Latest news

At the last General Meeting, the members of GIE Eurailtest appointed Aude BUZON as Managing Director. Committed to actively contributing to Eurailtest’s development both in France and internationally, she will take on this new role with determination.

Innovation knows no limits, and this time, it is medical imaging that inspires railway engineering. SNCF Voyageurs Materiel, in collaboration with its partner laboratory AEF, has developed AQUASCAN, a cutting-edge technology intended to modernize the control of the internal health of train wheels.

Eurailtest will be present at InnoTrans Messe Berlin, the unmissable event for the transport industry, which will take place from September 24 to 27, 2024. InnoTrans is the world’s largest exhibition in the field of rail transport, bringing together the world’s largest players in the field of rail transport. railway sector.

Frédéric BALLEREAU, nominated new director of Eurailtest on the first of March, Frédéric’s ambition is to accelerate the international development of Eurailtest and its partner laboratories.

Franck POISSON administrator of GIE Eurailtest since March 1 2020, handed over to Frédéric BALLEREAU this Thursday 29 February 2024.

This summer, Eurailtest’s partner laboratory, the DGII DTR IP3M AME (SNCF Réseau), saw the renewal of its CERTIFER capability certificate (Railway Certification) in compliance with SAM S 004 requirements.

In 2021, Eurailtest and its partner laboratories, the AEF, DGII AME and TL, were commissioned to perform measurements to validate the integration of an electrical interconnector with the existing railway infrastructure, as part of the future electrical interconnection project beneath the Channel. Several measurements were conducted, including measuring electromagnetic compatibility on infrastructures and human exposure. […]

The roughness of the rail is an important and decisive parameter of the acoustic quality of the track and therefore of the noise emitted during rail traffic. Our partner laboratory, the Railway Test Agency, carries out measurements with the Muller-BBM trolley. AEF’s experts, Michaël HERNANDEZ and Elina CAMI, tell you all about it!

Unscheduled work and failures can incur heavy costs. To alleviate such issues, the railway industry places strict demands on railway equipment and infrastructures. Many lubricants are used onboard rolling stock and in railway infrastructures to ensure optimum performance. These lubricants, comprising both oils and greases, help to extend the useful life of equipment by addressing […]

On 30 June 2022, Eurailtest signed a partnership agreement with CERIB on the fire safety of railway infrastructure and vehicles.This new collaboration will enable us to offer, through a one-stop shop, complete, assembled services to meet the needs of companies and industrialists in the railway and non-railway sectors as closely as possible.

Meet Eurailtest in septembre 2022 in Berlin at InnoTrans.

TISSEO, the company managing the public transport network in the city and region of Toulouse, has called on our partner, the Test and Measurement Laboratory (RATP GROUP), to perform measurements on two generations of VAL type rolling stock (VAL206 and VAL208NG). As part of investigations linked to failures found on VAL208NG current collector shoe equipment […]

On this 8th of March, more than any other day, women are in the spotlight!This international women’s rights day highlights the condition of women and men without distinction. Even if there is still a long way to go, thanks to the efforts made, we are making progress… At Eurailtest, we support this cause! To celebrate […]

To better meet our customers’ needs, our partner laboratory, the SNCF Voyageurs’ Railway Test Agency (AEF), has developed an agile method for measuring and assessing overhead contact wire uplift as the pantograph moves along it. This method was recently recognised by COFRAC, in compliance with ISO 17025, and includes the AEF’s COFRAC accreditation No. 1-6879.

Eurailtest and its partner, the Railway Test Agency, have been commissioned to qualify and validate a Radio Warning Device (DAPR) for SCHWEIZER ELECTRONIC. This audible unit is a warning device positioned along the track to alert workers on site of a possible approaching train. The device comprises a sound and light system that can be […]

Eurailtest and its partner laboratories, the Railway Test Agency and DGII-TE, have been tasked with performing the tests to qualify the catenary in Dakar.

