PWI WA Technical Meeting and Networking Evening sponsored by Arcadis

Join us for our next WA presentation

Join us for the next PWI-WA Technical meeting – Sponsored by Arcadis

These events are hosted by the PWI-WA Committee and part of an exciting series of events that will focus on delivering technical presentations on issues relevant to the WA Rail Industry, and allow the attendees to meet and network with each other.

Presentation 1: Extending the life of your assets

Speaker: Mark Engelhardt, Australia Lead and Industry Solutions

Bio: Mark Engelhardt is Arcadis' Country Lead for Digital Intelligence and brings nearly 30 years of experience in transforming data held by major asset‑intensive organisations into actionable insights across multiple sectors and geographies. In the early 2000s, he founded an asset investment planning company and grew it successfully until its acquisition by Arcadis. The analytics capability he built now underpins Arcadis’ global rail digital solutions, and Mark currently leads the implementation of these solutions in Australia. Arcadis’ systems are widely used around the world to optimise investment and maintenance decisions, delivering more efficient operations and improving the experience and outcomes for railway users.

Presentation 2: Improving track support at IRJs using FEA

Speaker: An Tang, Senior Associate - Rail Infrastructure at Worley Consulting.

Abstract: Insulated Rail Joints (IRJs) serve a critical role in signalling systems but are among the most maintenance-intensive components within heavy haul rail networks. This research examines design modifications aimed at increasing IRJ durability and minimising lifecycle costs. The methodology incorporates dynamic finite element analysis via Ansys Mechanical to simulate axle passage across IRJs under heavy loads, evaluating stress responses for multiple support arrangements. Eighteen models have been developed to assess the effects of sleeper spacing optimisation, under-sleeper pads, concrete bearers, and geosynthetic reinforcement on stress distribution and dynamic behaviour. Additionally, industry advancements such as ceramic end-posts and non-ratchetting railhead geometries were reviewed as potential supplementary measures. Findings indicate that targeted improvements to both superstructure and substructure designs can enhance load transfer, mitigate stress concentrations, and extend IRJ service life. These results offer a basis for revising design standards and adopting solution-oriented practices to improve reliability and operational safety in heavy haul environments.

Networking will follow the presentation