Introduction 🚂💎🛤️

Railway tracks are essential for the transportation of goods and people. To ensure the safe and efficient operation of railway tracks, various components play a crucial role, including crushed stones, which are also known as ballast. Crushed stones are small, rough stones that are placed in a layer underneath the railway tracks. In this blog post, we will discuss the most important reason why crushed stones are used in railway tracks, along with other benefits.

We will also explore the sharp edges of crushed stones and their impact on railway tracks.

1. Stability and Load Distribution🚂

The most important reason for using crushed stones in railway tracks is to provide stability and load distribution. The stones create a firm and solid base that helps distribute the weight of the train uniformly along the track. This helps reduce the risk of derailment and other accidents. The stones also offer excellent support to the sleepers, which are the beams that hold the rails in place. Without the support of the crushed stones, the weight of the train would cause the sleepers to sink into the ground, causing instability and a higher risk of derailment.

2. Resistance to Deformation💎

Another benefit of using crushed stones is their resistance to deformation. Railway tracks are subject to a lot of stress and deformation due to the weight of the trains. Crushed stones are resistant to deformation, which helps maintain the stability of the tracks over time. The stones also help distribute the load of the trains evenly, reducing the risk of deformation and other structural issues.

3. Drainage🛤️

Proper drainage is critical to ensure the tracks remain stable and safe. Railway tracks are exposed to different weather conditions, and the accumulation of water on the tracks can lead to erosion and other problems. Crushed stones are porous, which allows water to flow through them easily. This helps to prevent the accumulation of water on the tracks, which can lead to erosion and other problems.

4.Maintenance💼

The use of crushed stones in railway tracks also helps to reduce maintenance costs. The stones are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. When damaged or worn out, they can be easily removed and replaced without causing significant disruption to the rail system. This helps to keep maintenance costs low and the rail system running smoothly.

5.Safety🚧

The use of crushed stones in railway tracks also improves safety. The stones help prevent the accumulation of debris on the tracks, which can be dangerous for trains. The stones also help provide a firm base that reduces the risk of derailment and other accidents.

6.Construction🏗️

Crushed stones are also used during the construction of railway tracks. They are used as a base layer for the tracks, providing stability and load distribution. The stones are compacted to form a solid base that helps support the tracks and withstand the weight of the trains.

Why Sharp Edged Crushed Stones in Railway Tracks ?

One of the characteristics of crushed stones that makes them suitable for railway tracks is their sharp edges. The sharp edges of the stones interlock with each other, providing excellent stability and load distribution. The sharp edges also help the stones lock in place and prevent them from moving around, providing a solid base for the railway tracks.

However, the sharp edges of the crushed stones can also have a negative impact on the railway tracks. Over time, the sharp edges can wear down the sleepers and rails, causing them to become uneven and unstable. This can increase the risk of derailment and other accidents. To prevent this from happening, the crushed stones must be regularly inspected and replaced if necessary.

Conclusion🎯

In conclusion, the most important reason for using crushed stones in railway tracks is to provide stability and load distribution. The stones also offer benefits such as resistance to deformation, proper drainage, low maintenance costs, safety, and their usefulness during construction.