Issues

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Issue No. 204, 2025

Editorial
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1. The Role of the Organisation for Co-Operation between Railways in Rail Freight Transport in the Eurasian Space
Mirosław Antonowicz

Pages: 87-95

Summary. The Organisation for Co-Operation between Railways (OSJD) is an international organisation established on the basis of an international agreement. The OSJD brings together 30 countries of Asia and Europe. It successively strives to develop and improve rail transport in the Eurasian space through the development and improvement of international transport corridors,
as well as unification of transport law. Rail freight transport corridors are an important element of the activities of the Organisation for Co-Operation between Railways. Activities related to the development of transport in the Eurasian space are aimed at the modernisation and development of rail transport by improving the technical and operational parameters of corridors border crossing points, standardisation of terminology used in freight transport and digitalisation of operational
and transport processes in order to improve the competitiveness of railways in cargo transport in Asia and Europe. As part of its activities, the OSJD aims to continuously improve rail freight transport by simplifying border procedures and harmonising transport documents. This article aims to present the role of the Organisation in the development of rail freight transport in the Eurasian space in recent years. The scope of this study includes a synthetic analysis of the most important achievements of the organization in recent years in the context of practical application in freight transport.

Keywords: rail transport, consignment note, digitalisation, ecology, single window system, transport corridor, Intermodal transport
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 2. Railways in Podlaskie
Marek Graff

Pages: 97-112

Summary. The railway network in the Podlaskie Voivodeship has undergone refurbishment and modernization in recent years as part of the ongoing major investment program – the construction of the Rail Baltica line/modernization of LK 6, connecting Białystok with Warsaw. Since the vast majority of lines in the region are non-electrified, the funds allocated by PLK are fairly low compared to other voivodeships. One specificity of the Podlasie region is the presence of transshipment stations
with a 1520 mm railway gauge, which is due to the proximity to Belarus. The construction of the Rail Baltica line, i.e., the standard gauge line connecting Poland with the Baltic States, is the biggest investment in the voivodeship, which will cut the travel time and enable increased speeds, and also enable upgrades to outdated railway infrastructure: manual signalling at the Białystok station, single-track sections on LK 6, etc. Further, it will make it possible to modernize stations other than Białystok and Ełk, e.g., Czyżew, Łapy and Szepietowo. Compared to other Eastern voivodeships, Podlaskie has no city rail development programs, unlike those in Podkarpackie (already operational) and Lubelskie (currently in the planning phase). Private operators providing passenger transport services are virtually non-existent on the local market; however, this is beginning to change as of early 2024.

Keywords: Podlasie, Rail Baltica, Białystok, Polish-Belarussian state border
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3. Modernization of Railways in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship

Marek Graff

Pages: 113-132

Summary. This article presents the current state of railway infrastructure – a description of modernized and refurbished lines, plans for further refurbishment, and the rolling stock management procedures currently underway. The use of railways in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship in transport of passenger and goods is low, and most initiatives are due to centrally
managed railway companies (PKP IC, PKP PLK) rather than the local marshal’s office. This is due, on the one hand, to the lack of major industrial plants as customers for the railways and, on the other hand, to the relatively low income of the local population, who rarely use rail services. The most crucial investments made in the region are the modernization of Olsztyn Głowny and Ełk stations, the construction of a new Olsztyn Głowny station, and the modernization and electrification of
line LK 38 between Ełk and Korsze.

Keywords Olsztyn, Mazury, modernization of railways in Poland
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4. Transition Curves for High-Speed Railways
Władysław Koc

Pages: 133-146

Summary: This paper focuses on conditions for the use of transition curves on high-speed railways. The Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI), relating to the “Infrastructure” subsystem of the EU railway system, leave a large margin of discretion in this regard (delegating final resolution of a given problem to national regulations). Based on the applicable EU and national rules, acceptable values for the kinematic parameters that should correspond to the design of transition curves have been proposed. A number of cases were considered, setting minimum values for horizontal curve radii and lengths of transition curves, depending on train speed and cant on the curve. The transition curves that would likely be the most representative from the point of view of high-speed railways were selected: the clothoid, the Bloss curve and a new curve with a smoothed curvature at the end section. Guided by previously established principles, the parameters of the test geometric layouts, which were the subject of comparative analysis, were determined. The analysis showed that
smooth transition curves (such as the Bloss curve) cause problems with the shape of the track axis at the initial section; this applies to both horizontal ordinates and gradient due to cant ordinates. For this reason, there have been doubts about the applicability of these curves on conventional railways. On high-speed railways, the constraints of shaping the initial section may be multiplied by the much larger radii of horizontal curves and lengths of transition curves adopted. As such, they do not correspond to the conditions found on these railways. These conditions are undoubtedly met by a clothoid transition curve, but the proposed new form of the curve, which provides a smoother transition to a circular curve on its end section, seems more favourable.

