The TerraRail research group studies railway track structures. This area of expertise covers the loads on the track and track structures. The goal is to add value to track owners so that the designed solutions are long-lasting and life-cycle efficient. The activities consist of experimental research and various modelling and simulations of the behaviour of track structures. In addition, we conduct literature reviews and train new experts for the railway sector through thesis projects.
Research focus and goals
TerraRail studies railway structures to improve the life-cycle efficiency of track maintenance. The study area includes all track components in the track structure, from the subsoil to the rails and vehicle-track interaction.
Our research aims at a comprehensive understanding of the track structure:
- Simulation of loads caused by a moving train
- Development of track components and track structure materials
- Track behaviour modelling
- Development of design methods
- Track behaviour and load monitoring
Our strength lies in experimental research conducted with versatile arrangements ranging from laboratory-scale material analyses to field measurements and full-scale load tests. The research methods are complemented by the computational modelling of the behaviour of the structures, simulations, and literature reviews of international research results.
TerraRail is part of Research Centre Terra.
Leader
Heikki Luomala
Project Manager
Heikki Luomala
