acoustics - PJM EN

High-profile visit to PJM: Exchange with Josef Doppelbauer

We recently had the honor of welcoming Josef Doppelbauer—one of the most influential figures in the European railway world—to our offices in Graz.

As the long-standing Executive Director of the European Railway Agency (ERA, 2015–2024), he has been instrumental in driving forward the Fourth Railway Package and the harmonization of the European rail area. The exchange was correspondingly exciting: topics ranged from innovations and safety in freight transport to the testing and approval of rail vehicles and the current situation of European rail transport.

A particular highlight was the visit to the connecting railway in Mellach, where INFRATRACK is currently implementing Austria's unique test and innovation center for railway technologies on a former industrial track.

Photo 01 from left to right: Alexander Schimanofsky (CEO RCC), Christoph Lorenzutti (COO PJ Monitoring), Josef Doppelbauer (former Executive Director ERA) and Martin Joch (CEO PJ Messtechnik)

Photo 02 from left to right: Martin Joch (CEO PJ Messtechnik), Andreas Schaller (CEO BOOM Software), and Josef Doppelbauer (former Executive Director ERA)

General - 03/03/2026

PJ Messtechnik strengthens engineering expertise through NAFEMS Membership and new welding certification

The Engineering division of PJ Messtechnik is setting new standards: With the successful completion of the EN 15085-2 certification and admission into the international association NAFEMS, the company reinforces its competence in the design and calculation of railway vehicle components.

As an accredited testing center to ISO/IEC 17025, PJ Messtechnik GmbH performs worldwide tests for the rail vehicle authorization in the areas of fatigue strength, vehicle dynamics, brake tests, acoustics, aerodynamics, and pantographs. Furthermore, the company is a specialist in railway engineering and was the first to apply topology optimization – originally a space technology – to freight wagons. The most recent achievements – joining NAFEMS and obtaining the EN 15085-2 certification – underscore this deep-seated expertise.

NAFEMS and welding certification highlight high quality standards

Structural calculation is a core pillar of PJ Messtechnik’s engineering services. Through its NAFEMS membership, the company's expertise in technical analysis and simulation is now visible on an international scale. NAFEMS connects over 1,500 organizations worldwide dedicated to excellence in simulation and innovative analysis technologies. The membership badge signals that PJM pursues the highest quality standards.

PJ Messtechnik also demonstrates its strength in structural manufacturing. The certification in Activity Level D (Design, Calculation, Documentation) and Classification Level CL 1 (highest safety level) according to EN 15085-2 – the standard for welding railway vehicles and components – documents the company's outstanding competence in welding technology. Given the stringent safety requirements and the public importance of railway vehicles, this proof is indispensable for manufacturers and suppliers. The audit and certification were conducted by the Styrian company SteelCERT.

High competence in simulation, design, and manufacturing

“With our engineering team, we are setting benchmarks,” says Martin Joch, CEO of PJ Messtechnik GmbH, with pride. “The recently achieved EN 15085-2 certification is a visible signal that we meet the highest requirements in welding technology. Together with the NAFEMS membership, we demonstrate our quality in simulation, design, and manufacturing at an internationally recognized level. This is how we create maximum safety, cost-effectiveness, and innovative power for our customers.”

The combination of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and welding technology allows PJM to take a holistic approach to projects. This results in component solutions that excel in quality and can be implemented economically. With this integrated approach, which closely interlocks theory and practice – design and manufacturing – PJM ensures the high quality and future viability of its products in the rail sector while simultaneously proving its competence as an accredited testing laboratory and engineering partner.

Photo from left to right:
Martin Joch (CEO, PJM), Clemens Holler (Lead Auditor, SteelCERT), Wolfgang Konrad (Head of Calculation, PJM), Marius Müller (Project Management, PJM), Gerald Pudgar (Quality Management, PJM)

NAFEMS-Mitgliedschaft-PJ-Messtechnik-Schweisszertifizierung

General - 01/14/2026

Looking back and moving forward: Together into a great 2026

An eventful 2025 has come to a close – our highlight video takes you on a journey through the most significant milestones and achievements of the past 12 months.

