Railway Safety Inspection

Questions and Answers

What is the recommended water level for small bridges with a water way less than 757.3 mm?

The water level should be at the springing level (correct)

The water level should be at the sill level

The water level should be at the flood level

The water level should be at the ordinary water level

What is the recommended location for marking the danger level?

On the top and bottom of the bridge

On the piers and abutments of the bridge (correct)

On the downstream side of the bridge

On the upstream side of the bridge

What should be done in case of a high flood level that has not caused any damage?

The danger level should be left unchanged

The bridge should be closed

The danger level should be revised downwards

The danger level should be revised upwards (correct)

Who should approve the revision of the danger level?

The Senior Divisional Engineer Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the revised danger level?

It should be recorded in the bridge inspection register Signup and view all the answers

How should the danger level be marked on the bridge?

With a bright red band 800 mm wide and 10 mm thick Signup and view all the answers

Where should the danger level be marked on the bridge?

On the piers and abutments of the bridge Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to revise the danger level?

To ensure the safety of the bridge Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of watchmen at bridges?

To inspect the bridge for any signs of failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum qualification for a watchman at a bridge?

Literate and experienced Signup and view all the answers

What equipment should a watchman at a bridge be provided with?

A set of equipment as per Indian Railways Bridge Manual Signup and view all the answers

What should a watchman do if they notice any signs of failure at the bridge?

Take necessary action to protect the track and stop the traffic Signup and view all the answers

How often should a watchman inspect the bridge?

As specified in the Indian Railways Bridge Manual Signup and view all the answers

What should a watchman do when the water level is rising and likely to approach the danger level?

Take necessary action to protect the track and stop the traffic Signup and view all the answers

Why should a watchman stand on the left-hand side of the train when the train is approaching?

To ensure their own safety Signup and view all the answers

What should a watchman do when they notice any jungle growth or other encroachments on the bridge?

Take necessary action to remove the growth or encroachment with the help of the permanent way staff Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action to be taken by the Permanent Way Inspector at site?

Reach the site and ensure protection of track Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Permanent Way Inspector's special inspection during monsoon?

To look for signs of danger such as scour and erosion Signup and view all the answers

What should the Permanent Way Inspector do if strong currents and heavy rain occur?

Look for signs of scour and erosion with the help of echo sounders or sounding weights Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of taking soundings during special inspection?

To look for signs of scour and erosion Signup and view all the answers

What should the Permanent Way Inspector do if defects are found during the special inspection?

Report to the Assistant Engineer and stop all trains Signup and view all the answers

Why may traffic be suspended during special inspection?

If long lengths of track are experiencing scour and erosion Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Permanent Way Inspector advising the Assistant Engineer?

To inform about the danger and take necessary action Signup and view all the answers

How often should the Permanent Way Inspector inspect the bridge during monsoon?

Frequently as necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is the danger level at bridges?

The level at which safety of the bridge is likely to be adversely affected Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when the danger level is reached?

A responsible officer should inspect the bridge and determine the course of action Signup and view all the answers

What factors should be considered when determining the danger level?

The nature of the soil, the depth of the foundation, and the existence of scour Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of fixing the danger level?

To ensure the safety of the bridge and the traffic that uses it Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when the danger level is higher than necessary?

The danger level should be lowered to the necessary level Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of considering the history of the bridge?

It helps to determine the danger level Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when there is no history of damage or serious threat to the bridge?

Freeboard should be adequate for approach banks and guide bunds Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the waterway clearance?

To ensure the clearance below the bottom of girders or slabs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of taking soundings during floods?

To determine the water level at the time of flood Signup and view all the answers

What should be done while taking soundings during floods?

Take soundings at regular intervals Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured while taking soundings during floods?

Special care should be taken to ensure the soundings are trustworthy and worthy Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the flood records?

They should be maintained and preserved Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of preparing a register of flood records?

To maintain a record of all important flood data Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured while taking observations of the river bed and banks?

The observations should be taken by avoiding regions of turbulent flow Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured while preparing the flood records?

The records should be accurate and reliable Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the maximum flood level?

It should be recorded and preserved Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of a divisional engineer during floods?

To ensure the safety of railways and bridges during floods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of maintaining a record of past floods?

To identify the patterns and trends of flood occurrences. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary consideration while designing a bridge?

The safety of the bridge during floods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting a special inspection of bridges during monsoon?

To ensure the safety of the bridge during floods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of taking soundings during floods?

To assess the scouring of the river bed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action to be taken by the Permanent Way Inspector at site?

