Why do tracks need ballast?

Track ballast forms the trackbed upon which railroad ties (sleepers) are laid. It is used to bear the load from the railroad ties, to facilitate drainage of water, and also to keep down vegetation that might interfere with the track structure. Ballast also holds the track in place as the trains roll over it.

What does ballast do on train tracks?

Track ballast is the collective term for the crushed stones on railway tracks. They form the trackbed and are packed around railway tracks. They form the ground for the railway sleepers which are used to keep the railway tracks upright and properly spaced.

How do train tracks stay in place?

Train wheels aren’t perfect cylinders. The wheel bevels are specifically designed so that when the train goes around a corner it stays on the tracks. The wheels that have to travel a greater distance have a greater diameter, and everything stays aligned. The end result is a train that stays on the tracks.

Why do railway tracks have gaps between them?

The gaps left between successive rails on a railway track, the reason is that the rails expand in summer. The gap is provided to allow for this expansion. If no gap is left, the expansion in summer will cause the rails to bend sideways. That will result in train accidents.

How does a railroad ballast system work?

If you ever happen to take a closer look at a well-maintained railroad right-of-way be sure and notice how the ballast system works, aside from the stone and technical layout. To either side of the railroad track below the ballast you will notice a well-groomed ditch that carries away all of the water which drains from the railroad track structure.

What is the difference between ballasted track and non-ballasted track?

Train speed is limited on the ballasted track. Ballasted track has poor life expectation (about 15-20yrs). Ballasted track produce more pollution by releasing dust from ballast. Ballasted track has higher noise level than non-ballasted track. It is necessary to take effective noise reduction measures.

What is the purpose of laying ballast under railway sleepers?

Generally, laying ballast under the railway sleepers to reduce the stress on the ground. A layer of gravel was laid between ground and railway sleeper to form the track bed. Track bed (ballast bed) can improve the flexibility and drainage performance of railway track. Ballasted track also make track easy to repair.

How much force does a train’s ballasting exert?

According to Brian Solomon’s book Railway Maintenance, The Men and Machines That Keep the Railroads Running , today’s trains can exert a force of 100 psi when passing over track and the stone used for ballasting must be able to withstand this constant abuse.