Seminars

The following seminars are being held in conjunction with the AREMA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo.
Conference registration not required. Separate registration and fee necessary.

Seminars

Introduction to Practical Railway Engineering (IPRE)

Saturday, September 12, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, September 13, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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.
  • Interact with other students and instructors in an informal setting with the opportunity to ask in-depth questions about topics of interest.


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 ($250 value) - an 800-page published text will be provided digitally.

Instructor: 
Marcin Taraszkiewicz, PE, HDR

PDH: 16

Location: Kansas City Convention Center

 

Seminar Pricing

  By August 14   After August 14
 IPRE Seminar – Member  $800 $900
 IPRE Seminar – Non-Member $1000 $1100
 Student Registration $350 $350

Track Alignment Design I (TADS I)

Wednesday, September 16, 1:30 – 5:30 PM
Thursday, September 17, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, September 18, 8:00 AM – Noon


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
     

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. 
 
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. Nine (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

Instructors: 

Caroline Lucas, VHB
Christopher Coppock, PE, Michael Baker International
Blanca Obregon, PE, GFT
Dallas Richards, PE, VRE
Bob Kimicata, PE, Kimicata Rail Consulting Inc.  
Bruce Anderson, TranSystems (Retired)  
Paul North, PE, Senior Utility Coord 
Ben Jenschke, PE, Bowman Engineering & Consulting

PDH: 16

Location: Kansas City Convention Center

 

Seminar Pricing:

  By August 14   After August 14
 Track Alignment & Design I – Member $800 $900
 Track Alignment & Design I – Non-Member $1000 $1100
 Student Registration $350 $350

Track Alignment Design II (TADS II)

Wednesday, September 16, 1:30 – 5:30 PM
Thursday, September 17, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, September 18, 8:00 AM – Noon


Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify typical industry standards used for design
  • Identify at least 5 major phases of the design process
  • List 8 influencing factors in 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


Seminar Description:
This sequel to the Track Alignment Design Seminar (TADS I) 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 level of problem solving unique to the railroad industry.  

Attending the Introduction to Practical Railway Engineering (IPRE) and the Track Alignment Design I (TADS I) seminars prior to this course will maximize the attendee’s benefit, although not required. 
 
The seminar workbook containing the presentation will be provided digitally.

Instructors:  

Bob Kimicata, PE, Kimicata Rail Consulting Inc.  
Isa Chan, BNSF Railway
Shane Arnold, M.Eng., P.Eng, SYSTRA
Paul North, PE, Senior Utility Coord 
Dallas Richards, PE, VRE 
Blanca Obregon, PE, GFT

PDH: 16

Location: Kansas City Convention Center

 

Seminar Pricing:

  By August 14   After August 14
 Track Alignment & Design II – Member $800 $900
 Track Alignment & Design II – Non-Member $1000 $1100
 Student Registration $350 $350