To ensure protection of the track, if not already done. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary consideration while determining the danger level of a bridge?

The past history of floods and damage to the bridge. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the flood records?

They should be preserved and updated regularly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Permanent Way Inspector's special inspection during monsoon?

To identify any signs of failure or damage to the bridge. Signup and view all the answers

What should the Permanent Way Inspector do if strong currents and heavy rain occur?

Continue the inspection with caution. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to consider the history of the bridge while determining the danger level?

To ensure that the bridge is safe during floods. Signup and view all the answers

What should the Permanent Way Inspector do if defects are found during the special inspection?

Take immediate action to rectify the defects. Signup and view all the answers

Why may traffic be suspended during special inspection?

To prevent any damage to the bridge or its approaches. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Permanent Way Inspector advising the Assistant Engineer?

To report any defects or damage found during the inspection. Signup and view all the answers

How often should the Permanent Way Inspector inspect the bridge during monsoon?

As frequently as necessary Signup and view all the answers

What should the Permanent Way Inspector do if a strong rush of water and heavy rain occur?

Look for signs of scour or backwaters. Signup and view all the answers

What should the Permanent Way Inspector do before the onset of monsoon at specified locations?

Make arrangements to stockpile pitching stones, boulders, and other monsoon reserves Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the annual return of pitching stones, boulders, and other monsoon reserves?

Submit it to the Divisional Engineer with a statement of training works done or dropped during the year Signup and view all the answers

What should be done in case of a weather warning?

Take immediate action as per the instructions of the Permanent Way Inspector Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the flood records?

Maintain a register of flood records Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when the Permanent Way Inspector finds defects during the special inspection?

Take immediate action to repair the defects Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the monsoon reserves?

Use them only in emergency situations Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before the onset of monsoon?

Make arrangements to stockpile pitching stones, boulders, and other monsoon reserves Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the certificate of monsoon reserves?

File it in the bridge manual Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration when determining the danger level at a bridge?

The level of water that can cause a significant threat to the bridge's safety Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the danger level is higher than necessary?

The bridge's structural integrity should be assessed before revising the danger level Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of fixing the danger level at a bridge?

To provide a warning to traffic of potential danger Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when determining the danger level at a bridge?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the water level is rising and likely to approach the danger level?

The bridge should be inspected for any signs of damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the waterway clearance?

To ensure that the waterway is clear of obstacles and debris Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured while taking soundings during floods?

That the soundings are accurate and reliable Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the flood records?

They should be kept for future reference Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of maintaining cross-section records?

To identify defects that may require attention in the dry season Signup and view all the answers

What should be attached to the 'Rivers and floods' register for reference?

Blueprints of the cross-section diagrams of the bed of the river Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after the rainy season?

Inspect the bridge and take action to undertake repairs and make good the damages before the next rainy season Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the 'Rivers and floods' register?

Particulars of flood damage and remedial measures adopted Signup and view all the answers

Why should the 'Rivers and floods' register be maintained?

To maintain a record of the bridge's history and behavior Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the past 'Rivers and floods' register?

It should be carefully preserved Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of preparing a cross-section record?

To identify defects that may require attention in the dry season Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the cross-section record?

Five years' records plotted in different colours on the same drawing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Determining Danger Level at Bridges

Danger level is the level of water which, when reached, is likely to adversely affect the safety of the bridge
All traffic shall remain suspended until an official inspects the bridge and declares it safe for passage of trains
The danger level is fixed for each bridge by the Divisional Engineer, considering factors like:
- Nature of soil, depth of foundations, existence of drop and curtain walls, flooding depth, maximum permissible scour, highest recorded flood level, level of girder/arch bottom, velocity of water, and past bridge history
Danger level should be the lower of:
- Level providing adequate vertical clearance
- Level providing minimum freeboard to approach banks and guide bunds
- Level likely to cause undue large afflux (more than 3m) that may cause large scour
- Level that if exceeded, may cause excessive scour endangering the bridge
For bridges with no past damage history, guidelines for fixing danger level are provided based on span and site conditions

Danger Levels for Different Bridge Types

Girder and Slab Bridges:
- Clearance below bottom of girders/slabs ranges from 1.5m to 4.5m depending on span and site conditions
Arch Bridges:
- For spans less than 12m, danger level is normally at the springing level
- For larger spans and multiple-span arches, danger level is at 3rd rise below crown of arch
- Higher HFLs in past without damage may allow raising danger level suitably
Box Culverts: Danger level at the bottom of slab
Pipe Culverts: Danger level at the top of inside of pipe
Balancing Culverts and Bridges: Danger level at 0.6m below top of pier/abutments

Marking Danger Level

Danger level should be marked on the abutments or first and last piers, repeated suitably on intermediate piers
Marking should be a bright red band 20cm wide, centered over a white band 15cm wide, for a length of 50cm

Watchmen at Bridges

Based on bridge history and river behavior, watchmen are posted during monsoon
Only intelligent, reliable and experienced men who can read numbers should be selected as watchmen
Watchmen are provided with equipment like flags, hand signal lamps, detonators, whistle, tools, etc.

