The Functions of Railway Ballast

The ballast is a very important part of the railway, is the basis of track frame. Next, we will introduce the basic knowledge of railway ballast. The ballast usually refers to the gravel cushion under the railway sleeper, it provides a paving a road surface for the railway track. The main role is to support the sleeper, and evenly transfer huge pressure to the sleeper roadbed. And it can keep the sleeper in right position of sleeper, prevent the sleepers form vertical or horizontal movement, which greatly reduce the deformation of subgrade, mitigate the impact of wheels put on steel rails and be convenient to drainage.

The rubble, gravel or concrete layer, as the basis of a rail or track frame, is laying on the roadbed, bridge or tunnel, under the rail, sleeper or supporting block. The ballast is the small piece of granite of with the diameter of 20~70mm. The gaps and friction between the blocks make track has certain elasticity, which can absorb the shock and vibration of the vehicles. So that the train can run smoothly, it greatly improves the working condition of vehicle and the rail, sleeper and other parts. Prolong the service life of railway track and the vehicles. The elasticity of ballast once lost, the load reinforced on the concrete sleeper will increase 50~80% compared to normal state.

There are many railway accessories, it is necessary to choose good performance accessories so that to improve the safety of railway lines.