2006-06-23 23:24:45 · 6 answers · asked by n0b0dy00 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Rail
yes it is to distribute weight etc but the primary purpose is also drainage as mentioned in one result above.
In the coal loop - the open rail cars carrying coal - he coal powder fly and fills the ballast and when it rains the coal powder hardens and water starts logging and degrades the wooden ties.
2006-06-24 06:12:41 · answer #1 · answered by jini 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The gravel is actually called 'ballast'. This is used for support of the tracks. The amount of weight that a single railroad car bears on the tracks is tremendous. Without the support the railroad ties and rails would sink into the soil below it. Some early railroad beds did not have ballast.
2006-06-23 23:35:10 · answer #2 · answered by LDYDRGN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Shock absorber
2. Water drainage
3. If make dificult for people to walk on rail road
4. Identify and locate the rail lines from a distance
5. Looks good
2006-06-26 05:58:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To help absorb the shock and weight of the trains. It keeps the ground around the tracks from being vibrated as much, therefore lasting longer.
2006-06-23 23:28:25 · answer #4 · answered by dj_cliffhanger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, yes, it disperses weight, and helps hold the track and such... But no one has mentioned its other important purpose!
Drainage! Standing water on tracks is not good, especially with wood ties...
2006-06-24 02:03:43 · answer #5 · answered by DT89ACE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ballast supports the trackage and disperses the weight of the consist.
2006-06-23 23:30:57 · answer #6 · answered by Alibi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