Popularly referred to as the TGV of the future, TGV 2020 and now TGV-M, the Avelia Horizon built by Alstom, is the fifth generation of high-speed trains. This new train, a flexible and modular concentration of innovation designed to meet the new challenges of mobility, is scheduled to enter into service in 2024. Eurailtest and its […]

Called the IRIS 320 for Inspection Rapide des Installations de Sécurité (rapid inspection of safety installations), this TGV scrutinizes the railway network’s high-speed line (LGV) infrastructure, travelling at a top speed of 320 km/hour every two to three times a week to ensure the safety of passengers and regularity of trains. At the controls of this revolutionary […]

Eurailtest and the Test and Measurement Laboratory (LEM) have again been asked to provide their skills and expertise to conduct measurement tests on human exposure to electromagnetic fields as part of the ‘Bus 2025’ project. This project, initiated by the RATP in 2014, aims to convert the fleet of buses in the Ile-de-France region to run […]

Our partner laboratories provide penetration, laceration and anti-graffiti tests. To measure the resistance of the seat and headrest coverings used in public places or public transport vehicles, the French Rail Testing Agency (Agence d’Essai Ferroviaire – AEF) conducts penetration and laceration tests. The Tests and Measurement Laboratory (Laboratoire d’Essais et Mesures – LEM) provides tests […]

The beginning of July marked the arrival of new collaborators at Eurailtest.

Eurailtest supports its clients and partners in their research efforts by providing them with the Research Tax Credit (CIR). The CIR, is a tax aid intended to support companies in their work research and development and innovation.

A railway-type facility for the Defence sector was under review. A major industrial group specialising in lifting and handling systems called on the expertise of Eurailtest and its partner, the Railway Test Agency Laboratory (SNCF Voyageurs), to perform non-destructive tests to assess the condition of the wheels on a particular vehicle.

Eurotunnel has asked Eurailtest and its partners, the DGII ME and DGII TL laboratories (SNCF Réseau) to qualify the integration of a high-voltage link beneath the Channel. Siemens is the manufacturer and will conduct the integration tests. The role of Eurailtest is to check the interface between this project and the railway infrastructure commissioned in 1994.

A full revision cycle has begun on the seven parts of the EN 45545 set of standards, which covers the various aspects of fire safety in the rail sector. Standardisation work is currently being conducted by operators, manufacturers, suppliers and laboratories, grouped under the umbrella of France’s office for railway standardisation (BNF).   The LEM […]

Flying ballast caused by travelling at speed can be disastrous for composite materials present on trains or along tracks. So how do we determine the resistance of materials to impacts before they are put into service?

The Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane is a unique structure in France. In operation since 1969, this boat lift avoids the need to pass through seventeen locks on the Marne-Rhine Canal. This unusual structure comprises a tank that carries the boats and counterweights, mounted on bogies, axles and railway tracks. It was therefore down by the water’s […]

CERTIFER conducted an audit to assess the Measurement and Test Department (SNCF Réseau) capacity to conduct tests in compliance with the EN 17025: 2017 and MAC-SAM X 009 requirements and according to the standards NF EN 50500 and NF EN 50592.

Our partner laboratory, the Railway Test Agency (AEF), is offering a new remote measuring service using a “black box” type recorder. This is a service offered by our laboratory for carrying out surveillance and investigations primarily in the field of current collection, as well as numerous other areas of activity.

As a reference guide, the catalogue lists all the railway testing and consultancy services proposed by Eurailtest. The 2021 edition is updated with new test and measurement services provided by our partner laboratories.

Metrology is essential for applying and meeting the ISO 9001/ ISO 17025 certification and accreditation requirements. This expertise, frequently overlooked, serves to guarantee the validity and reliability of all the measurements and tests we provide. Managing a stock of 15,000 pieces of measuring equipment, our partner laboratory, the Railway Test Agency (AEF), places metrology at the heart […]

At its general meeting on 5 November 2020, the members of the Eurailtest EIG appointed Clément Basset as Deputy Administrator. Currently Director of the RATP Test and Measurement Laboratory, Clément Basset will take up his functions on 1 December 2020, replacing Rémy Foret.

