Railway Ballasts Explained for SSC & Railway Exams
Railway **ballasts** are crushed stones that support the weight of trains and provide drainage. Learn about their importance and how they work.
Ballasts are a crucial component of railway tracks. They are crushed stones that form the trackbed upon which rail tracks are laid. The primary function of ballasts is to absorb the energy produced by heavy and fast-moving trains and distribute them evenly across the ground, providing stability to the tracks.
Introduction & Concept Overview
The crushed stones arranged in the form of a bed are known as ballast. They are used in major railway networks worldwide and are helpful in spreading the train's weight over a wide area, draining water instantly from the tracks, and providing the flexibility of shifting the stones as the track shifts. Ballast is a layer of hard, crushed stone that is placed below and around the wooden or concrete beams that hold the rail track apart.
Complete List of Ballast Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight Distribution | Ballast distributes the weight of the train outward, reducing the pressure on the rails and sleepers. |
| Drainage | Ballast allows rainwater to flow straight to the bed of the ballast, preventing accumulation around the sleepers. |
| Track Stability | Ballast provides stability to the tracks, preventing them from shifting or bending under the weight of the train. |
Key Facts & Figures to Memorize
- The recommended ballast cushion below the sleeper for Indian Railways Broad Gauge Network is 250 mm.
- The recommended ballast cushion for main lines is 350 mm.
- The size of the crushed stones used as ballast is around 50 mm.
- Ballast is typically made of granite, basalt, or quartzite.
Memory Tricks & Mnemonics
To remember the functions of ballast, you can use the acronym BAD:
- B
- Ballast distributes weight
- A
- Allows drainage
- D
- Provides track stability
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of ballast in railway tracks?
A: The primary function of ballast is to absorb the energy produced by heavy and fast-moving trains and distribute them evenly across the ground, providing stability to the tracks.
Q: What type of stones are used as ballast?
A: Ballast is typically made of granite, basalt, or quartzite.
Q: What is the recommended ballast cushion for Indian Railways Broad Gauge Network?
A: The recommended ballast cushion below the sleeper for Indian Railways Broad Gauge Network is 250 mm.
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