CETEST is a test laboratory recognised for performing carbody squeeze test according to APTA and PRIIA standards. Thanks to our broad experience in this field we employ our portable test rigs on-site at your facilities, to provide a complete car body structural verification service.

We design, manage and realise structural testing according to EN 12663, APTA, PRIIA, ASME, GM RT and other international standards. CETEST can also adapt the test design to your specific requirements, including static and dynamic loads where required.

The structural design (and hence safety) of railway vehicle bodies depends on the loads they are subjected to and the characteristics of the materials they are manufactured from. These load requirements considered during the structural design and testing of the vehicle body are based on proven experience and supported by the evaluation of experimental data and published information. Here at CETEST we collaborate with you throughout the testing stage.

The CETEST laboratory runs several structural test rigs adapted for car body frames with different lengths, track gauges and geometries. Strain gauges and rosettes, as required, can be placed at any point around the vehicle. We have successfully completed tests while taking measurements through up to 400 channels!

Cetest: Testing of carbody frames
Compression test for Amtrak Viewliner II cars
Compression test for Amtrak Viewliner II cars

CETEST boasts state-of-the-art equipment and measurement instrumentation; displacement sensors, load cells, control systems and up-to-date data acquisition software ensure our clients receive the best possible service.

our car body structural testing solutions include portable test rigs that can be installed at any facility; hence we can provide a tailor-made service for each client and project.

Furthermore, our car body structural testing solutions include portable test rigs that can be installed at any facility; hence we can provide a tailor-made service for each client and project. You do not need to move your car, we will transport the rig to your place. Anywhere. It allows:

  • Avoidance of shipping costs of the carbody to the laboratory.

  • Optimization of testing time in the manufacturing timeline.

  • Maximum presence and control of the whole testing process for the clients’ engineers.

Our versatile car body frame structural test rigs are designed to apply service and exceptional loads, including longitudinal (compression and traction), vertical and lateral loads, jacking and lifting loads as well as truck body loads. All load cases can be applied including elastic/plastic cases.

We also cooperate with our clients in order to compare the FEM calculation results against the real results obtained during testing. Based on our accumulated test experience, we help our clients to complete the comparison process successfully, providing guidance and suggestion when required.