Rail infrastructure services

Rail infrastructure services encompass a broad range of evaluations, inspections, and certifications to ensure the safety and reliability of rail networks. These services cover all project phases throughout the entire life cycle for the analysis of all infrastructure subsystems, including  superstructures, earthworks, civil works, tunnels, noise and vibrations and electrical and mechanical systems. In addition, we also certify infrastructure components such as rail, fastening, sleepers, and switches.

Rail infrastructure services from TÜV SÜD can ensure that your railway infrastructure components and subsystems meet relevant standards and quality requirements, enhancing the overall safety and functionality of railway systems. Recent advancements and updates in this field focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies and compliance with evolving international standards to address the complex needs of modern rail networks.

In today’s competitive and safety-conscious environment, effective railway infrastructure services are crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and safety. Meticulous inspection and testing of components and infrastructure  such as tracks, bridges, and tunnels are important to identify potential weaknesses. Addressing these weaknesses is vital for avoiding operational disruptions, safety hazards, and costly repairs. Only then can we ensure the availability of the infrastructure subsystems.

Robust rail infrastructure directly translates to safer and more reliable rail travel for passengers. Furthermore, railway infrastructure services ensure compliance with a variety of national and international regulations that can be complex and demanding.

With rapid advances in technology, staying up-to-date with the innovations and integrating them seamlessly into existing infrastructure poses a challenge. Infrastructure managers need to balance the adoption of new technologies with the need for compatibility and reliability in existing systems. This requires ongoing investment in training, research, and development to keep pace with industry changes. A trusted third-party can help with all these.

TÜV SÜD offers thorough assessments and certifications according to national and international standards. We certify according to Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) and other relevant standards. We also supervise the construction activities and are also monitoring bridge behaviour including the analysis of the measurement data.

We conduct comprehensive safety and reliability testing for all railway infrastructure components. As an accredited testing and inspection services provider, we support all aspects of rail infrastructure certification and approval.

By leveraging our global experience and technical expertise, we help you minimise costly rework. We provide detailed design reviews and early-stage problem identification. All these ensure that we address issues promptly, saving you time and money.

We support the integration of new technologies into your rail infrastructure while ensuring compatibility with existing systems through our certification services.

We can support for all kind of transportation technologies including monorails and people mover systems.

We help you achieve market access by providing certification services as a Notified Body (NoBo), Designated Body (DeBo), and Assessment Body (AsBo). We evaluate your infrastructure against international standards, ensuring that you meet the necessary requirements.

We provide a comprehensive range of railway infrastructure services,  including independent safety assessments (ISA), inspections, and quality assurance.

Independent safety assessment (ISA) and Certification

• Infrastructure inspections (design review, construction supervision and acceptance).
• Assessment of conformity to EN standards or any other international or national standards.
• Certification according to national and international standards.
• EC verifications according to Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) as Notified Body (NoBo).
• Safety assessment of infrastructure (e.g. also for Projects according to EN 50126).
• Assessment of NNTS as Designated Body (DeBo).
• CSM evaluation as Assessment Body (AsBo).
• RAMS assessment according to EN 50126.
• Evaluation of earthworks (geological and geotechnical) and civil works (incl. static calculation).
• Assessment according to Tram Construction and Operation Ordinance (BOStrab) §60, 61 and 62.
• Assessment according to Austrian Law EisbG §19, 30 etc.
• Certification of track measuring vehicles.
• Quality Assurance, quality control (QA/QC) and safety audits.
• Assessment of tunnel safety, fire protection, emergency and rescue concepts for tunnel and stations.
• Assessment of maintenance procedures.

Testing

• Testing of superstructure components (e.g. sleepers, rails, conductor rails, fastening systems, switches, crossings, flash butt and aluminothermic welds, track fencing) according to EN standards or any other national standard.
• Factory acceptance testing (FATs).

Technical Assessment

• Independent checking engineer (ICE).
• Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) at systems and Subsystem of the infrastructure.
• Damage evaluation (e.g. from derailment).
• Technical support (2^nd and 3^rd opinion):
• Cause of derailment and related damages.
• Choice of proper superstructure components.
• Compatibility assessment of track/rolling stock (wheel/rail).

Training

• Technical training for supplier, contractors, operators, authorities etc.