Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Land) Modules

This module focuses on railway signalling and communications. The principles of train detection, fail-safe, points, lineside signals, and interlocking are discussed. Automatic train control including automatic train protection, operation, and supervision, as well as communications-based train control systems and subsystems, are described and illustrated using real-world examples and case studies. Furthermore, various techniques of digital and analogue communications are covered with practical applications, such as line coding, block coding, scrambling, pulse code modulation, delta modulation, as well as shift keying and modulation of amplitude, frequency and phase. Bandwidth utilisation methods including multiplexing and spread spectrum, as well as guided and unguided transmission media are also explained with examples. To enhance students’ understanding and analytical skills, students are required to write a report discussing and evaluating local and overseas railway signalling and communication systems and subsystems.

This module covers important mechanical and electrical concepts that are inherent in the Rolling Stock and Permanent Way Systems (RS and PWay Sytems).

For the mechanical section, students are introduced to core dynamic concepts in the first two lectures to further building on the fundamentals that they would have already acquired. Students will look at Newton’s Second Law in the generalized coordinates system so as to understand the train’s dynamic motion in both lateral and rotational directions coupled with gradient differences. After covering the core foundations, this module will be extended to areas of wheel-track interaction, collision calculations and vibrational analysis. Students will learn to understand the effects of the coefficient of friction (in both dynamic and static) on the wheel track interaction and determination of the train braking systems. Students will also be trained to apply the coefficient of restitution to understand the impact of collision of different materials. Finally, the mechanical section of SIE3004 which is on vibrational analysis will be discussed and expounded in detail. Students will be trained to understand the simple harmonic motion equations of a vibrational system in various configuration such as with or without dampers/force.

For the Electrical section, students will learn about power conversion process from the AC Grid network all the way to the powering of the trains. Topics include Diode Rectifiers for the initial power conversion from the Grid for motoring purpose, Thyristor Converters used to allow regenerative braking and power to be returned to the Grid; Basic Drives configuration (Converter with Motor) with variable voltage converters. The purpose of the latter is to show how speed and torque are related to (and controlled by) converter current and voltage.

Introduction to NDT on steel processing and discontinuities, as well as fundamental principles of common test methods applied in industry. Flaw detection and sizing are covered for these test methods where students will practise these skills by inspecting for a range of damages including surface-breaking cracks, welding flaws and porosity in common types of materials and structures used in the industry.

The combination of theory taught in class and practical training conducted during lab sessions will provide students with an appreciation of the advantages and limitations of different test methods and their industry applications.

Students will also be accustomed to reading and understanding test standard operating procedures to be able to analyse test results according to application requirements and subsequently document findings in professional inspection reports.

This introductory module will cover foundational topics required to develop high reliable plants, products and services, which include topics like reliability theory, RAM (reliability, maintainability and availability), reliability centred maintenance (RCM) methodology, and failure analysis.

The module objectives are to introduce the concept of reliability engineering, followed by describing two specific aspects of the discipline that form the application backbone of the RCM methodology. That is first the basic reliability theory concepts, and second, the key reliability tools e.g. fault tree analysis, event tree analysis and, failure mode, effects & criticality analysis. The content will be approached from a system to component perspective with a strong focus on practical methods and tools.

In many manufacturing industries, Lean has proven itself to be the dynamic leap in production efficiency needed to excel and sustain in today’s global marketplace. The fundamental principle of Lean is the recognition of customer value and the continuous elimination of waste. Waste elimination includes both in operations and reducing the time from receiving the order to delivery while maintaining (or even improving) product quality.

This module will focus on achieving an understanding of Lean principles, practices, and techniques from both a technical standpoint and the people perspective needed to effect the change and sustain the improvement. Tutorial sessions will include hands-on exercises designed to simulate real-world applications to clarify the concepts and techniques taught.

This module walks students through a series of studio/workshop activities to learn and apply the engineering design process which includes steps such as empathy, problem definition, concept generation, reviewing the conceptual system design, breaking down the system design into the component design, prototyping at various stages of design, and validation of design, to propose a feasible engineering solution to a given problem.

This module uses a hands-on approach to engage students in applied learning. Students will work in teams and will be provided with support and resources to work independently in clarifying and prototyping their ideas to deliver an appropriate proposal. Students are not required to deliver a fully working system but their prototypes should be of sufficient resolution and with sound engineering principles, to demonstrate critical components of their solution. Ample opportunity for teamwork, discussions, critique and pitching is to be expected. A team of facilitators comprising of expertise from the Engineering Cluster and the SIT Centre for Communication Skills will support this module although independent project work is necessary. Assessment will be through continuous assessment, peer review, presentations and reports.

IWSP provides students with the opportunity to undertake real work, allowing them to integrate theory and practice and develop deep specialist skills in their chosen field. Held over the span of 8 to 12 months, the structure of the IWSP will be unique and distinct for each degree programme to cater to different needs of the industry. Our employers are our partners in education. Designed to be more in-depth than a traditional internship or industrial attachment, students participating in the IWSP are expected to undertake real work in the companies they are employed in for the programme. This will allow SIT students to gain real work experience and is meant to augment theory with actual practice.

This module focuses on the implementation and delivery of an engineering solution in the following specialized areas:

SIE (Land)
•    Non-Destructive Testing
•    Total Preventive Maintenance
•    Rolling Stock & Permanent Way
•    Signalling & Communications
•    Systems Engineering
•    Others (to be specified)

SIE (Building Services)
•    System performance, intelligence and sustainability in buildings
•    BIM and simulation technology
•    Health and wellbeing
•    Design and Practice
•    Others (to be specified)

It is expected that the project scope undertaken by the individual student will mirror the real-life problems experienced by the student during his or her IWSP. Thus, the solution presented at the conclusion of this project is expected to have a relevant application in at least one of the five areas of specialization listed above. Students will apply an integrated design process involving design steps from problem definition, reviewing the conceptual system design, breaking down the system design into the component design, prototyping at various stages of design, fabrication, and validating the design against the original intended application.

This module focuses on supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) in the railway industry. The principles of SCADA system hierarchy and functions of SCADA components, such as programmable logic controllers, remote and master terminal units, and human-machine interface are discussed and illustrated using real-world examples. Moreover, various wired and wireless communication technologies involving local area networks, metropolitan area networks, and wide area networks are explained, together with Ethernet, synchronous optical network, and multiprotocol label switching. Internet protocol suite, as well as different error detection and correction techniques including blocking coding, cyclic codes, checksum, and forward error correction, are described with examples.

Computer and network security threats and techniques are also covered with practical applications. To enhance students’ understanding and analytical skills, students are required to write a report discussing and evaluating SCADA systems and subsystems of different railway lines in Singapore.

A general review of various safety standards, best practices and legislation that governs the development, safety and maintenance of railway systems; Historical perspective how these standards/ practices/ legislation evolve with railway developments.

Appreciate and apply various safety standards and best practices.

Understand the importance of these standards/practices/legislation in ensuring the safety and reliability of railway operations.