Reasons for using crushed stones in railway track

  1. To hold the sleepers in place, both laterally and longitudinally (as they in turn hold the rails in place & help maintain gauge.
  2. To distribute the load of entire moving cargo from rails into the sub-base/formation (ground below the ballast.
  3. To maintain support of and distance between the cross ties.
  4. To restrain heat expansion & contraction (due to thermal stresses), and ground movements.
  5. As ballast provide cushioning effect (thus rendering elastic property to the railway track).
  6. The air voids present between the stones absorb vibrations and make it comfortable, not only for the traveling passengers but also for the residents next to tracks.
  7. To facilitate drainage & stop building up of precipitation from rough weather (which can help — relieve frost heaves & maintain necessary shear stress in sub-base).
  8. To overcome weed & plant growth from underneath.
  9. To absorb much of the sounds & noises produced by train movements.
  10. Minor adjustments can be made in the track as and when required.

 

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