On October 5, representatives of COLAS RAIL PHILIPPINES, part of the global COLAS RAIL Group specializing in railway infrastructure systems and services, visited Quality Assurance and Testing Center 3 (QUATEST 3) to discuss the implementation of testing services for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) in the Philippines.
News:
Mr. Kim Tyron L. Cuevas, Senior Site Engineer at COLAS RAIL PHILIPPINES and Mr. Pham Van Ut, Head of Mechanical Testing Laboratory at QUATEST 3, discussed and agreed on the testing procedures, technical requirements and evaluation criteria applicable to rail welding for the project.
This engagement marks an important milestone for QUATEST 3 in expanding its testing services to major international transportation infrastructure projects.
Prior to the implementation of the testing program, COLAS RAIL PHILIPPINES visited QUATEST 3 to assess the Center’s technical capabilities, facilities, equipment, human resources and professional procedures.
Following a comprehensive assessment, COLAS RAIL PHILIPPINES confirmed that QUATEST 3 meets the project’s technical requirements and proposed QUATEST 3 to the project owner, the Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr), as the testing service provider.
The DOTr subsequently approved two rail welding procedures covering EN60E1 and JIS50 steel rail grades, to be tested by QUATEST 3 for the Metro Manila Subway Project.
QUATEST 3 and COLAS RAIL engineers discuss the results following the Slow Bend Test
QUATEST 3 engineer prepares the rail weld specimen for fatigue testing
The selection of QUATEST 3 reflects the confidence of international partners in the Center’s technical expertise, testing capabilities and ability to meet stringent requirements for railway infrastructure projects.
To meet the stringent technical requirements of EN 14587-1:2018 and the project owner’s specifications, QUATEST 3 will conduct a comprehensive testing program covering key aspects of rail weld quality and performance.
The testing scope includes:
1. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Visual Testing (VT); Ultrasonic Testing (UT); Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT).
These methods are used to detect and evaluate potential defects in rail welds before proceeding to subsequent mechanical and structural assessments.
To meet the stringent technical requirements of EN 14587-1:2018 and the project owner’s specifications, QUATEST 3 will conduct a comprehensive testing program covering key aspects of rail weld quality and performance.
The testing scope includes:
1. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Visual Testing (VT); Ultrasonic Testing (UT); Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT).
These methods are used to detect and evaluate potential defects in rail welds before proceeding to subsequent mechanical and structural assessments.
QUATEST 3 engineers conduct Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of the rail weld prior to subsequent testing
2. Mechanical Testing and Microstructural Examination: Weld trimming; Slow bend testing; Macro examination; Micro examination; Hardness testing.
These tests provide an in-depth assessment of the mechanical properties, weld integrity and microstructural characteristics of the welded rail.
3. Fatigue Testing: measurement of actual stresses using strain gauges, enabling detailed monitoring and evaluation of the welded rail’s performance under repeated loading conditions.
COLAS RAIL representatives install an online monitoring system to enable DOTr to monitor the testing process in real time
Given the project’s stringent requirements for quality, safety and long-term service performance, COLAS RAIL engineers installed an online monitoring system at QUATEST 3 to allow the project owner, DOTr, to remotely monitor testing parameters in real time throughout the fatigue testing process.
Mr. Kim Tyron L. Cuevas presents the project’s detailed assessment and witnessing plan
This collaboration marks an important milestone in QUATEST 3’s international railway testing activities, demonstrating the Center’s capacity to deliver reliable and comprehensive rail welding testing services for major infrastructure projects.
As the Philippines’ first underground railway project, the MMSP spans approximately 33.1 km with 17 stations. Through this project, QUATEST 3 continues to expand international cooperation and contribute its technical expertise to safe and reliable railway infrastructure.
As the Philippines’ first underground railway project, the MMSP spans approximately 33.1 km with 17 stations. Through this project, QUATEST 3 continues to expand international cooperation and contribute its technical expertise to safe and reliable railway infrastructure.
QUATEST 3
Other News
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
QUATEST 3 Attends Vietnam Foodexpo 2026
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
QUATEST 3 STRENGTHENS CONNECTIONS WITH BUK-GU, GWANGJU, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
QUATEST 3 Strengthens Its Management Team Through New Appointments
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
QUATEST 3: Enhancing Children's Toy Safety and Supporting Regulatory Compliance
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
QUATEST 3 Advances International Cooperation in Product Quality and Safety with UL Solutions
Close window
Close window