Following the Audit conducted on 20 October 2020 in Paris, Eurailtest has obtained the renewal of its ISO 9001: 2015 certification. The Audit concluded that Eurailtest has established and maintained a management system that meets the objectives set out in its mission to market consultancy, engineering and testing services within the rail sector.

Eurailtest and its partner laboratory, the AEF (Railway Test Agency), are renewing their annual contract with Bombardier Transportation for routine testing and delivery of the Regio 2N and NAT trainsets at SNCF Voyageurs maintenance centres.

The MF77 rolling stock that runs on Line 7 of the Paris Metro is being renovated. ACC M (Ateliers de Construction du Centre), a company based in Clermont-Ferrand, has been selected to carry out this modernisation. As part of the renovation work, Eurailtest and its partner, the Test and Measurement Laboratory (LEM), have been tasked with […]

Our partner laboratory, SNCF Réseau Measurement and Test Department (DGII ME) obtains the renewal of its CERTIFER capability certification proving their capacity to conduct Drop shunt tests at Plouaret according to the reference document SAM S004.

In partnership with ALSTOM, SNCB (the national railway company of Belgium) and LINEAS, Eurailtest and the AEF have performed tests on the Belgian T13 locomotive. Belgorail, appointed by Alstom as the certification body, requested Eurailtest to carry out the testing. These tests, conducted on signalling equipment, will enable the T13 locomotive to operate in France. […]

For the purposes of type approving the MP89CC5V rolling stock, ALSTOM’s Reichshoffen site requested Eurailtest and its partner, the RATP Test and Measurement Laboratory (LEM), to carry out dynamic and static performance tests. Alstom’s project involves transforming the 6-car version of the MP89 rolling stock (Paris Metro Line 4) into a 5-car version that will run […]

 Maintenance centres, industrial sites and, more generally, all facilities classified for the protection of the environment (ICPE) and subject to authorisation must apply strict regulations with regard to searching for and reducing emissions of hazardous substances to water (RSDE regulation). The Framework Directive concerning water and the related European directives set out a certain number […]

Charlotte FRETEAU joined Eurailtest in September 2020. She took up the position of Assistant Marketing & Communication as part of her Bachelor Marketing Digital & Communication in apprenticeship.

Our partner laboratory, the RATP Test and Measurement Laboratory (LEM), offers services associated with measuring “The electrical quality of traction return currents”. These measurements are performed on urban light rail lines, like the metro and tram. They are essential for existing networks and those under construction.

The new train built by Alstom in partnership with Bombardier Transport will offer Île de France passengers comfort and modernity. The RER trainsets are under construction in northern France at Alstom’s Valenciennes-Petite Forêt site and at Bombardier’s Crespin site. The year 2020 marks the beginning of testing. Eurailtest and its partner laboratories, SNCF Voyageurs’ Railway […]

For several weeks now, Eurailtest and its partner laboratories have been organizing their work to enable the resumption of their activity. Rolling stock tests and stationary tests could restart under appropriate conditions and in complete safety.

Franck Poisson at the head of Eurailtest from 1 March 2020.

Eurailtest, along with its partner, Infralog National (SNCF Réseau), provides a fleet of special vehicles and equipment dedicated to measurement, maintenance and worksites. To inspect and work on railway infrastructure, suitable vehicles and equipment are required. The provision of this equipment may be accompanied by assistance with project management by experts.

During 2019, France was hit by several major accidents, with significant environmental consequences. In the context of the growing concern for ‘environmental health’, the potential health impact of air, water and ground pollution has created a furore. Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the short- and long-term risks on people and the environment. In […]

Eurailtest and its partner, the RATP Test and Measurement Laboratory (LEM) offer you various services for the qualification of equipment and materials in terms of fire safety. These services apply to the rail sector and also to the field of new constructions.

