Rail asset testing and measurements consultancy
We ensure that railway test programmes are planned and delivered under the required operational conditions.
We provide expert advice and support for the planning and organisation of rail asset testing programmes - including full-scale vehicle test runs - as well an extensive range of measurements services to help asset owners monitor ongoing asset performance once in operation.
These consultancy services are offered separate to the delivery of test programmes overseen by Ricardo Certification
Projects
Utrecht tram integration testing
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Stadler Wink Authorisation Testing
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Authorisation Testing for the Stadler FLIRT3
Read case studyOrganisation of test runs
Testing of new vehicles or infrastructure is not just a technical challenge, there is also an important safety aspect to keep in mind.
In many cases, the objective is to prove that a vehicle can operate safely on the infrastructure.
Test programmes are often more complicated than normal train operations and extra precautions are required to ensure that test runs are performed safely, especially when using infrastructure that is also in full operation.
Working with various operators, we ensure that tests can be performed safely and under the required operational conditions. We do this by:
- Applying for a temporary authorisation at the NSA to perform the test programme
- Providing an Intermediate Statement of Verification (in case Ricardo is also appointed as NoBo and/or DeBo for the project)
- Creating specific risk assessments for each test
- Operational coordination with the responsible operator
- Supplying safety supervisors to monitor the safe operation during the test runs
Test consultancy
"What is the most cost-efficient way to organise tests?"
"What are the local rules and procedures?"
"What does a certification body expect?"
These are examples of questions frequently asked by clients at the start of a project that are not always easy to answer.
Following many years' experience of planning and organising testing projects, we have built up considerable knowledge of test programmes. which we now use to support client projects.
Examples of additional support we can provide:
- 'Quick scan' before the actual testing starts, to provide input and advice on the most efficient way to perform a test program
- Test management on behalf of the client
- We can set-up a compliance matrix to determine from the outset what needs to be tested and keep track of the provided proof
Railway measurements services
We don’t just deliver data, we also carry out analyses through the technical expertise of rail domain experts throughout the organisation.
We are specialised in the field of assurance testing and in-service measurements during the operational phase of both trains and rail infrastructure (investigative testing).
We can carry out measurements to the highest professional standards, accredited according to ISO/IEC17025 (link to our accreditation), which underpins the reliability of our measurement data.
With a dedicated team and state-of-the-art measuring equipment, we carry out measurements of both electrical and mechanical quantities. We can also measure currents and voltages, accelerations, forces, temperature and air pressure.
To minimise the impact of measurements on the use of the asset, we can also offer measurements entirely autonomously.
- Data analysis informed by in-depth understanding of rolling stock, infrastructure and their interfaces
- We can handle complex measurements within a short time frame
- State-of-the art equipment for both staffed and autonomous measurements
- ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation
- We tailor the measurement solution to your needs
Rail asset testing and measurements consultancy Resources