 800-page published text will be provided digitally.


Learning Outcomes: 

  • Gain a greater appreciation for the technical and not-so-technical aspects of railroad engineering and operations.
  • Learn a broad range of railroad topics that you might not otherwise experience in your current line of work.
  • Have the opportunity to see track component and rail equipment up close as part of our educational site visits.
  • Interact with other students and instructors in an informal setting with the opportunity to ask in depth questions about topics of interest.
     

Instructor: 
Marcin Taraszkiewicz, PE, HDR

PDH: 16

Location: Kentucky International Convention Center 

Track Alignment Design I

Wednesday, September 18, 1:30 – 5:30 PM
Thursday, September 19, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, September 20, 8:00 AM – Noon


Seminar Description:
This seminar is best for individuals that are responsible for track design production work, with 1-5 years of railroad or track design experience, or more experienced railroaders and engineers moving into track design responsibilities. Participants should have a rudimentary knowledge of railroads and railroad terminology. The Introduction to Practical Railway Engineering or equivalent is an ideal precursor to this class.

Over 3 days participants will learn design approaches to typical rail service, capacity, and routing problems with a sharp focus on the development and evaluation of horizontal and vertical alignment geometric design. A case study approach provides incrementally higher levels of difficulties with multiple constraints, building on concepts learned in prior modules. 9 real-world situations are presented to the participants, who are walked through the project from the concept phase through alternative analysis to the final resolution. The interface of signal design and constructability with track alignment design are discussed.

The seminar workbook containing the presentation will be provided digitally.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Gain a Clear Understanding of Clearance Requirements
  • Learn about Horizontal Curve Selection and Vertical Curve Restrictions
  • Understand the Grade/Handbrake Relationship
  • Understand how to Read a Turnout Table and Calculate Turnout Location on Non-Standard Ladder
  • Understand the importance of Construction Staging in Maintaining Railroad Operations
     

Instructors:
Bob Kimicata, PE, Kimicata Rail Consulting Inc. 
Gray Chandler, Chandler Railroad Consulting
Bruce Anderson, TranSystems (Retired) 
Paul North, PE, Senior Utility Coord
Albert Espinoza, PE, BNSF
Ben Jenschke, PE, Bowman Engineering & Consulting

PDH: 16

Location: Omni Louisville Hotel

Track Alignment Design II

Wednesday, September 18, 1:30 – 5:30 PM
Thursday, September 19, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, September 20, 8:00 AM – Noon


Seminar Description:
The sequel to the Track Alignment Design I Seminar (TADS) is prepared and delivered by industry experts to offer a higher level of learning for those with 3 or more years of progressive railroad design experience. The Seminar takes an in-depth study over 3 days, into unique design situations that require greater insight for resolution. The use of real-world case studies provides a practical dose of problem solving unique to the railroad industry. 

Attending the Introduction to Practical Railway Engineering (IPRE) and the Track Alignment Design I (TADS) Seminars prior to this course will maximize the attendees’ benefit, although not required.

The seminar workbook containing the presentation will be provided digitally.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify typical industry standards used for design
  • Identify at least 5 major phases of the design process
  • List 8 influencing factors to the design of railroad infrastructure projects
  • Discuss priorities of the design process and when/why to diverge from standards
  • Gain knowledge for deciding when to vary from standards and the process to identify the appropriate solution
     

Instructors:
Bob Kimicata, PE, Kimicata Rail Consulting Inc. 
Gray Chandler, Chandler Railroad Consulting
Bruce Anderson, TranSystems (Retired) 
Paul North, PE, Senior Utility Coord
Dallas Richards, PE, VRE
Nick Kern, PE, Kimley-Horn

PDH: 16

Location: Omni Louisville Hotel

Seminar Pricing:


By August 9: $775 Members / $975 Non-Members / $350 Student Members

After August 9: $875 Members / $1075 Non-Members / $350 Student Members