2006-07-26 03:33:11 · 5 answers · asked by Eric 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Rail
Track ballast, consisting of gravel, cinders or other aggregate, forms the trackbed upon which railway ties (US) or sleepers (UK) are laid. It is used to facilitate drainage of water, and to create even running surface.The ballast also holds the track in place as the trains roll by. Over time, ballast is crushed by the weight of trains passing over it, and periodically it needs to be replaced. If this is not done, the tracks become uneven. In recent years, methods have been developed to put tracks on concrete without using conventional sleepers or track ballast. While this method's construction cost is high, this system is expected to have significantly lower maintenance cost than conventional tracks. It is mainly used on high-speed lines and in tunnels, where maintenance access is difficult.
2006-07-26 07:03:37 · answer #1 · answered by cookiesandcorn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The stones are called Ballast, Kato hit it on the head. Gives the rail a good Level foundation as well as some support to keep it from moving around too much.
2006-07-26 12:55:12 · answer #2 · answered by baronmech@prodigy.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't burn. And the trains going bu can create fire by great pressure
2006-07-26 10:37:52 · answer #3 · answered by Grundoon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
an inexpensive stable foundation with good drainage
2006-07-26 10:37:13 · answer #4 · answered by Kato 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THE BALLAST PROVIDEDS LOAD BEARING SUPPORT THE SAME REASON WE DO IT FOR ASPHALT IS MY GUESS!
2006-07-26 18:16:15 · answer #5 · answered by DEE W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