Eurailtest and the Railway Test Agency are organising a technical workshop on the theme of ‘Brake Particle Emissions’ on 15 September 2020.

Founded in 1999 to provide railway test services and offer the best combination of skills and experience, Eurailtest has celebrated its 20th anniversary.

For the opening of the cross-border line between France and Switzerland, manufacturers STADLER have produced Flirt LEX, a self-propelled trainset of the type used in regional services. To obtain the necessary input for demonstrating proof of safety and obtaining type approval for this rolling stock, STADLER sought technical assistance from Eurailtest and its partners, the […]

The ZEFIRO high-speed trainsets currently runs in commercial service at 300km/h in Italy under the name “Frecciarossa ETR1000” since June 2015. The contract awarded by Trenitalia for supply of these trains included an option for sets for cross-border services with France.

On 26 September 2019, Eurailtest was delighted to take part in the events organised in celebration of the 20th anniversary of our partner, the Railway Test Agency (AEF). AEF is a leading player in the railway test and expert analysis fields. The programme of events was rich and varied, a chance for our clients to […]

Dear subscribers, every quarter, you receive news from Eurailtest and its partners laboratories. Each article is then published on social networks: LinkedIn and Twitter. This is going to change!

In order to keep meeting the needs of our clients the best we can, our partner laboratory, the Test & Measurement Laboratory (LEM), has obtained 3 additional COFRAC accreditations. The scope of this change is related to three areas in particular:    

For several years Eurailtest and its partner laboratories have been developing simulation tools and software to improve and extend their test services. Simulation techniques are now used for many rolling stock and infrastructure applications. They offer an innovative, much-awaited response to rail sector demand.

Eurailtest and its partner laboratory, the Railway test agency (AEF), are organising tests on the Luxembourg TER 2Nng.

Eurailtest and its partner laboratory, the Railway Test Agency (AEF) are equipped with facilities for performing a wide variety of electrotechnical tests on railway equipment.

Following the success of the brake tests performed on OMNEO trains, Bombardier had no hesitation in commissioning Eurailtest for a further series of brake tests, this time using the “slip” technique, on the new M7 rolling stock, ordered by the National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB).

Eurailtest performs tests for Tallano Technologie on a vacuum system for collecting the particles released by brake application on RER Line C trainsets.

At the end of 2017, Eurailtest submitted a bid in response to the invitation to tender issued by the   Alstom, TSO, Costain Group PLC joint venture to provide a complete service package using the skills and competencies of its main test laboratories, for the tests on the 21km of the line routed underground.

In the current context of railway maintenance, laboratories may provide responses when it comes to testing the resistance of a part to various stresses using fatigue tests. However, it is possible to go even further and determine the level of stress suffered by a part in operation.

The tests on the Vectron locomotive incorporate the specifications in force. They will also adjust to future regulatory changes, particularly those related to the size of the pantograph head. They took place in four sessions between September 2018 and February/March 2019.

In order to keep meeting the needs of our clients the best we can, our partner laboratory, the Railway Testing Agency (AEF), has secured  expansions of its COFRAC accreditation.

The IoT now plays a central role in the world of industry with numerous oportunities…

Alstom has enlisted Eurailtest to test the new MP14 automatic subway train before it goes into operation on the lines 4 and 14 of the Paris Metro.

Testing brake linings as part of efforts to curb railway pollution

Axle-box test rigs can be used to test the bearings at the ends of rail vehicle axles and the greases used for their lubrication.

The Eurailtest team has welcomed three new people to its ranks in recent month

The Eurocap Rail project, which first emerged in 2003, was born of the desire to shorten trip times between three major European cities (Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg) by upgrading the Luxembourg-Kleinbettingen line.

Teams from manufacturer BOMBARDIER and EURAILTEST (with its partner laboratories the Railway Test Agency [AEF] and the Test & Measurement Department [DGII-ME]) continue to lend their support to tests on the Bombardier Omneo Premium vehicles ordered by the Normandy Regional Council and funded by the State.

