Why do we have stones on the train tracks?

Question

Why do we have stones on the train tracks?

Answer 1

I do not believe we have stones on the train tracks, they are however under the train tracks.  I like to refer to them not as stones, but as gravel.  The reason why engineers use gravel is simply because it provides a stable foundation for the tracks and also because it is relatively inexpensive.  When constructing a railroad, the ability to maintain costs at a minimum is of utmost importance.

Answer 2

i guess if the train falls of the tracks it will slow the speed

Answer 3

They are called Track Ballast : They are to create the track bed that the rails lay on and are used to facilitate drainage of water and to create a even running surface for the train.

Answer 4

to keep the foliage from growing between and into the rails.

Answer 5

The stones act like a cushion for the timbers and helps keeps the timbers in place, so they do not move when the train moves over it.

Answer 6

Bcoz to prevent the movement of tracks when a train passes at full speed.

Answer 7

their called track ballast is used to facilitate drainage of water, and to create an even running surface. consisting of gravel, cinders or other aggregate.

Answer 8

Three reasons......drainage, drainage and drainage.  Some of the worst railroad disasters in history were caused by washouts undermining the tracks.

Answer 9

Because the Beatles have broken up?

Answer 10

One function, often over looked or not under stood, is actually to provide a certain amount of "give" as the equipment passes over.

The next time you see a train pass, at other than a grade crossing, notice that as each set of wheels passes over a section of the track, you will see the steel rail take a little "dip".  This is done to help dissipate the forces where wheel meets rail, improving "track/train dynamics", and could not be accomplished without the ballast.

Answer 11

the stones are actually termed as ballast and ballast acts to support the ties or wood that the rails rest on. if it didnt have the ballast and was just placed on the ground  the rails and ties would just sink into the ground.

Answer 12

it slows the speed when a train loses controll.

Answer 13

The rocks keep the soil from washin away.Without them

,water would undermine the tracks.