Characteristics of Rail transportation

Rail transport is the most important medium of transportation across the globe. Railways not only carry passengers, but they also carry goods, emergency services, and army equipment.

The first characteristic about rail transportation is about railway track, track component and also continuous welded rail.

Railway tracks  mainly comprises two steel rails that are parallel and fixed perpendicular to the elements known as railway sleepers, the purpose of which, whether made of wood, steel, or concrete, is to keep a constant distance between the tracks, the track directs the flanged wheels of the cars on the desired direction without much steering effort. The tracks allow the trains to be significantly longer compared to road transport. The rails and the sleepers are placed on compressed earth foundations. It is ensured that the load of rails and sleepers is evenly distributed on the foundations to avoid the track buckling.

Next is about track components.

Track components are a complex composition of rails, sleepers, and fasteners installed on hard foundations. This complicated configuration is like other structures that are firmly embedded in the ground. Rail track may be believed to be hovering on the ground foundation. Therefore, the study and analysis of track stresses is complicated and important for the track safety. The rail track can be assembled at the site or prefabricated. The outward rail is higher compared to the inner side rail on the curves. This technique is called super elevation, and it decreases the forces that tend to dislocate the track. The ride is also made comfortable by this process. The track is designed to endure the static and dynamic wheel loads and disperse them to the ground

Lastly is about continuous welded rail.

Continuous welded rail, as used in modern rail systems, is also called ribbon rail. In this type of track, flash butt welding is used to weld the rails together. Flash butt welding requires an automatic track laying mechanism with a strong electric current. The color of the ends becomes white hot because of the electrical resistance, and then they are joined with each other creating a strong weld. A continuous rail can be some kilometers long. The continuous welded rail segments are repaired by thermite welding. Since the joints are few, this track is extremely durable, needs less maintenance, and the ride is smooth. The trains can attain high speeds with little friction.

That’s all for today, thank you for reading.