Why does the train tracks have stones in the middle?

Question

is it becuase the vibration caused by the train when it travels on the line so it stays intact

Answer 1

It acts as a base for the track, aids a resilient ride and allows drainage ! ! !

Answer 2

well, your question has already been answered....except by the guy who thinks we dump the toilet on the ballast and that it reduces the noise.....probably a new hire.

Answer 3

Its called ballast and lys on the sleepers to keep the track firm.

Answer 4

For drainage and for stabilization of the track, basically.  Water drains readily through the spaces between the stones, which are collectively called "ballast."  Also, the looseness of the stones allows subtle shifting and settling of the track in response to temerature changes and the pressure of a passing train.

Answer 5

2 reasons

1 is it dampens noise made by train wheels

and 2 it soaks up released toilet waste from the

wastetanks on the train

Answer 6

That is called ballast and it helps the drainage. Also supports to track. And does keep the weed growth down.

Answer 7

It provides a foundation for the track. (Hence the name track bed.) It provides drainage so the sleepers don't rot or stand in water.

Answer 8

It also hold the track in place when there is a change in temperature. Called buck track in summer(track bend due to heat) and pulling( track try to go down hill in the curves due to cold temperatures).

Answer 9

called ballast, aids in water drainage.most good answers are above.. except for the crapper comment..lol.. i get a 'rail-car(s)' in every other week weighing close to 10 tons.. you want that kind of weight traveling over dirt? they need a foundation for that kind of haul..

imagine a train. say 50 cars long. each car at a different weight ?  try pulling/pushing that kind of load with dirt/ concrete/asphalt underneath?  eventually it WILL become unstable,sink/crack/buckle..

Answer 10

its called Ballast and is there to give the track a bed of very slightly springy material.every now and again a machine is used to repack this material and give the track back its cushion, called a Plasamatic Line Tamping Machine.it runs under its own power and digs away at the ballast guided by an operator.

Track is made up of sleepers now made of concrete by Dow Mac ,On top of the sleepers are Chairs made of steel and the rails are held in place using a Key Bolt.

have a look next time you are at a station. a 12v current passes down the rails to form a small curcuit that is relayed to the signal box to tell the signalman where the train is,the train breaks this 12v signal and therefore shows up it!s position.

The ballast is made of crushed and shapped portland stone.

source

I did 14 years with British Rail..

Answer 11

This site may give you the answer:  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_tracks

If not, try a Yahoo Search:  train tracks stone middle

or                                       :  train tracks gravel middle

Good luck.

Answer 12

The stones or as it is called in the industry, ballast , is there to keep the railroad ties from moving around, which keeps the rails at the proper gauge, or alignment

Answer 13

i think it helps support the sleepers.

Answer 14

To support the rail and water drainage...

Answer 15

I used to think it:

1 Provided a base for the track structure;

2 Allowed for good drainage;

3 Held the track structure in place;

4 Allow for some "give" when a train is running over it to dissipate some of the high force levels where wheel meets rail;

5 Allow for some restricted movement to help with problems associated with contraction and expansion with temperature changes.

But now I'm pretty sure it's there for people to ask questions....

P.S.  Actually, vibration plays a major roll.  When the roadbed has been disturbed by replacing ties or replacing ballast, a temporary speed restriction is placed on the area with the disturbed track.  It remains there for several days while the structure "consolidates," which is an engineering term referring to all the ballast solidifying through the vibrations and the passing train.  After everything has been "shaken into place," as it were, the speed restriction is lifted and again all is right with the universe .....

Answer 16

Partly. It's to prevent grass and weeds. And it's far cheaper to maintain than asphalt.  Plus vibrations would prob affect asphalt after a while.

Answer 17

1.) It is also called as ballst.

2.) used to avoid the displacement of sleepers. due to passage of trains

3.) to admit efficient drainage.

4.) To provide hard levelled foundation.

Answer 18

Track ballast, consisting of gravel, cinders or other aggregate, forms the trackbed upon which railroad ties (US) or railway sleepers (UK) are laid. It is used to facilitate drainage of water, and to create an even running surface. This also serves to hold the track in place as the trains roll by.

Answer 19

The stone makes up what is called a railroad bed. The stone foundation gives the strength needed to support the weight of the train. The stone holds the railroad ties and the ties hold the rails.