💡Track ballast holds sleepers in place, ensuring they don't move when trains pass over them.
🗂️The stones in track ballast interlock with each other, providing load distribution to withstand the pressure of moving trains.
🌊Track ballast prevents water clogging and protects the tracks from rusting.
🌱Vegetation growth around railway tracks is prevented by the stones in track ballast.
🔉The crushed stones in track ballast facilitate noise absorption, making train journeys quieter.
What is track ballast?
—Track ballast refers to the crushed stones that line railroad tracks and provide support to the sleepers and track.
Why are the stones in track ballast jagged?
—The jagged shape of the stones allows them to interlock and stay in place, ensuring the stability of the track.
What happens if track ballast is not maintained?
—If track ballast is not properly maintained, it can accumulate debris, affect drainage, and compromise the integrity of the track.
How often is track ballast replaced?
—Track ballast is replaced when it becomes dirty or ineffective. Regular maintenance and cleaning are carried out, and sometimes a new set of crushed stones is used.
What is a ballast cleaner?
—A ballast cleaner is a machine used to clean track ballast, reducing the need for manual labor.
00:00Track ballast, the crushed stones that line railroad tracks, plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the railway system.
01:54Track ballast holds sleepers in place and prevents them from moving longitudinally or laterally when trains pass over them.
02:43The stones in track ballast interlock with each other, providing load distribution and evenly distributing the immense pressure exerted by heavy trains.
03:08Track ballast prevents water clogging and the accumulation of water on or around the sleepers, protecting the tracks from rusting.
03:53The stones in track ballast prevent the growth of grass, weeds, or plants around the tracks, maintaining the strength and structure of the track.
04:17The crushed stones in track ballast offer a larger surface area than a flat plane, facilitating noise absorption and making train journeys quieter.
