Lesson 1Track geometry fundamentals: alignment, gradients, curvature and their effect on speed and operationsThis section introduces horizontal and vertical track geometry, including alignment, gradients, and curvature. It explains how geometry governs speed, comfort, energy use, and safety, and outlines design limits, transitions, and maintenance tolerances for SA rails.
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 section details rails, sleepers, fastenings, and ballast, explaining functions, key properties, and failure modes. It links component selection and specification to track stiffness, ride quality, noise, and maintenance requirements over the asset life in SA.
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 section compares ballasted and slab track, focusing on structure, construction methods, maintenance regimes, and lifecycle cost. It explains where each support type is most suitable, considering speed, axle load, climate, and ground conditions in South Africa.
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 section examines level crossing types, risk factors, and mitigation. It links road and rail traffic patterns, user behaviour, and environment to protection choices, and outlines assessment methods, design upgrades, and closure strategies for SA contexts.
Passive versus active crossing typesKey risk factors and accident patternsSight distance and road alignment issuesProtection systems and warning devicesHuman factors and user behaviourRisk assessment and upgrade planningLesson 5Tunnels and cut-and-cover works: when required and cost/benefit considerationsThis section covers tunnels and cut-and-cover works, explaining when they are justified versus open cut. It addresses geotechnical risks, construction methods, ventilation, safety, and cost-benefit trade-offs across planning and design stages in South Africa.
Route selection and need for tunnellingGeotechnical 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 section covers railway bridges, culverts, retaining walls, and drainage. It explains structural types, load paths, hydraulic design, and durability so learners can relate civil works choices to safety, capacity, and life-cycle cost in South African projects.
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 section compares single and double track layouts, examining capacity, reliability, and cost. It explains passing loops, crossovers, and signalling interfaces, and shows how configuration choices affect timetabling, resilience, and future expansion in SA.
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 section focuses on earthworks and formation, covering cuttings, embankments, and subgrade. It explains stability, drainage, and settlement control, and shows how investigation, design, and monitoring prevent deformation and service disruption in South Africa.
Site investigation and ground profilingCuttings: slopes, benches, and supportEmbankment design and compactionFormation layers and capping designDrainage of earthworks and formationMonitoring movement and remediation
