REFRESCO is a thirty month project, supported by the European Commission under the seventh Framework Programme which began on September 2013. The project aims at setting the framework for the implementation of new materials in the railway sector through the evolution of certification processes for rolling stock. Such materials have a high potential to reduce the weight of rolling stock compared to the metals currently used. The advantages of composites are already exploited in other sectors, such as aeronautics, where a real revolution has taken place on this matter.

REFRESCO will generate recommendations and provide the information needed to adapt the regulatory framework of railway car-body structures to the introduction of new materials. UIC is involved as a partner in this project and mainly involved in the issues concerning the future TecRec and standardisation.

REFRESCO is coming to an end in February which gives the opportunity to present all the findings from the project. You will be informed again soon about the draft programme as well as the venue and timing. A link for registration will also be provided within the coming weeks.

In the meantime, please save 21 January 2016 in your calendar in order not to miss this important event!