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.

Upcoming dates coming soon!

Take course number RA01302 when it’s offered next.

What You Will Learn:

Gain essential knowledge on Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) and master the calculation of thermal forces and internal forces during CWR installation. Learn proper thermal adjusting procedures, maintenance techniques, and 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.

Keep Up With This Course

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)

Program Director & Instructors

  • Dave Peterson

    Department Administrator, Program Director

    Dave is the Program Director for the University of WisconsinMadison 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 UWMadison.

  • 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

Course Administration

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Payment Options

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

  • Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
  • Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
  • You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

  • Call CERC Registrations at 608-262-2451.
  • Provide the registrations representative with:
    • the course name, dates, and/or course number.
    • the necessary course attendee information and payment information.
  • You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

  • Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
  • Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
  • Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
  • You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email interpro@union.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

Course Notes

This workshop applies to all Class I, Class II, and Class III Regional Railroads.

This course qualifies as a training program per Part 213.7(c) of the FRA Track Safety Standards. Once you complete it, you may take the FRA Certification exam. Your instructor, John Zuspan, is an experienced trainer for the exam.

Create a custom learning experience

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