Railway Track Measurement

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Questions and Answers

What is the correct procedure to follow when dealing with a low joint?

Loosen the fishplates and tap the joint to render the rail ends free (correct)

Tighten the fishplates before packing the joint

Pack the joint with concrete before tightening the fishplates

Replace the rail ends before proceeding with any other steps

What is the recommended length of track to be opened out on any one day?

As much as possible to complete the task quickly

More than a kilometer

The entire track to be maintained

Only as much as can be efficiently tackled before the end of the day (correct)

What is the purpose of squaring of sleepers?

To pack the sleepers tightly

To examine the rails and fastenings

To ensure the sleepers are properly aligned (correct)

To check for unevenness in the rails

Why is manual through packing not commonly done in concrete sleeper tracks?

Because multipurpose tampers are not often available Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence of steps in the manual through packing process?

Opening of the road, examination of rails, ... Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of gauging in the manual through packing process?

To check the alignment of the track Signup and view all the answers

When should track maintenance be attended by on-track machines?

When the length of track is more than a kilometer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of repacking joint sleepers?

To maintain the integrity of the joint Signup and view all the answers

Where is corrosion generally heavy?

Areas near the seacoast Signup and view all the answers

What causes wear on rail table?

Higher traffic density Signup and view all the answers

What is flattening of rail table an indication of?

Overloading on inner rail Signup and view all the answers

What causes wear on gauge face?

Heavier axle loads Signup and view all the answers

What is hogging of rail end?

A bent rail end in vertical direction Signup and view all the answers

How is hogging of rail end measured?

By placing a 1 metre long straight edge over the rail table Signup and view all the answers

What causes battering of rail ends?

Excessive joint gaps Signup and view all the answers

Where does flattening of rail table mostly occur?

On the inner rail of a curve Signup and view all the answers

When is it recommended to stand on the cess to observe the movement of sleepers under load?

During the passage of the trains within working hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary need for good track maintenance?

Firm and uniform packing Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended period for complete overhauling of a track section?

3 to 5 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of shallow screening in loop lines?

To prevent ballast degradation Signup and view all the answers

What machine is used for cleaning of shoulder ballast during systematic overhauling?

SBCM (Shoulder Ballast Cleaning Machine) Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the crib ballast after it is shifted to shoulders for screening?

It should be put back in crib portion Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence of operations in overhauling?

Shallow screening and making up of ballast Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the sleepers immediately after the passing of a train?

They should be marked and packed uniformly Signup and view all the answers

Who should lodge a provisional claim with the manufacturer in case of rail failures?

Chief Track Engineer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Executive Director (M&C) scrutinizing the report submitted by the Chemist and Metallurgist?

To verify the findings Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the Executive Director (M&C) feels the need for further investigation?

The Executive Director (M&C) conducts confirmatory tests Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Executive Director (M&C) in case of rail failures other than imported rails?

To call for samples from the Chemist and Metallurgist Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective when dealing with rail fractures or weld failures?

To restore the track with the least possible delay Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action taken by the Gang Mate/Keyman/Trackman when noticing a rail fracture/weld failure?

To protect the track Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Executive Director (M&C) bring to notice the predominant failures attributable to manufacturing defects?

To enable indigenous manufacturers and Inspecting Agency to take corrective action Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of immediate action not being taken when noticing a rail fracture/weld failure?

The track becomes unsafe Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended surface preparation method for rails?

Using hand operated or power operated tools Signup and view all the answers

When should surface preparation of rails not be done?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended thickness of each coat of anti-corrosive bituminous black paint?

100 microns Signup and view all the answers

How often should bituminous painting of rails be done on the inside of the gauge face?

Once a year Signup and view all the answers

What should be painted with anti-corrosive black bituminous paint after surface preparation?

All liners and Elastic Rail Clips Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended interval between two coats of anti-corrosive bituminous paint?

8 hours Signup and view all the answers

Why is wire brushing done at the end of surface preparation?

To obtain a uniform rubbed surface Signup and view all the answers

How often should bituminous painting of rails be done on the non-gauge face side?

Once every three years Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Loose Packing and Gauge

Loose packing is done on the sleeper outside the gauge face (H or P)
Gauge is checked on the sleeper inside the gauge face (G±)

Alignment and Unevenness

Alignment is checked on the foot of rail inside the gauge face (→)
Unevenness is checked on the rail web on the gauge face side (→ ←), and below (↓)

Joint Maintenance

In the case of a low joint, fishplates should be slightly loosened and the joint tapped, then the fishplates should be tightened again
When joints are picked up, at least three sleepers on either side of the joints should be packed

Through Packing by Conventional Manual Method

Normally, manual through packing is not done in concrete sleeper tracks
However, in locations where multipurpose tampers are not available, the following steps should be followed:
- Opening of the road
- Examination of rails, sleepers, and fastenings
- Squaring of sleepers
- Slewing of track to correct alignment
- Gauging
- Packing of sleepers
- Repacking of joint sleepers
- Boxing of ballast section and tidying

Observance of Sleepers under Passage of Traffic

During the passage of trains, the Gang Mate and Track Maintainers should stand on the cess and observe the movement of sleepers under load
Immediately after the passing of the train, loose sleepers should be marked, packed uniformly, and the packing tested

Systematic Overhauling

The length of the section to be overhauled should be such that complete overhauling of the track will be accomplished within a specific period (normally 3 to 5 years)
Shallow screening and making up of ballast should be done using SBCM for cleaning of shoulder ballast
Crib ballast should be shifted to shoulders for screening by the machine, then put back in crib portion
All loop lines should be shallow screened/overhauled once in 7 years or more frequently as required

Rail Corrosion and Wear

Corrosion is generally noticed on the web and foot of the rail
Corrosion is heavy in areas such as:
- Platform lines where trains make prolonged halts
- Sidings where saline or corrosive goods are dealt with
- Near water hydrants due to insufficient drainage
- Tunnels and deep cuttings
- Areas near the seacoast
- Industrial belts
Wear on rail table increases with higher traffic density
Flattening of rail table occurs on the inner rail of a curve due to higher contact stresses
Wear on gauge face is especially pronounced in suburban sections where rolling stock is provided with laterally un-sprung traction motors
Hogging of rail end occurs where the rail end is bent in a vertical direction
Battering of rail ends occurs where the joint gaps are excessive

Anticorrosive Bituminous Coating of Rails

In identified corrosion-prone areas, anticorrosive bituminous coating should be given to rails in the track itself
Surface preparation of rails should be done with hand-operated or power-operated tools
Painting should be done in two coats of 100 microns each by anti-corrosive bituminous black paint
Liners and Elastic Rail Clips should also be painted with anti-corrosive black bituminous paint after cleaning the surface

Action to be taken in case of Rail Fractures/Weld Failures

Immediate action should be taken to restore the track, if necessary with restricted speed, with the least possible delay
The Gang Mate/Keyman/Trackman should first protect the track when noticing a rail fracture/weld failure

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Description

This quiz covers the measurement points for railway tracks, including loose packing, gauge, unevenness, and alignment. Identify the correct measurement points for each type of track defect.