Watchmen's Duties

Regularly inspect every portion of the bridge, look for signs of danger like:
- Flood reaching/exceeding danger level
- Disturbance to bridge alignment/level due to shifting/settlement of piers/abutments
- Water level difference causing seepage/piping through embankments
- Cracks on approaches showing settlement
- Large obstruction to bridge waterway
Take action to protect track and stop traffic if danger is apprehended

Permanent Way Inspector's Role

Immediately reach the site on receiving message of apprehended danger
Examine and ensure bridge, approaches and protection works are safe
May allow trains at suitable speed based on site conditions
Advise Assistant Engineer with details like flood level, difference in upstream-downstream levels, and any special action required

Flood Records

Maintain records for bridges across large alluvial rivers and other identified rivers, including:
- Soundings around piers and abutments during/after high floods
- Gauge readings of flood levels during monsoon
- Observations of afflux and velocity during monsoon
- Cross-sections of river during and after floods
- Survey of river course after monsoon
- Cross-section of guide banks, protection works and their aprons
- Annual survey of scour holes

Here are the study notes for the text:

Rivers and Floods*

Behaviour of Rivers

The Divisional/Assistant Engineer should be familiar with the past history of bridges and training/protection works.
Knowledge of rivers' behaviour, including the flood history of the last 13-18 years, is essential.

Past History of Bridges

The Divisional/Assistant Engineer should have details of bridges and training/protection works.
Information should be maintained in a register, including:
- Brief history of the bridge and protection works.
- Condition of foundation and protection works.
- Particulars of flood damage and remedial measures adopted.

Danger Level at Bridges

The danger level is the level that, when reached, safety of the bridge is likely to be affected.
The danger level should be fixed for each bridge by the Divisional Engineer.
Factors to be considered when fixing the danger level include:
- Nature of the soil.
- Depth of foundations.
- Existence of scour or erosion.
- High flood level.
- The highest recorded flood level.
- The level of the bed of the river.

Special Inspection during Monsoon

The Assistant Engineer should inspect bridges and their training works during the monsoon season.
The inspection should be done to identify any defects or damages.
The Assistant Engineer should look for signs of danger, including:
- High water level.
- Strong currents.
- Erosion or scour.
- Uplift or settlement of the bridge.

Action to be taken in the case of Weather Warning

On receipt of a weather warning, the Assistant Engineer should take action to ensure the safety of the bridge.
The Assistant Engineer should inspect the bridge and its training works.
Any defects or damages should be repaired immediately.

Pitching Stone, Boulder, and other Monsoon Reserves

The location and quantity of pitching stone, boulder, and other monsoon reserves should be fixed by the Chief Engineer.
The pitching stone, boulder, and other monsoon reserves should be stockpiled before the monsoon season.
The stockpile should be inspected and certified by the Assistant Engineer.

Cross Sections

Cross sections of the river should be prepared in the Divisional Engineer's office.
Copies of the cross sections should be sent to the Headquarters office.
The cross sections should indicate the position of the slopes and apron.
The cross sections should be plotted in different colours to show the progress of the apron pitching.

Damages

The Divisional/Assistant Engineer should inspect bridges and their training works after the rainy season.
Any defects or damages should be repaired before the next rainy season.
Proposals for new works should be framed and sent to the Chief Engineer for approval.

Rivers and Floods Register

A "Rivers and Floods" register should be maintained by the Assistant Engineer.
The register should contain:
- Brief history of the bridge and protection works.
- Condition of foundation and protection works.
- Particulars of flood damage and remedial measures adopted.
- Blueprints of the cross-section diagrams of the bed of the river.
- Survey plans of the course of the river and cross sections of bunds.

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This quiz is about the actions taken by a Permanent Way Inspector at a site to ensure railway safety. It covers the inspection process and safety measures.