The Railway Test Agency (AEF), a Eurailtest partner laboratory that is part of the rolling stock engineering division, is recognised for its test skills and competencies within SNCF. The Agency’s Environment and Prevention Unit specialises in Health & Safety issues and in physicochemical analyses.

Eurailtest was commissioned by TSO, RENOFER and ETF to perform conductance measurements for urban light rail systems

The “Crédit Impôt Recherche” (research tax credit) is an incentive granted by the French authorities to help companies to fund their research, development and innovation activities. Eurailtest clients have been able to enjoy the knock-on effects on this tax credit since 1999, when the company first qualified to benefit from the scheme.

For the 8th consecutive time, Eurailtest will be out in force at InnoTrans from 18 to 21 September 2018, on stand 519 CityCube B.

Innotrans, the internationnal fair is a source of inspiration for the railway sector. Eurailtest will attend at the fair from the 18th to the 21st september 2018.  

CEVA (Cornavin – Eaux-Vives – Annemasse) is a project targeting a cross-border rail link between France and Switzerland.

CMI (Cockerill Maintenance et Ingénierie), an international group based in Seraing (Belgium) has turned to Eurailtest to assist it in obtaining type approval for its EMC 8-310 works vehicle.

In this article we shall be highlighting the technical aspects of the SIMGAB (gauge clearance simulation) software on which we reported in our previous newsletter.   The article has been compiled on the basis of input from Rémy DRON, Clément BASSET, Danilo SORRENTINO and Frédéric DESGACHES (Project Managers SimGab for SNCF Réseau and SNCF Mobilités) as well as Claude DOSSMAN and Ségolène LE […]

In July 2017, the first ever tram line, with a length of 14.25 km, was inaugurated in the city of Sidi Bel Abbès. To validate the infrastructure delivered by the contractor, it was necessary to monitor the dynamic behaviour of the overhead contact line (OCL).

Since the 1st of July 2017, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) which regulates the free movement of products demands a declaration of performance and a CE marking for all commercialized cables in the European Union. The cables concerned are all of the cables installed in buildings or other engineering structures, data and telecommunication cables included. […]

Lubricant diagnostics : a plus on the maintenance front

In recent months, Eurailtest member laboratories have been busily working on a number of different projects.

To help CFL Cargo address a problem of cracks appearing in freight wagon wheels, Eurailtest and its partner test laboratory AEF (Railway Test Agency) embarked on their first comparative test consultancy services in connection with non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques.

The Eurailtest team has welcomed three new people to its ranks in recent months.    

Following its contributions to the SEA and BPL high-speed lines, Eurailtest now has the further task of performing tests on the Nimes and Montpellier bypass (CNM), in behalf of SYSTRA and SETEC Ferro.  

This summer, Eurailtest was faced with the challenge of checking traction return current circuits on 100 km of the 200 km of high-speed line between Tangiers and Kenitra on behalf of its client ANSALDO STS.  

Eurailtest realize different tests ans expertise for light rail…

OPERATORS, MAINTAINERS, do you have rolling stock or infrastructure components that are failing in service for reasons that you cannot explain? But to find the right answer to a problem at the right cost, you first need to understand the root causes of the incident. This is the only way to be sure that, post-repair, […]

This summer, Eurailtest has been exporting its skills and experience to more easterly parts of the European Union, to Romania to be more precise. For its client STADLER, Eurailtest has been conducting uplift tests on the EURO Dual locomotive.  

This summer, our test teams have been busily beavering away on your projects.

It was in 1997 that the Test and Measurement Laboratory (LEM), a Eurailtest EIG partner laboratory for urban light rail systems in particular, first saw the light of day. Its original role was that of performing acceptance tests for the RATP procurement department. Since then, LEM has considerably developed its service portfolio, henceforth using its […]

The 17 Regiolis CEVA trains (Cornavin–Eaux-Vives–Annemasse), for use on the future Franco-Valdo-Genevois Regional Express Network (RER), are to be worked on the cross-border line between France (Haute-Savoie) and Switzerland.

