Railway Infrastructure Design

This lecture focuses on the design of railway infrastructure, covering topics such as the components of railway tracks, materials used, analytical dimensioning methods, and the decision-making diagram proposed by the Swiss Federal Railways. The instructor explains the importance of considering various factors like load distribution, wheel diameter, and train speed when dimensioning railway tracks. The lecture also delves into the design of rails, sleepers, and ballast, emphasizing the need for different materials to withstand varying levels of stress. Additionally, the lecture discusses the calculation of stresses on the rail, including vertical, longitudinal, and lateral forces, as well as the impact of dynamic effects. The design process involves evaluating the rail's resistance to bending, shear forces, and deflection, ensuring that the railway components can withstand the applied loads.