Keywords: high-speed railways, transition curves, kinematic parameters, comparative analysis of test layouts, selection of the most favourable solution
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5. Selected Properties of Welded Railway Rail Joints Made of R260 and R350HT Steel
Małgorzata Ostromęcka

Pages: 147-155

Summary: This article presents the results of studies of 60E1 profile welded railway rails joints made of R260 and R350HT steel using flash resistance welding. The study included macro- and microstructural analysis, HV30 hardness distribution in the base material, heat-affected zone, and weld line. The results indicate proper welding, no defects, and compliance of mechanical
properties with standard requirements, with higher hardness for joints made of R350HT steel.

Keywords: flash welded rail joints, microscopic and macroscopic examination, hardness distribution
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All articles from the Railway Reports available on this website are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Issue No. 200, 2023

Editorial
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1. Longitudinal Sectioning of Overhead Contact Lines in Stations on Single-Track Lines
Damian DRATWA

Pages: 139-151

Summary. The length of standard gauge rail lines under the management of PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. is 18,522.503 km, including 11,940.509 km of electrifi ed lines. In order to ensure reliable power supply to the electric traction, as well as to ensure that work can be carried out when the voltage on the overhead contact lines is switched off or as a result of a breakdown, sectioning is used. By electrically sectioning the overhead contact line, specifi c sections of it can be switched off. The impact on station capacity as a result of a power outage in the overhead contact line depends on how the sectioning is performed. Th is performance is not strictly defi ned in the case of stations on single-track lines, where the sectioning of the overhead contact line is done in diff erent ways. The article analyses the impact of longitudinal sectioning on the possibility of running trains by electric traction, using the example of two sections of single-track railroad lines No. 15 and No. 16.

Keywords: overhead contact line, longitudinal sectioning, station capacity, track closures, maintenance of overhead contact line
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 2. Factors Determining the Development of Rail Passenger and Freight Transport on the Example of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship
Marek GRAFF

Pages: 153-170

Summary. The availability of EU funds for the modernization of infrastructure, including railways (infrastructure renovations and rolling stock purchases) has led the local authorities of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship to acquire diesel-powered rolling stock initially and later electric, too. Renovations of the railway network are – on the one hand – carried out by the infrastructure owner Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK), which is managed centrally, and – on the other hand – more complicated due to costs as well as legal and procedural issues (the need to comply with EU law). Thus, for example, the modernization of LK 91 Kraków – Rzeszów only began in 2011; for comparison, the first diesel vehicles were purchased by the Marshal’s Office of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship in Rzeszów in 2004, and electric vehicles in 2013. As more vehicles were acquired (by mid-2023 the number – including those ordered – was 49) and the infrastructure was renovated. Th en it was decided to launch a Suburban Agglomeration Railway (PKA), connecting Rzeszów with towns located up to 50 km from the capital of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship via the existing railway infrastructure. A comprehensive modernization of Rzeszów Główny Station is underway now including renovation of the station building. Also, due to the proximity of the border with Ukraine, the modernization of the eastbound railway lines and border stations of PLK and UZ (1435 + 1520 mm) started a few years ago. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, they proved to be much needed given the need to transport refugees and international aid to Ukraine.

Keywords: Podkarpackie Voivodeship, PLK, PKA (Suburban Railway in Podkarpacie), Jasionka Airport
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3. Basic Variants of the Analytical Method of Designing Track Geometric Layouts

 Władysław KOC

Pages: 171-185

Summary. The article presents (and extends) the basic assumptions of the analytical method for designing track geometric layouts. The individual elements of the layout (straight sections, circular arcs and transition curves) are described using mathematical equations and connected with each other while maintaining the condition of tangent compliance. The method covers various design cases: asymmetrical case, with transition curves of the same type and the same length, an asymmetrical case, resulting from diff erent types and lengths of transition curves, as well as methods of designing compound and reverse curves. The work presents a detailed design procedure for the typical, most common case in which the transition curves are symmetrical in relation to the circular arc. Two basic variants diff ering in the location of the local coordinate system are considered. In the standard (universal) variant, the location of the beginning of the system in the PL-2000 system is not known and is determined only in the final phase of the procedure. Due to this, some interpretation problems may arise. In the case of a symmetrical geometric layout, these diffi culties can be avoided thanks to the introduced modifi cation consisting of locating the origin of the local coordinate system at the intersection of two main directions of the route. The article presents computational algorithms for both discussed variants. The benefits of the introduced modifi cation are illustrated by the presented computational examples.

