Geometric design of railway track

Unit 1

Why design??
Most of train derailments are due to the
following reasons:
Track defects (civil Engineer )
Vehicular defects
Operational defects
Load and speed ( safe and economical)

Straight track derail due :

Defective cross levels
Defective alignment
Defective gauge
Low joints
Curved track derail due to :
Improper super elevation
Improper radius of curve
Improper speed
Unequal distribution of loads on two rails

The derailment over turn outs :

Gaping points
Lifting of toe of switch due to inadequate
fittings.
Improper assembly of crossing.
Excessive wear in switches.
Tight gauge and defective gauge ( nose of
crossing ).

The following aspects to be studied :

Gradients and grade compensation
Speed of the train
Radius or degree of the curve
Cant or super elevation
Curves
Widening of gauges on curves

Gradients and grade compensation

Gradients :
Any departure of the track from level is known as
grade.
The gradient might be upward or downward.
Reasons :
To provide uniform rate of rise or fall as far as
possible.
To reach the various stations located at different
elevations
To reduce the cost of earth work.

Types of gradients :
Ruling gradient
Plain terrain 1 in 150 to 1 in 200 ; hilly terrain -1
in 100 to 1 in 150
Momentum gradient
Pusher or helper gradient
Gradients at station yards
1 in 400 (max) ; 1 in 1000 (min)

Grade Compensation :
In order to avoid resistances beyond the
allowable limits , the gradients are reduced
on curves and this reduction in gradients is
called grade compensation.
0.04% -B.G, 0.03% -M.G, 0.02% -N.G

Speed of the train

Speed of the train depends on :
Strength of the track
Power of the locomotive
The dynamic effect of speed is obtained if its speed
is more than 120 k.m.p.h due to the following
reasons :
Various parasitic motions such as pitching ,
rolling
Resonance between the frequency of application
of load and elastic oscillation of the track
structure as a whole or its components.

 Inertia or springing action of the track in,form and behind

the wheels.
Effect of unbalanced weights.
Effect of unspring masses.
Suspension characteristics of the locomotive and carriages.
Safe speed on curves :
Safe speed to negotiate depends on :
The gauge of the track
The radius of the curve
The distance at which the resultant of the weight of the
vehicle and its centrifugal force acts from the centre of the
track
Amount of super elevation provided.
The presence or absence of transition curves at the ends of
circular curve

Old practice use of martins formula

New revised formula is used nowadays to find
the safe speed of the train.
The max cant deficiency provided :
B.G 75mm
M.G -50mm
N.G 40 mm

Radius or degree of the curve

D =1720/R
Following are the main effects or objections of providing
curves on a railway track :
The working of trains is affected as there is restriction
in speed, prevention of heavy locomotive and
limitation of length of train.
There are possibilities of derailment or accidents.
There is no equal distribution of load on the curves (
discomfort in riding).
To provide extra strength on tracks along the curves.

Smallest radius and largest degree are

restricted on the basics of two factors :
wheel base of vehicle
Sharpness of the curve
in India , curves on through tracks , are limited
to the following max radii :
B.G 10 degree( R=175m)
M.G 16 degree(R=109m)
N.G 40 degree(R=44m)

Super-elevation
Objective :
To introduce centripetal force for counteracting the effect
of centrifugal force, this will result in the faster movement
of trains on the curves. This will also prevent derailment
and reduce the side wear and creep of rails.
To provide equal distribution of wheel loads on two rails so
that there is no tendency of track to move out of position
due to more load on outer rail. This reduces the wear of
rails , equipments and results in saving maintenance cost.
To provide an even and smooth running track to ensure
comfortable ride to passengers and safe movement of
goods

Equilibrium cant :
when the lateral forces and wheel loads are almost
equal, the cant is said to be in equilibrium. This
equilibrium cant is provided on the basics of
average speed of the trains.
Cant Deficiency :
maximum permissible cant actual cant
Max permissible speed on curve :
Max speed sanctioned on the section
Safe speed over the curve
Speed based on the consideration of super
elevation
Speed from length of transition curve.