IHHA 2025 ABSTRACTS

The International Heavy Haul Association (IHHA) thanks everyone who submitted an abstract for the official IHHA 2025 technical programme. The submission process is now closed.

We received 560+abstract submissions from all over the world showcasing the latest knowledge, research, solutions inspiring innovative and resilient railways. The IHHA technical committee will be reviewing the abstracts over the next few months with accepted authors notified in January.

IHHA 2025 theme: Inspiring innovative and resilient railways

All submissions must address the 2025 theme and relate to at least one sub-theme and topic.

SUB-THEMES

Sustainable Innovation

Decarbonisation of Rail
Alternate Fuels
Resource Efficiency
Circular Economy
Sustainable Innovation in HH Railways Projects
Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities for HH Railways

Bridges and Tunnels

Bridge Management Systems
Bridge Rehabilitation and Strengthening
Bridge Loading
Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges
Condition And Structural Performance Assessment
Tunnel Operations, Management and Maintenance
New Design, Re-Designs, New Materials

Motive Power, Traction and Energy Efficiency

High Horsepower Locomotives
Locomotive Maintenance and Reliability
Traction Power Supply
Environment, Energy and Sustainability

Heavy Haul Operations in Mines and Ports

Train loading operations & equipment
Train off-loading operations & equipment

Vehicle Track Systems

Vehicle/Track Interaction
Wheel/Rail Interface Analysis, Optimisation and Management
Safety and Derailment Prevention
Condition Monitoring
Vehicle/Track Systems and Optimization
Big Data Analytics with Prognostics
Automation In HH Systems

Rail Operations

Network Capacity and Operational Efficiency
Long Haul Trains
Train Control and Capacity Optimization
Heavy Axle Loading (HAL) Economics
Signalling System
Electrification Technology
Security and Safety
Service Reliability
New Design, Re-Designs, New Materials

Heavy Haul Under Extreme Conditions

Hot and Cold Environment
Impact from Climate Change

Track

Track Maintenance
Track Component Performance
Longitudinal Stresses in Rails
Rail Welding
Special Track Work
Track Geometry
Increasing Axle Loads on Existing Infrastructure
Construction And Maintenance Standards
New Design, Re-Designs, New Materials

Rolling Stock

Wheels, Axles & Bearings
Wagon Design and Maintenance
Brake Systems
Detector-Based Wagon Maintenance
New Design, Re-Designs, New Materials

Human Factors

Skills and Training
Safety Impact in Relation to Intelligent HH Technology

CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE

Scott Lovelace, CEO, IHHA, USA
Kari Gonzales, IHHA Chair, President & CEO, MxV Rail, USA
Antonio Merheb, IHHA Vice Chairman, MRS Logistica, Brazil
Brian Monakali, IHHA Vice Chairman, SAHHA, South Africa
Per-Olof Larsson-Kraik, IHHA Director, Trafikverket, Sweden

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

Maureen Werner, MxV Rail, USA
Dingqing Li, MxV Rail, USA
Jay Monaco, Amsted Rail, USA
Erik Gotlund, TTX, USA
Charity Duran, BNSF, USA
Dustin Lange, NS, USA
Leonard Evan, FRA, USA
Andie Berry, CN, Canada
Kyle Mulligan, CPKC, Canada
Matt Krech, Transport Canada, Canada
Zhanguo Ma, CARS, China
Xianhong Meng, Shuohuang Railway, China
Hannes Grabe, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Damian Birkin, Aurizon, Australia
Thiago Viana, VLI-Logistica, Brazil
Ravi Ravitharan, Monash IRT, Australia

KEY DATES

Abstract submissions open: June 2024

Deadline for Abstract submissions: October 18, 2024

Confirmation of accepted Abstracts: January 2025

Full papers to be provided for review: June 2025

Deadline for early bird registrations: July 18, 2025

Deadline for submission of full and final paper: September 2025

Speaker registration deadline: September 2025

IHHA 2025: 17-21 November 2025

Further questions

If you have any queries about your submission or require any further information, please email ihha.wcrr@informa.com