Keywords railroad, analytical design method, modifi cation of the local coordinate system, calculation algorithm, sample geometric layouts
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4. Key Issues Related to Permanent Way in the Work of Professor Henryk Bałuch
Andrzej MASSEL

Pages: 187-191

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5. Overview of the Areas of the Railway Research Institute Activities
Marek PAWLIK

Pages: 193-207

Summary: Railway transport employs mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, electrotechnical, relay, and electronic programmable solutions, as well as hydraulic, optical and laser-based solutions for the construction and everyday exploitation of various infrastructure and rolling stock functionalities and for supporting and documenting both operation and maintenance. The safe and reliable operation of railways depends, to a significant extent, on the proper interaction of the various technical and procedural solutions. It is based on normative documents, approval procedures and rules regarding handling technical, operational and organisational changes. The article presents the railway system’s technical complexity as well as types and formal constraints of the normative and legal documents defining technical and procedural requirements, using both of them as a background for showing the Railway Research Institute’s areas of activities from technical competencies and research facilities used in approval processes to involvement in the development of normative documents.

Keywords: railway infrastructure, railway rolling stock, approval processes, normative documents
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6. Environmental Impacts of High-Speed Rail. Part 1: Acoustic Impacts
Krzysztof POLAK

Pages: 209-216

Summary: The article discusses issues related to acoustic impacts generated by high-speed railways. It indicates the most important legal regulations concerning noise in railway transport and characterises the main sources of noise generated by highspeed railway lines. It attempts to determine the negative acoustic impact on various elements of the environment during the construction, operation and decommissioning of a high-speed railways. Furthermore, it also outlines the most frequently applied solutions to minimise this impact.

Keywords: noise, acoustic impact, high-speed railway, environmental impact of high-speed railway
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7. Electrical Endurance of DC Switching Devices
Artur ROJEK

Pages: 217-227

Summary: The article focuses on the electrical endurance testing of direct current switching devices, such as high speed circuit breakers, switch disconnectors and contactors. It presents the normative requirements for these tests and provides sample results obtained during testing conducted in the electrical laboratory of the Department of Electrical Power Engineering at the Railway Research Institute. The most commonly tested switching devices have nominal voltages of 900, 1800, and 3600 V DC, with nominal currents of up to 6.5 kA. The article also discusses phenomena and hazards that may occur during electrical endurance testing.

Keywords: electrical endurance, high speed circuit breaker, switch disconnector, contactor, DC breaking
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8. Change of the Electric Traction Power Supply System in Poland From 3 kV DC to 25 kV AC
Artur ROJEK

Pages: 229-241

Summary: The article compares the 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC railway electric traction power supply systems. Both systems were characterised, including their requirements in terms of power supply to traction substations, system losses and the influence of the choice of system on the parameters of railway traffic.

Keywords: electric traction power supply system, 3 kV DC system, 25 kV AC system, energy losses, catenary
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9. Research Issues Regarding the Impact of a Rolling Stock on a Trackside Train Detection Systems Devices
Łukasz ZAWADKA, Dominik ADAMSKI

Pages: 243-249

Summary: The paper characterises the operation and basic components of track occupancy devices that are currently used on the PKP PLK S.A. network. Furthermore research methods of measurement of railway vehicles impact on track circuits and axle counter systems as well as wheel set axle impedance measurement that are performed in Railway Research Institute were described. Examples of measurement results were presented for each of the described methods.

Keywords: track circuits, axle counters, interference, magnetic fields, EMC
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10. Aerodynamic Phenomena Caused by the Passage of a Train. Part 6: Other Infl uences. Summary of Series
Andrzej Zbieć

Pages: 251-257

Summary: This series of articles describes the aerodynamic phenomena caused by the passage of a train, characterising the effects that a train running at high speed has on itself, other trains, trackside objects and people. This impact can be of two types − generated pressure and slipstream. Apart from the literature analysis, the author’s research is also taken into account. The sixth part of the series describes mixed aerodynamic impacts on people, as well as other types of impacts, and summarises the entire series.

