Seminars

The following seminars are being held in conjunction with the AREMA 2023 Annual Conference and Railway Interchange events.
Separate registration and fee required.

Introduction to Practical Railway Engineering

Friday, September 29, 12:30 – 5:45 PM
Saturday, September 30, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, October 1, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM


Seminar Description:
Participants benefiting the most from this 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 ($125 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: 18

Location: Indiana Convention Center

Seminar Pricing:

By August 15: $750 Members / $925 Non-Members / $375 Students

After August 15: $850 Members / $1025 Non-Members / $375 Students

Track Alignment Design, Part II

Wednesday, October 4, 12:30 – 5:00 PM
Thursday, October 5, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, October 6, 8:30 AM – Noon


Seminar Description:
The sequel to AREMA’s Track Alignment Design 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 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. This seminar is intended for those who have previously attended the AREMA TADS Seminar. 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify typical industry standards used for design
  • Identify major phases of the design process
  • List 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, Kimicata Rail Consulting Inc. 
Gray Chandler, Chandler Railroad Consulting 
Bruce Anderson, TranSystems (Retired) 
Paul North, PE, SAM, LLC
Dallas Richards, PE, Virginia Railway Express (VRE)
Nick Kern, PE, Kimley-Horn

PDH: 16

Location: JW Marriott Indianapolis 

Seminar Pricing:


By August 15: $750 Members / $925 Non-Members / $375 Students

After August 15: $850 Members / $1025 Non-Members / $375 Students