Interdisciplinary Professional Programs
College of Engineering

CWR and Thermal Forces Workshop

The CWR and Thermal Forces Workshop provides comprehensive training on the intricacies of CWR, including flash butt and thermite welds, CWR maintenance, and rail replacement. Participants will understand how to maintain neutral temperature and perform thermal adjustments effectively. This course also prepares attendees for the FRA certification exam, ensuring compliance with FRA Track Safety Standards.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand how rail is manufactured and the basics of thermal forces.
  • Calculate thermal expansion and neutral temperature of rail steel.
  • Perform CWR maintenance and develop a compliant CWR written plan per FRA regulations.

Who Should Attend:

  • Railroad engineers and managers responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of railway systems, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
  • Project engineers and track supervisors overseeing the implementation of railway projects, managing teams, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
  • Industry sales representatives and consultants who provide specialized knowledge and solutions to railway companies, helping them optimize their operations and meet regulatory requirements.

Future course dates coming soon!

Course Details: RA01302

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Course Outline

Track Structure Review

  • What happens when temperature changes
  • The formula and what it means

Calculating the Gaps

  • Understanding the forces
  • Calculating the forces
  • CWR Maintenance

What Happens When You Line a Curve In or Out

  • Understanding quarter points

Thermal Adjusting Procedure

  • What if we do it wrong?

The VERSE

  • FRA regulations
  • Replacing rail

Qualification Exam (Optional)

Instructors and Program Director

  • Instructors

    Dave Peterson

    Department Administrator, Program Director

    Dave is the Program Director for the University of Wisconsin–Madison Railroad Engineering and Operations Program. The program consists of 12 courses conducted annually on topics ranging from introduction to railroad engineering and operations to signaling, bridges, crossings, and traction power. He is also the Department Administrator for Interdisciplinary Professional Programs. Dave has a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering and an MBA from UW–Madison.

    John Zuspan

    President

    John Zuspan is President of Track Guy Consultants in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. John started as a track laborer and worked his way up to foreman and director of the track divison at Slattery/Skanska and vice president for Balfour Beatty Rail. He has managed the trackwork, reviewed all design packages, and has had final authority for approval on many large scale projects. John currently leads the National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association’s (NRC) Safety Committee and has led the efforts to produce many safety training DVDs for railroad contractors. He is a dedicated teacher and trainer.

  • Program Director

    Dave Peterson

Total Credits:
CEU .7, 
PDH 7, 

Create a custom learning experience

We can deliver this course as an on-site learning experience tailored to your organization’s specific training needs.

Related Courses

Past Courses

  • Dec. 1-1, 2023 - Face-to-Face (D173)