Lesson 1Track geometry fundamentals: alignment, gradients, curvature and their effect on speed and operationsThis part introduces horizontal and vertical track geometry, including alignment, gradients, and curvature in South Sudanese landscapes. It explains how geometry controls speed, comfort, energy use, and safety, with design limits, transitions, and maintenance tolerances.
Horizontal alignment and design speedVertical alignment, grades, and sagsCurvature, cant, and cant deficiencyTransition curves and comfort criteriaGeometry tolerances and measurementGeometry defects and corrective actionsLesson 2Rail components: rails, sleepers/ties, fastenings, ballast specifications and maintenance needsThis part details rails, sleepers, fastenings, and ballast, explaining functions, key properties, and failure modes for South Sudan. It links component selection to track stiffness, ride quality, noise, and maintenance over the asset life in harsh environments.
Rail profiles, grades, and wear limitsSleepers and ties: types and spacingFastening systems and clip performanceBallast gradation and quality controlComponent defects and failure modesInspection, renewal, and record keepingLesson 3Track support types: ballasted track vs slab track — construction, maintenance, and suitable contextsThis part compares ballasted and slab track, focusing on structure, construction, maintenance, and lifecycle cost in South Sudan. It explains where each type fits best, considering speed, axle load, climate, and ground conditions.
Ballasted track structural componentsSlab track systems and variantsConstruction methods and tolerancesRoutine and heavy maintenance needsLifecycle cost and availability impactsContext-based selection of support typeLesson 4Level crossings: types, risk factors, and mitigation measuresThis part looks at level crossing types, risk factors, and mitigation in South Sudanese roads. It links road and rail traffic patterns, user behavior, and environment to protection choices, with assessment methods, design upgrades, and closure strategies.
Passive versus active crossing typesKey risk factors and accident patternsSight distance and road alignment issuesProtection systems and warning devicesHuman factors and user behaviorRisk assessment and upgrade planningLesson 5Tunnels and cut-and-cover works: when required and cost/benefit considerationsThis part covers tunnels and cut-and-cover works, explaining when they are needed versus open cut in South Sudan. It addresses geotechnical risks, construction methods, ventilation, safety, and cost-benefit trade-offs in planning and design.
Route selection and need for tunnelingGeotechnical risks and investigationsBored tunnel construction methodsCut-and-cover design and stagingTunnel ventilation and safety systemsCost-benefit and option comparisonLesson 6Civil works: bridges (types and load considerations), culverts, retaining walls and drainageThis part covers railway bridges, culverts, retaining walls, and drainage in South Sudan. It explains structural types, load paths, hydraulic design, and durability so learners relate civil works to safety, capacity, and life-cycle cost.
Bridge types and structural load pathsDesign loads and impact from rail trafficCulvert sizing and hydraulic performanceRetaining wall types and stability checksTrackside drainage layouts and detailsInspection, defects, and rehabilitationLesson 7Track configurations: single vs double track — advantages, costs, and operational implicationsThis part compares single and double track layouts, examining capacity, reliability, and cost in South Sudan. It explains passing loops, crossovers, and signaling, showing how choices affect timetabling, resilience, and future expansion.
Single track capacity and constraintsDouble track benefits and challengesPassing loops and overtaking strategyCrossovers, turnouts, and flexibilityOperational resilience and disruptionsPhasing upgrades and future expansionLesson 8Earthworks, embankments, and track formation stabilityThis part focuses on earthworks and formation, covering cuttings, embankments, and subgrade in South Sudanese soils. It explains stability, drainage, and settlement control, showing how investigation, design, and monitoring prevent deformation and disruptions.
Site investigation and ground profilingCuttings: slopes, benches, and supportEmbankment design and compactionFormation layers and capping designDrainage of earthworks and formationMonitoring movement and remediation
