Rail Skills Centre (SNCF – CER)

Tests and expert analyses of rails and infrastructure equipment. SAINT-OUEN

DESCRIPTION

The Rail Skills Centre (CER) located in the inner suburbs of Paris at Saint-Ouen specialises in tests and expert analyses of rails and infrastructure equipment. The laboratory, which reports to the Engineering & Projects Division of SNCF Réseau, can boast major experience and unparalleled skills and has built up a tradition of conducting expert analyses in the rail sector since 1938, the date when the original “Rail Laboratory” was founded.

MAIN FEATURES

The Rail Skills Centre operates in three main fields: product qualification, expert appraisals and R&D.

Product qualification tests:

  • Type approval of fixed or mobile flash butt welding machines according to EN 14587-1, EN 14587-2;
  • Type approval of fixed welding machines for crossings according to EN 14587-3;
  • Type approval of aluminothermic welding procedures according to EN 14730-1;
  • Type approval of arc welding consumables according to EN 15594.
  • Type approval of track components (fishplates, cutting discs, etc.) in accordance with the reference documents in force.

Expert appraisals:

  • Rail, crossing and weld failure analyses.
  • Track component failure analyses: joints, fishplates, switch components, bolts, etc.
  • Expert appraisals on site and on the track.

R&D:

  • Prototype development monitoring.
  • Assistance in developing NDT inspection methods.

STRENGTHS

  • Specialisation in rails
  • Ability to conduct in-situ analyses
  • Ultra-responsiveness

ACCREDITATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

The laboratory is compliant with the requirements of the ISO 17025 standard.

Consult our catalogue
Railway Expertise and Testing