In our previous newsletters, we have often mentioned the South Europe Atlantic (SEA) and Brittany -Pays de Loire (BPL) high-speed lines. These recently hit the headlines when they came into revenue service on Sunday, 2 July 2017.

SEA and BPL: two acronyms in the news!

Middle East Rail, an exhibition targeting the rail sector in the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian sub-continent and Central Asia, was held on 7 and 8 March this year

Axle boxes are a key rolling stock component. They may at times be liable to overheating in the event of internal lubricant failure, and this may trigger a ‘hot box’ alarm and, in some extreme cases, breakage of the axle journal, derailment, etc.

Thursday, 9 March 2017 saw the end of speed ramp-up tests on the Brittany Pays de Loire high-speed line (BPL) with the completion of a campaign associating teams from the SNCF Group, EIFFAGE and Eurailtest.

Following the upgrading of its WSP software, Alstom Transport commissioned Eurailtest to carry out tests in downgraded adhesion conditions.  

Friday 3rd February 2017 marks the end of the speed ramp-up tests campaign of SEA HSL.

New regulations governing worker exposure to electromagnetic fields  

Eurailtest partners Bombardier Transport (Germany) for TRAXX locomotives

Eurailtest builds up its team to cater even better to sector demand

As 2016 draws to a close, we have chosen in this newsletter to give pride of place to people and their cooperation.  

AEF and LEM: exploiting complementary skills for dynamic rolling stock behaviour tests

Following several months of preparations (train path application procedures, feasibility condition studies, test train preparation and equipment, safety case completion), the TGV DASYE high-speed train was finally transferred to the test site at end July.

Since 2009 Eurailtest has been conducting rolling stock acceptance and delivery runs for its client Bombardier, carrying out trials on series-built trainsets to establish compliance with the standard train.

Over the past year, the Eurailtest sales team has been working to forge a partnership with TCDD-DATEM*, hosting a visit from the Turkish delegation in early June.

As announced in our previous newsletter, Eurailtest will be out in force at InnoTrans in Berlin, where it will be previewing its new digital simulation services.

InnoTrans is the international fair, source of inspiration for all the railway industry. Eurailtest will there be present from 20 till 23 September 2016.

2016 is and will be an eventful year for Eurailtest.  

From 14 to 16 June 2016, Eurailtest’s technical experts were out in force at the Public Transport Exhibition at Paris-Porte de Versailles.  

Eurailtest recently added radiation protection advisory services to its portfolio. Analyses are performed by Radiation Protection experts to ascertain exposure to ionising radiation and ensure this particular occupational hazard is kept under control.  

Audit procedures at AEF

 Partnering ATSA for the first runs with the new Moroccan high-speed train

Following the successful completion of type approval tests on the REGIO 2N V160, Bombardier once again turned to us for its test campaign on the REGIO 2N MOD1L.

The recent “Fire behaviour day”, which attracted some 60 industrial participants, proved a resounding success. It was the occasion to communicate a wealth of invaluable ideas and information to help them to come to grips with the new European standard EN 45545-2 and offer practical examples of its application.

Eurailtest will exhibit at Smart Rail Amsterdam from 19th to 20th April.

2015 may be over but it is a year that will, sadly, long remain engraved in our memories for the tragic accident at Eckwersheim. After a brief stoppage, our teams and your tests trains are now back in action. In 2016, they will once again be heading off to different continents to partner you and […]

In 2014 Eurailtest was commissioned by SYSTRA to perform dynamic behaviour tests on Line 12 of Mexico’s metro system prior to the opening of the line. Clearly satisfied with the service rendered, SYSTRA again turned to Eurailtest for further tests of this kind.

To facilitate locating and inspecting the electrical connections on the infrastructure of lines T1, T2 and T3 of the Lyon tram system, an invitation to tender was issued for carrying out a verification of all electrical connectors and evaluating electrical system quality on the network.