Government polytechnic bhuj

civil engneering department

SUB : RAILWAY,HARBOUR & TUNNEL ENGINEERING (3360606)

GUIDE BY : N.V. THAKER

Topic Name : Tools and equipment used in railway track maintenance

PRESENTED BY: BHAVIN PINDORIYA

Objectives of maintenance of railway track

The strength of track structure goes on reducing due to high speed of trains, heavy axel loads and repetition of loads.

The track structure is subjected to other deteriorating effects like rain water, action sun and wind. the wear and tear of rail and rolling stocks is bound to take place.

The track structure has to bear so many other curvatures, speed and load effects, particularly on curves, point and crossings.

Advantages of Good maintenance

The life o both track as well as of rolling stock increases.

The journey becomes easy and comfortable.Increase in safety.Saving in operating costs as fuel consumption is

less.Safety of passengers and goods encourages more

and more use of railways.Higher speed of trains is achieved.

Causes of Maintenance :

The strength of track structures goes on reducing due to high speed of trains, heavy axel loads and repetition of loads.

The track structure is subjected to other deteriorating effects like rain water, action of sun and wind.

The wear and tear of rails and rolling stock is bound to take place.

The track structure has to bear so many other curvatures, speed and load effects, particularly on curves, points and crossings.

Types of Maintenance :

The maintenance of railway track can be devided into two parts :

1. Daily Maintenance2. Periodical Maintenance

3. Daily Maintenance: Daily maintenance is carried out by the full time staff maintained throughout the year. The use of maintenance gauge. All along the railway track, is made. The railway track is divided into suitable sections 5 to 6 km length.

Works carried out by the maintenance gauge are, To check the bolts of fish plates and tighten it if necessaryTo check the rail gaugeTo check the joints.To check the fittings of sleepers and rails.

2.Periodical maintenance : periodic maintenance is carried out after an interval of 2 to 3 years. during periodic maintenance the gauge, levels, alignment, points and crossings etc. are thoroghly checked , the defects are detected , the causes are determined and remedial measures are taken.

The periodic maintenance includes,

1. Leveling of rails 2. Track alighment3. Gauuge4. Proper drainage5. Track components 6. Bridge and its approches 7. Rolling stock8. Points and crossingges9. Level crossings10. tunnels

Tools for railway track maintenance and their functions :

o Hand tools :

beater cum pickaxe

Rail gauge

To check the gauge of tracks.

Spanneer

To tighten or loose fish plate bolts.

Powrah

To handle the ballast..

Jim crow

To bend the rails

Sleepers tongs

To lift up the sleepers

Auger

To drill holes pikes

Shovel

To handle the ballast

Spirit level

To check cross levels of rails.

Craw bar

To correct the track alignment

Claw bar

To remove dog spiikes out of sleepers

mechanical tools :Lifting jacks

To lift large portion of track expeditely

Track liners

To correct the considerable variations in alignment effectively

Electric-tie tampers

To pack ballast under sleepers

THANK YOU