Now it's time to look forward: We are entering the new year with full energy and fresh ideas. We look forward to realizing new visions together with you, strengthening future-oriented collaborations, and continuing our shared success story!

General - 01/07/2026

The new Koralm Tunnel is here! PJM was already in action for test and measurement runs.

December 12 is a big day: the Koralm Tunnel is officially open, bringing Graz and Klagenfurt much closer together! We congratulate everyone involved on this milestone, which will strengthen Austria's position in international freight and passenger transport in the long term.

We have also already been in action in the tunnel: our team carried out important test and measurement runs in advance to collect essential data for technical conformity and approval. The video provides a brief insight into this.

We are delighted to have been part of the success story of this high-performance corridor and look forward to our future assignments on this extraordinary route!

General / News - 12/12/2025

Double future momentum: PJM sets the tone at important industry meetings

The PJM team was represented at two major rail transport events in Aachen and Vienna, hence making a contribution to the most important future topics in the industry: digitalization, efficiency, and coping with rising demand.

IRSA Aachen: Focus on infrastructure and digitalization

The 5th International Railway Symposium Aachen (IRSA) took place from November 19 to 20. The renowned forum, which brought together around 250 international experts, focused on the effects of climate change and the mobility transition on the rail system.

Matthias Zelinka (PJ Messtechnik) enriched the discussion with an exciting presentation on a simulation model for the interaction between pantographs and overhead lines.

VPI Vienna: Freight transport of the future

At the same time, an information event organized by VPI Austria (an Association of Private Freight Wagon Interested Parties) in Vienna also addressed the challenges in rail transport and logistics.

For almost 100 participants from Austria and abroad, there were numerous presentations, one of which was given by Günter Petschnig (CEO PJ Monitoring). He showed how digital train functions enhance rail freight’s safety and cost-effictiveness, attractiveness and sustainability.

General / News - 11/28/2025

INFRATRACK – a new company in the PJM Group

PJM und Boom Software utilising the connecting railway of a decommissioned coal-fired power station as a test site for innovations in the rail industry. This purpose has led to the foundation of the joint venture INFRATRACK Solutions.

The two railway specialists Boom Software AG and PJ Messtechnik GmbH have taken over the connecting railway line at the Mellach Verbund power plant site. This cooperation will allow the existing rail infrastructure of the decommissioned coal-fired power plant to be used more intensively, particularly for testing purposes.

Located in the immediate vicinity of Graz and the new Koralmbahn railway line, as well as the two Styrian companies, the site will be home to innovations and further developments in the railway sector, particularly in the fields of measurement and testing technology and software.

The optimally located and equipped connecting railway line provides an ideal environment for testing rail vehicles and components. The range of activities extends from physical asset inspections to sensor- and software-based testing.

Image:
The new company's managing directors Andreas Schaller (left) and Martin Joch (right)

Press release

General / News / Presseberichte - 11/13/2025

New service jet from Stadler for ÖBB: Dynamic tests and instrumented wheelsets

ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG has procured a new fleet of rescue trains with 18 new service jets from Stadler. The low-emission and multifunctional vehicles will be in operation throughout Austria, travelling at speeds of up to 160 km/h. PJM was commissioned as an accredited test center in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 for the test runs. The dynamic tests are being carried out in co-operation with the ÖBB mechanical measurement group. PJM was also responsible for the production and development of the instrumented wheelsets. The vehicle tests for the areas of running behavior, brakes, acoustics and pantographs will take place throughout Austria and are expected to be completed in autumn 2024. For unrestricted track access in Austria, the test runs were carried out in test zone 5c, for vehicle authorization for radius curves down to 100 meters. "The instrumented wheelsets were specially developed and manufactured for these specifications in very tight curves. Our wheelsets have proven themselves in the dynamic tests," says Martin Joch, CEO of PJ Messtechnik GmbH.

