This textbook is aimed at those who need to acquire a ‘broad brush’ appreciation of all the various engineering functions that are involved in planning, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining a railway system. An indication is given of the differences in these different disciplines between heavy rail, rapid transit and light rail operations.
This book is well illustrated with numerous examples taken from worldwide experience, both recent and earlier, showing how railways have evolved through this learning process. In addition, it indicates the likely trends for the future and the areas where more research and development is necessary.
Separate chapters are dedicated to the different parts of the railway infrastructure including stations, track, earthworks and bridges together with chapters on signaling, rolling stock and other mechanical equipment.
Sample Chapter(s)
Foreword (41 KB)
Chapter 1: Introduction (1,170 KB)
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Contents:
- Introduction
- Station Layout
- Rolling Stock
- Depots and Workshops
- Track
- Earthworks, Drainage and Fencing
- Bridges and Structures
- Tunnels and Tunnelling
- Electrification
- Signalling and Train Control
- Systems and Communications
- Lifts, Escalators and Pumps
- Ventilation and Draught Relief
- Future Trends
- Conclusion
Readership: Students and rail engineers.
Cliff Bonnett left Grammar School at the end of the War and worked for a while with contractors before National Service with the Royal Engineers. On demobilization, he worked again for contractors and then for the then Ministry of Works, qualifying as a Structural Engineer in 1955, and later as a Chartered Civil Engineer. In 1960, he joined British Rail and was involved in a number of works relating to the electrification of the West Coast Main Line before being transferred to London Transport in 1964 with whom he continued in various capacities until 1992. The author has therefore had over thirty years direct experience with railways. Whilst at London Transport he held the posts of Bridges and Structures Engineer, Permanent Way Manager, Director of Civil Engineering, Director of Engineering Operations (LUL) and the first Managing Director of Docklands Light Railway. His experience has therefore covered a breath of engineering functions and has varied from heavy rail through rapid transit to light rail. Since retirement from consultancy, the author has been engaged part-time as a lecturer at Imperial College on railway engineering.