University of Pretoria Test Track

The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Pretoria constructed a 30 m long railway test section on the University’s Experimental Farm (better known as the “Proefplaas”) in Pretoria. The track structure conforms with heavy haul track structure design requirements. 

The project was made possible with the help of civil engineering students and sponsorship from industry. 

The following topics can be researched at this facility:

• Full-scale stress and strain tests in a controlled environment
• The effect of moisture on the strength of the track foundation under loading
• The evaluation of earthworks specifications under loaded conditions and with different moisture conditions
• The evaluation of different foundation characterization methodologies and equipment. 

A special bogie, with a total loading capability of 80 tonnes, was manufactured for load application on the test track.
 

Civil Engineering Laboratory 

The Chair in Railway Engineering has access to a range of tests and laboratory experiments that can be carried out in the Civil Engineering Laboratory. These tests include the following:

• Standard sleeper bending tests to AREMA or any other standard specification
• Full scale tests on sleeper components, i.e. rails, sleepers, pads and ballast
• Static as well as dynamic fatigue tests
• Testing of slab track components
• Testing of USPs (under sleeper pads)
• Special, non-standard tests, designed and configured to the request of the client