Keywords: rolling stock, high speed railways, aerodynamic phenomena
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All articles from the Railway Reports available on this website are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Issue No. 199, 2023

Editorial
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1. Prospects for Implementing of the 25 kV 50 Hz Voltage System in Poland
Marek Graff

Pages: 67-76

Summary. In this article, the possibility of introducing a 25 kV 50 Hz voltage system into PLK’s network is discussed. It compares two voltage types – 3 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz – by describing on the experiences of neighboring countries like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Ukraine, which use AC and DC in their railway networks. In Poland, potential implementation the 25 kV 50 Hz system includes the CMK, LHS, and the planned Y line. Both the Czech Republic and Slovakia had plans for the gradual reelectrification of selected lines, transitioning from 3 kV DC into 25 kV 50 Hz. However, due to the significant costs involved, this process was staggered. The advantages of the 25 kV 50 Hz system over the 3 kV DC system, such as lower construction and operating costs for the line, have prompted considerations for its implementation, particularly on heavily trafficked lines.

Keywords: supply voltage, 3 kV DC, 25 kV 50 Hz, Poland, PKP
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 2. Development of an Algorithm for an Anti-theft System for the Rail Transport ContactLine
Valeriy Kuznetsov, Artur Rojek, Waldemar Szulc

Pages: 77-86

Summary. The given article presents the results of the development of algorithms for the operation of elements of the anti-theft system of the contact line dedicated to limit the cases of theft of contact and catenary wires and elements of tensioning devices. The implementation of the system not only reduces the financial losses caused by devastation and theft of infrastructure, but also significantly improves the safety of employees, passengers and bystanders. Constant monitoring of the parameters of the overhead contact line and the transmission of alarm signals in real time to the relevant services (SOK and Police) ensures high efficiency of the system. In addition, the creation of a power supply system for devices mounted on (or near) the contact line, which does not have a galvanic connection to the overhead line, will increase the reliability and availability of traction power supply systems.

Keywords: contact line, theft, security, monitoring
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3. Ionising Radiation in Non-Destructive Testing. Part 2 – Selected Issues Related to the Implementation of Radiographic Testing for the Diagnosis of Rail Joints on PKP PLK S.A. Infrastructure
Małgorzata Ostromęcka

Pages: 87-95

Summary. The article presents the main issues and challenges associated with the implementation
of radiographic testing for the diagnosis of rail joints conducted in field conditions on the infrastructure of PKP PLK. It outlines the range of guidelines that need to be created or modified
in relation to the necessity of using ionising radiation, and identifies possible areas for reducing
the time taken to perform the tests.

Keywords non-destructive testing, industrial radiography, welded joint, rail joint
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4. Transport Solutions and Indicators in Smart Cities. Part 2
Iwona Wróbel

Pages: 97-105

Summary. The subject of the article is the analysis of solutions and applications of modern information and communication technologies (ICT) in urban centers and the measurement
of transport quality indicators, taking into account the requirements of the ISO 37120 standard: Sustainable social development – indicators of urban services and quality of life. The article consists of two parts. In part two, the transport indicators are described in detail along with the measurement methodology used, including the selection of source data necessary for the calculation of the indicators. For selected seven capitals of Polish provinces (Kraków, Poznań Szczecin, Białystok, Rzeszów, Olsztyn, Opole) existing smart mobility solutions were presented. The main subject of this part of the article is to present the results based on the ISO 37120 standards in the field of transport, together with a discussion and list of results. At the end, the main conclusions from the reviewed analyses and studies are presented.

Keywords: smart cities, quality of urban services, ISO 37120 standard, urban transport, quality indicators in transport
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5. Aerodynamic Phenomena Caused by the Passage of a Train. Part 5 – Slipstream Influence on People
Andrzej Zbieć

Pages: 107-116

Summary: In the series of articles describing the aerodynamic phenomena caused by the passage
of a train, the effects of a train running at high speed on itself, on other trains, on objects on the track and on people are characterized. This impact can be of two types – generated pressure and slipstream. Apart from the literature analysis, the author’s research is also taken into account.
The fifth part of the series describes the impact of the slipstream on people.

