AREMA News

Message From The President

VICTOR R. BABIN AREMA President 2020-21

In 2014, a European rail operator made the untimely discovery that new train sets scheduled for delivery in 2016 would be too wide to pass by 1,300 boarding platforms on the intended system. It also was determined that trains would not be able to pass on adjacent tracks at some locations, presumably curves.

Ultimately, platform widths were narrowed, tracks were shifted and wayside appurtenances were relocated. The owners and operators of the system were widely criticized in the media for the engineering failures that resulted in a substantial increase in project costs, which were ultimately funded by taxpayers.

As engineers, we should acknowledge that both the problem and the solution lay at the feet of our profession. How do we prevent similar conflicts and incompatibilities in the future? How do we ensure interoperability within and between internal systems and between our railroads and external systems? We must strive for improvement and continually promote safe and wellplanned introduction of changes into our railways.

Practices for systematically managing change to military hardware were developed by the U.S. Department of Defense in the 1950s.

These techniques have evolved and are embodied in Configuration Management (CM) standards promulgated worldwide by numerous standards organizations. CM processes are now applied within the electronic and information technology disciplines as well as industrial and civil engineering fields. In the year 2000, AREMA Committee 37 - Signal Systems, developed Communications & Signals Manual Part 17.5.1 Recommended Configuration Management Program for Electronic and/or Software-Based Products Used in Vital Signal Applications to assist railroads in addressing anticipated Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) standards for processor-based signal and train control systems. The recommended program and the FRA rule are applicable today to both railway signal and Positive Train Control systems. Efforts should not be limited to vital electronics and software; engineers should consider the benefits of expanding formal CM methodologies to other railway components, systems and projects in our quest for ever safer and more efficient railways. Implementation may appear daunting at first, but CM may be scaled and prioritized to meet critical needs first and then expanded as expertise grows and benefits are realized.

A CM program provides technical and administrative direction and oversight of assets and contains the four basic tasks of Identification, Control, Status Accounting and Auditing. The program starts with Identification.

Configuration Items (CIs) are system components that can be appropriately identified and designated for separate procurement and configuration control. A CI is characterized by its fit, form and function, including interfaces, and assigned a unique identifier associated with the technical documentation that defines its configuration.

CIs may be either software, hardware or aggregations of either or both. A system may be described as an organization of CIs into a hierarchical structure to achieve a given purpose. It follows that a smaller system may be described as a single CI within a larger system in yet another hierarchy.

CI technical documentation is compiled into a formally controlled and maintained set of approved data defining a system’s configuration Baseline. Once established, the Baseline can only be revised through a formal closed-loop process with clearly defined procedures. Configuration Control manages changes of the CIs from the time of release to the end of their useful life. When the need for a change arises, a formal request is issued documenting the need and thoroughly describing the proposed change. A unique identifier is assigned to the request and provides a means of tracking to ensure the proposed change process is methodically and completely brought to conclusion. The request is then submitted for technical review by appropriate members of a multidiscipline review board. The need for the proposed change is assessed, the effects on interfaces are considered, and the need for changes to other CIs are evaluated.

Thus, a review of a single desired change may trigger a chain of reviews, which leads to a more thorough understanding of the effects of what may have initially been perceived as a minor modification. Once all known effects have been considered and addressed, the change may be approved for implementation.

Status Accounting tracks changes to their conclusions. A tracking system is implemented identifying required changes to all affected CIs and their locations, and the changes are communicated to all known users of the affected CI(s). Emergency changes may immediately be made in the interest of safety but a formal change management process must be executed as a follow-up. Whether routine or emergency, after all changes have been implemented, tested, approved and confirmed for all locations and all affected CI documentation is accordingly revised, a new Baseline is established and the previous Baseline is archived. These Baselines are maintained in a library that is the designated and only acceptable reference for present status and for future changes.

The integrity of these references must be safeguarded through periodic safety and quality audits. Records of the entire change management process are maintained with the CM library.

Today, several computer tools for managing CM are available to assist you. Consider how CM could have saved the day in Europe and how it might help you in the future.

FYI

AREMA is going virtual. Registration opens June 1 for the AREMA 2021 Virtual Conference, Sept. 26-30. For the latest information about the conference, keynote speakers, technical presentations and the schedule, visit www.conference.arema.org.

Order the 2021 Manual for Railway Engineering now. With more than 40 new or revised Parts, it’s the perfect time to get the 2021 Manual. Order online now at www. arema.org or contact publications@arema. org for more details.

Call for Entries for the 2021 Dr. William W. Hay Award for Excellence. The selection process for the 23rd Dr. W.W. Hay Award has begun. Entries must be submitted by May 21, 2021. Please visit www.arema.org for more information.

Leverage the power of your trusted association’s Railway Careers Network to tap into a talent pool of job candidates with the training and education needed for long-term success. Visit www.arema.org/ careers to post your job today.

AREMA has 29 Technical Committees sure to fit your area of railway expertise. Maximize your membership investment by building your network, sharpening your leadership skills and learning from other members. Join now at www.arema.org and enjoy lifelong growth in the industry by joining a technical committee.

Help support the next generation of railway engineers by donating to the AREMA Educational Foundation. Your generosity helps provide scholarships and build programs to lead students to the profession. Donate now at www. aremafoundation.org. Did you miss the AREMA 2020 Virtual Conference & Expo? The platform will be open through Sept. 15, 2021, for you to review all of the presentations and learn on the go. Purchase now at www.arema.org.

Not an AREMA member? Join now to get exclusive rates on products and educational courses, committee opportunities, access to the directories, subscriptions to your favorite magazine, and much more.