The new generation of service jets required some innovations in the test runs. "Due to the new standards, these demanding tests were carried out on the ÖBB network for the first time. The results of the test runs are extremely precise and reliable and form a solid basis for evaluating the rail vehicle," says test manager Roman Schmid, ÖBB Produktion GmbH.

Video dynamic tests

Media release

General / Presseberichte - 06/14/2024

New 80ft InnoWaggon Sggns: PJM carried out overall accreditation tests

When it comes to further development or new concepts, rail logistics specialist Innofreight is an important address. Recently, the wagon fleet was expanded by a one-piece 80ft InnoWaggon Sggn. Less wagon weight but more train load were the requirements to make rail transport even more economical and efficient for Innofreight customers. For the overall approval, the company relied on PJM expertise. The various tests were evaluated in several stages:

Fatigue strength: The strength tests were carried out by the PJM engineering experts according to EN 12663. Another task of the engineering team was to optimize the strength. The static tests were carried out by means of a mobile pressure frame at the site of MFL Liezen. The buffing impact tests took place mainly in St. Michael, not far from Innofreight's headquarters.
Brakes: The static and dynamic tests according to TSI WAG:2020 were also carried out in the St. Michael area. The uncoupling tests were carried out with various loading conditions.
Acoustics: The acoustic measurements according to TSI NOI 2014/1204/EU were used to determine pass-by noise, rail roughness and track decay rate.

This project included two novelties:

Uncoupling device: For the first time, a new device developed by PJM was used for the suspension tests. The new component has proven itself very well since it is lighter, smaller and easier to operate.
Solar energy: The measuring instruments were supplied with energy by means of a solar panel. The panel can be set up in just a few steps and provides sufficient power for the measurement tests in good weather.

Get the full medie release:

https://pjm.co.at/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/PI-Innofreight-PJM-03-2023-Web-EN.pdf

News - 03/16/2023

Nightjets of ÖBB: Measuring wheel sets and approval tests

In future, a total of 33 Nightjets of the new Viaggio Next Level generation from Siemens Mobility will ensure comfortable and at the same time climate-friendly travel in Central Europe. For the approval of the newly developed passenger coaches, PJM is on board as an accredited test center according to ISO/IEC 17025. The Austrian system specialist was commissioned for the overall approval in cooperation with ÖBB. The contract specifically includes the instrumented wheel sets as well as the approval tests in the areas of running behavior, fatigue strength, acoustics and aerodynamics.

6 instrumented wheel sets were developed and manufactured in Graz and then installed in the test vehicle at the ÖBB plant in Vienna. The test runs started in autumn 2021. The test train is in use throughout the entire Austrian rail network. To evaluate derailment safety, the first approval tests started in the field of running behavior, after which the bogies were upgraded for the test runs in the area fatigue strength. Finally, high-speed measurements follow for the aerodynamics area. The acoustic tests will complete the approval tests. "For an extensive project like this, it is above all our metrology expertise and experience in bringing together all specialist areas that prove their worth. Our flexibility and routine, which we have gained from our numerous international projects, are also essential. Due to the weather, there are always changes in procedures, for example during test runs in winter on the Arlberg at 1,000 m above sea level," explains Martin Joch, CEO of PJM. "A good collaboration with the project partners is also immensely important in large-scale projects. The cooperation with ÖBB's measurement group is excellent."

Get more in the media release:

https://pjm.co.at/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/10-2022-Presse-Info-Nightjets-PJM-Web2-EN.pdf

News / Presseberichte - 10/06/2022

Creating & shaping future: A video Portrait of PJM

Why is measurement technology fascinating? What sort of tests are performed for vehicles approvals? Digital rail freight - what's the meaning of the term? What's the connex of measurement technology and safety? Which exciting job profiles does measurement technology include? Get all answers on these and many more in our company's video portrait which recently was broadcasted in the Styrian news magazine by ORF. The video is part of the serial "Zukunftsmacher" (future creators). Watch it out!

Credit: With courtesy of Die Industrie / IV Steiermark / ORF Steiermark

Presseberichte / Waggon Tracker - 06/16/2021