The SZE-RAIL Research Group brings together research into the structural subsystems of the railway system – the track and its structures, power supply, signalling systems, traffic control and rolling stock. Established in 2022 and accredited in 2023, the group brings together lecturers, researchers, PhD students and undergraduates specialising in civil, mechanical, electrical, transport and vehicle engineering, thereby examining issues relating to rail transport – from track structure to rolling stock – from a unified perspective.

The research group’s areas of focus include the reinforcement of sub-structures and superstructures with crushed stone ballast using specialised structural solutions – geosynthetics, concrete mats and base slabs – as well as the classification and fragmentation testing of ballast materials, experimental and numerical analysis of the load-bearing capacity of reinforced concrete sleepers and embedded rail systems, material testing of rails and rail joints, and the development of track structure materials – modified asphalt mixtures, fibre-reinforced concrete, and 3D-printed composites.

Another important area of research is the energy efficiency of electric traction: investigating energy losses resulting from drivers’ driving styles and track conditions, making better use of regenerative braking energy, and developing an in-vehicle system for measuring acceleration and energy consumption, along with the associated evaluation algorithm. In addition, the group is refining models of track geometry deterioration through time-series and distribution-based analysis of long-term measurement data sets, and is applying digital image correlation, artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial vehicles to assess the condition of structures and vehicles. The research group aims to contribute, through its scientific findings, to the development of safer, more energy- and cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly fixed-track transport systems. We carry out our work in collaboration with industry partners – including experts from BKV Zrt., Colas Északkő Kft., and others – as well as through international cooperation with researchers in Dresden, Berlin, Dnipro, Belgrade and Niš.