NOT AN AREMA MEMBER? JOIN TODAY AT WWW.AREMA.ORG FOLLOW AREMA ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS

MAY 18-19

Committee 15 - Steel Structures Virtual Meeting

MAY 26

Committee 14 - Yards & Terminals Virtual Meeting

FEB. 8-9

Committee 15 - Steel Structures Fort Worth, Texas

2021 MEETINGS

JUNE 3-4

Committee 8 - Concrete Structures & Foundations Kansas City, Mo.

JUNE 9

Committee 9 - Seismic Design for Railway Structures Virtual Meeting

SEPT. 14-15

Committee 15 - Steel Structures Virtual Meeting

SEPT. 16-17

Committee 8 - Concrete Structures & Foundations Sandpoint, Idaho

2022 MEETINGS

MAY 17-18

Committee 15 - Steel Structures Chicago, Ill.

JUNE 9-10

Committee 8 - Concrete Structures & Foundations Anchorage, Alaska

SEPT. 28

Committee 13 - Environmental Virtual Meeting

SEPT. 28

Committee 27 - Maintenance of Way Work Equipment Virtual Meeting

SEPT. 27-28

Committee 15 - Steel Structures Virtual Meeting

Join a technical committee

Joining a technical committee is the starting point for involvement in the association and an opportunity for lifelong growth in the industry. AREMA has 29 technical committees covering a broad spectrum of railway engineering specialties. Build your network of contacts, sharpen your leadership skills, learn from other members and maximize your membership investment. If you’re interested in joining a technical committee or sitting in on a meeting, please contact Alayne Bell at abell@arema.org. For a complete list of all committee meetings, visit https://www.arema.org/events.aspx.

GETTING TO KNOW Committee 16 Chair Michael Couse

MICHAEL K. COUSE Roadway Worker Protection Services Twin Cities & Western Railroad

AREMA: Why did you decide to choose a career in railway engineering? COUSE: Railway engineering has always had an indirect and direct impact on my career and career choices.

I began my railroading career with Canadian Pacific (CP) in Toronto, Ontario, in train service as a yardman/trainman and later a conductor. I was always interested in transportation, and particularly railways. I was fortunate to start my work life in an industry that I had a strong interest in and offered career opportunities for its Operations and Maintenance employees. I am now semi-retired and work providing roadway worker protection services for the Twin Cities and Western Railroad on the Metropolitan Council’s Green Line Southwest Light Rail Extension project. Railway engineering, safety and accident prevention are still an important part of my life.

AREMA: How did you get started? COUSE: When I was in train service, I worked a lot of work trains and snowplows, so I got to see railway engineering and the workers who make it happen from the ground up. I developed an interest and appreciation for the railway’s infrastructure, and what must be planned, executed, and maintained so that trains can operate safely and efficiently over it.

Later as an Accident Prevention Coordinator, Trainmaster and Assistant Superintendent I worked very closely with division Roadmasters, bridge and building supervisors and signals and communications supervisors and their workers, along with division engineers and their staff on their day-to-day operations, special and seasonal projects such as rail, tie, surfacing and ballast gangs, and structures’ replacements and emergency management.

AREMA: How did you get involved in AREMA and your committee? COUSE: I applied and became a member of Committee 16 - Economics of Railway Engineering & Operations shortly after attending my first AREMA Conference as a member in Salt Lake City in 2008. I wanted to be involved more with AREMA, its membership and its activities. I felt that Committee 16 would be a good “home” for me with my rail and transit rail operations and maintenance and hands-on engineering backgrounds.

AREMA: Outside of your job and the hard work you put into AREMA, what are your hobbies? COUSE: I enjoy all types of gardening, walking, cycling, travel, fishing, reading, and listening to and collecting music of many genres.

AREMA: Tell us about your family. COUSE: My wife is a paraprofessional for students with special needs in our local school district. Our son is in his early 20s, is a community college student, and works part time during his school year. We are looking forward to family travel again when our current pandemic situation changes for the better.

AREMA: If you could share one interesting fact about yourself with the readers of RT&S, what would it be? COUSE: When I was 15, I moved with my family from Toronto to Cambridge, England, for my Dad’s one-year sabbatical at Cambridge University. We lived in residence on the university campus and I went to high school there. We travelled extensively throughout Great Britain and Europe when on breaks and weekends. For me it was a positive and unique experience living with and learning about different people, cultures, history, and places around the world.

AREMA: What is your biggest achievement? COUSE: My family. I am also proud and amazed that I am coming up to 48 years in the rail industry; and I am still passionate about the industry and glad to be part of it.

AREMA: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to pursue a career in the railway industry? COUSE: Continually develop and maintain a network of those within and outside your chosen field such as other railroaders, clients and suppliers, and those others supporting your work. Most railway industry functions are interrelated and cannot exist nor prosper without the input and cooperation of others. Internal and external networking is a critical activity in the industry.

Ask questions. Most railroaders and others in our industry are very willing to share their knowledge and experiences with those who want to gain knowledge.

Railways are built on traditions but are continually making significant changes and improvements throughout their businesses. Make sure you keep current on the technological and other changes that are occurring and moving the industry forward. Be a part of this movement.

Accept challenges willingly and execute them to the best of your ability.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

AREMA is focused on your education and helping you advance in the railway industry. AREMA’s convenient webinars provide Professional Development Hours (PDH) to serve your educational needs.

Welded Wire Reinforcement Webinar Date: Tuesday, June 1 Time: 2-3 p.m. ET PDH: 1

Retaining Wall Design for Railroad Application Webinar Date: Wednesday, June 9 Time: 2-3:30 p.m. ET PDH: 1.5

For more information on our educational programs and to register, please visit www.arema.org.