Keywords: rolling stock, high speed railways, aerodynamic phenomena
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Issue No. 201, 2024

Editorial
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1. Factors Influencing the Use of Regional Rail Transport Based on the Example of the Lubelskie Voivodeship
Marek Graff

Pages: 79-100

Summary. TheRailway reconditioning, i.e., infrastructure repairs and purchases of new rolling stock plus reconditioning of in-service vehicles in the Lubelskie Voivodeship, has been successfully implemented for several years, with the advent of EU aid funds. The first investment project was the construction of a short railway line (< 4 km) to an airport near Lublin, carried out as part of preparations for EURO 2012 (the line has been used since late 2012), i.e., the European Football Championship organized by Poland and Ukraine. Further investment projects soon followed, including the electrification of the LK 68 Lublin – Stalowa Wola, the reconditioning of the LK 7 Warsaw – Lublin, and the rebuilding of Lublin Główny station. Other eff orts included the revitalization of LK 30 Łuków – Lublin and work on LK 72 Zamość – Hrubieszów. Further, the reconstruction of the stations in Biała Podlaska, Małaszewicze, and Terespol was completed, together with the reconditioning of the LK 2, playing a vital role in freight connections with Russia and Belarus. However, the importance of this railway line has significantly decreased after February 2022 (due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine). The Broad-Gauge Metallurgical Railway Line (LHS)has been revitalized, and its importance in communication with Ukraine has significantly increased. However, the metropolitan railway connecting Lublin with Chełm and Zamość as well as the district cities of Puławy, Kraśnik, Parczew, and Lubartów has not been launched (a concept for a Lublin region metropolitan railway is under development).

Keywords: Lublin, Eastern Poland Programme, Kolej+ Programme, reconditioning, LK 7, LK 68, LHS
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 2. Determination of the Susceptibility of the Rail Running Surface to Cracks
Ireneusz Mikłaszewicz, Robert Bińkowski, Jakub Michalik, Michał Szymański

Pages: 101-108

Summary. The The article presents one of the main types of rail defects – cracking – and the factors that influence its size. A new test method was used, involving pressing a 60° cone into a prepared rail section. It was found that the forming surface crushing of the material caused by the load, as well as the driving dynamics of the rolling stock, is the reason for the formation of head checks on the rail surface. Additionally, it was observed that the structure of the layer of the rail running surface has a significant impact on the formation of cracks. A method was proposed to determine thesusceptibility of the rail running surface to rail defect formation using the Wp coefficient.

Keywords: rail head check, running surface, susceptibility coefficient
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3. RFID Technology in Railway Traffic Management and Signaling − Simulation Tests on an Experimental Track

Jarosław Moczarski

Pages: 109-118

Summary. RFID technology is increasingly used in various industries. This is because it makes it possible to identify and locate moving objects and facilitates the automation of processes and their control. Digitisation of information allows its rapid processing and transfer between different levels of decision-making. Experiments carried out by the author on the test stand’s experimental track have confirmed the advisability of using RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology in rail transport, both in the area of freight management and in train traffic control. Simulations have shown that an RFID system makes it possible to detect moving rolling stock, check the continuity of a train and determine where the train ends. It locates and identifies trains, railcars and cargo, and allows automatic train traffic control by displaying appropriate signals on automatic block signalling systems. Together with a vision system, it detects dangerous shift of transported loads. The research results can be used as a basis for experimental implementation and verification of the applied solutions in real operating conditions.

Keywords RFID technology, modelling and simulation, rolling stock location and identification, signalling
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4. Environmental Impacts of High-Speed Rail. Part 1: Acoustic Impacts
Krzysztof Polak

Pages: 119-126

Summary: Railway This article describes issues related to the environmental impact of vibrations generated by high-speed rail. It indicates the most important legal regulations concerning the impact of vibrations on buildings and people in the buildings as well as the main sources of vibrations generated by high-speed rail. The negative impact of vibrations on various elements of the environment (people, buildings, animals) in the stage of construction, operation and decommissioning of high-speed rail is determined. The most common ways of minimising that type of impact are outlined.

Keywords: vibrations, high-speed rail, environmental impact of high-speed rail
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5. Materials and Products that do not Meet Fire Protection Requirements but Are Permitted for Use in Rolling Stock Due to Functional Necessity
Izabela Tarka, Danuta Milczarek, Aneta Świetlik

Pages: 127-136

Summary: Ensuring fi re safety in rolling stock is related to the use of materials and products that meet the required fi re properties presented in particular in the EN 45545-2 standard. However, there are situations in which the fi re protection guidelines cannot always be met due to other requirements, e.g. those related to the safe use of the material or component or its functionality in the vehicle. This paper outlines the principles enabling materials/products to be approved for use in rolling stock in such cases, based on the functional necessity of their application according to clause 4.7 of EN 45545-2. The possibilities of approving components under this clause should be subject to thorough analysis to ultimately determine the risk of their use, in accordance with the principles of the Common Safety Method relating to risk evaluation and assessment.

Keywords: fire safety, specified materials, risk evaluation and assessmentts
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