Important 100 Civil Engineering Terminologies of Indian Railways
Civil engineering in Indian Railways is a vast field, encompassing many specialized terms. These terms are crucial for understanding the technical and operational aspects of railway infrastructure. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply someone interested in the workings of Indian Railways, this article will provide a comprehensive list of the most important civil engineering terminologies associated with Indian Railways.
1. Ballast:
Ballast is the layer of crushed stone or gravel that provides stability to the railway track. It helps in distributing the load and prevents the track from shifting.
2. Culvert:
A culvert is a structure that allows water to pass under a railway track, preventing flooding and erosion. It is typically a tunnel or a pipe.
3. Embankment:
The embankment is the raised structure of earth or other material on which railway tracks are laid. It ensures the tracks remain stable and level.
4. Turnout:
A turnout is a set of points or switches in a railway track that allows trains to move from one track to another. It is an essential component of railway signaling systems.
5. Track Geometry:
Track geometry refers to the design and alignment of railway tracks, including their curvature, cant, and elevation. Proper track geometry ensures smooth train movement and safety.
6. Superstructure:
The superstructure is the part of the railway track that is above the foundation. It includes the rails, ties (sleepers), ballast, and other components that support the train.
7. Substructure:
The substructure refers to the foundation and other components beneath the track, including the sub-ballast and the track bed, which provide support and stability.
8. Sleeper (Tie):
A sleeper, or tie, is the rectangular base laid under the rail to support the track and keep the rails spaced correctly. It can be made of wood, concrete, or steel.
9. Rail Cant:
Rail cant refers to the angle at which the track is tilted, with the outer rail elevated slightly higher than the inner rail to allow trains to navigate curves smoothly.
10. Welded Rail:
Welded rail consists of long, continuous lengths of rail joined together to minimize the number of joints. This results in smoother and quieter train operations.
11. Scour:
Scour refers to the erosion of soil around railway foundations caused by water flow. Scour is particularly dangerous to bridges and culverts.
12. Shunting:
Shunting is the process of moving train cars between different tracks or sidings. This operation is essential for organizing trains and preparing them for departure.
13. Crossing:
A railway crossing is a location where two tracks intersect. It can either be a level crossing (on the same level) or a grade-separated crossing (via an overpass or underpass).
14. Bridge Pier:
A bridge pier is a vertical support structure that holds up the bridge over a water body or other obstacles. It is essential for maintaining the stability of railway bridges.
15. Ballastless Track:
Ballastless track refers to track systems that do not require ballast to support the rail. This type of track is typically used for high-speed or urban railway systems.
16. Cantilever:
A cantilever is a structure that is supported at only one end, like a bridge or a section of track extending over a gap.
17. Grade Separation:
Grade separation refers to the practice of elevating or lowering the railway tracks to avoid intersections with roads or other tracks.
18. Rail Joints:
Rail joints are the components that connect two sections of rail. Properly fitted joints help maintain track integrity and allow for smooth movement of trains.
19. Track Circuit:
A track circuit is a signaling mechanism used to detect the presence of a train on a particular section of track. It helps in controlling train movements and ensuring safety.
20. Earthwork:
Earthwork involves the excavation, transport, and placement of soil or rock to create a stable foundation for railway tracks or embankments.
21. Fishplate:
A fishplate is a metal plate used to join two lengths of rail together. It helps maintain the alignment of the track and ensures smooth train passage.
22. Overhead Bridge:
An overhead bridge is a structure built to allow the passage of trains below, often used to carry pedestrian or vehicle traffic over the railway tracks.
23. Laying of Track:
Laying of track refers to the process of placing the rail, ties, ballast, and other components to form a railway line.
24. Bogie:
A bogie is a wheeled chassis that supports a railway car or locomotive. It is designed to distribute the weight of the car and allow smooth movement on tracks.
25. Slope Protection:
Slope protection is the practice of stabilizing the sides of embankments or cuttings to prevent erosion and landslides, ensuring the stability of railway tracks.
26. Reinforced Concrete (RC):
Reinforced Concrete is a construction material made from concrete and steel reinforcement, used extensively in the construction of railway bridges, tracks, and stations.
27. Track Alignment:
Track alignment refers to the horizontal and vertical positioning of the railway track. It ensures proper curvature and leveling for smooth train movement.
28. Slab Track:
Slab track is a track structure where the rails are directly fixed to concrete slabs instead of the traditional ballast track. It is used for high-speed trains.
29. Tamping:
Tamping is the process of compacting the ballast beneath the railway track to ensure its stability and alignment.
30. Vibration Isolation:
Vibration isolation refers to methods used to reduce the impact of vibrations from passing trains on the surrounding environment and structures.
31. Rail Profile:
The rail profile is the shape of the rail section, including its head, web, and foot, designed for optimal strength and safety.
32. Overhead Equipment (OHE):
Overhead equipment refers to the electrical infrastructure used to supply power to electric trains, including wires, cables, and supporting structures.
33. Track Maintenance:
Track maintenance involves the regular inspection and repair of railway tracks to ensure safety and prevent derailments or accidents.
34. Cross Tie (Cross Beam):
A cross tie is a structural element that supports the track rails. It connects two adjacent beams or rails to ensure stability.
35. Gradient:
Gradient refers to the slope of the railway track, which affects the speed and fuel efficiency of trains.
36. Drainage System:
The drainage system in railway infrastructure helps manage water flow, preventing track damage caused by flooding and ensuring track stability.
37. Track Laying Machine (TLM):
A track laying machine is an automated piece of equipment used to lay and align railway tracks efficiently.
38. Foundation:
Foundation refers to the structural base that supports the entire weight of railway infrastructure, including tracks, stations, and bridges.
39. Point Machine:
Point machines are mechanical devices used to move the track switches (points) for changing the direction of trains on the tracks.
40. Signal Gantry:
A signal gantry is a supporting structure that holds railway signals above the tracks to direct train movements.
41. Underbridge:
An underbridge is a bridge built beneath a railway track to allow vehicles, pedestrians, or waterways to pass through.
42. Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS):
TPWS is an automated system designed to prevent collisions by controlling train speed and automatically applying the brakes when necessary.
43. Earth Pressure Balance (EPB):
EPB refers to a type of tunneling method used to construct underground sections of railway tracks, where soil pressure is balanced during excavation.
44. Platform Screen Doors:
Platform screen doors are barriers installed at railway stations between platforms and tracks to enhance passenger safety.
45. Sleeper Density:
Sleeper density is the number of railway ties (sleepers) used per unit length of track, affecting track stability and load distribution.
46. Track Circuit Block (TCB):
A track circuit block is a signaling system that ensures that no two trains occupy the same track section at the same time.
47. Foamed Concrete:
Foamed concrete is a lightweight form of concrete used for filling voids under tracks or as a material for slab tracks in certain conditions.
48. Punching Shear:
Punching shear refers to a type of failure in the concrete structure, typically occurring under heavy point loads, such as rail ties or bridge supports.
49. Rail Head:
The rail head is the top part of the rail that comes into direct contact with the wheels of the train.
50. Cement Stabilized Base (CSB):
Cement Stabilized Base is a material used to improve the stability of the track substructure by mixing cement with the soil.
51. Overloading:
Overloading occurs when the load placed on the railway track or bridge exceeds the design capacity, leading to potential track deformation or failure.
52. Track Geometry Car:
A track geometry car is a specialized vehicle used for the measurement and inspection of the track geometry, including alignment and profile.
53. Geotextile:
Geotextiles are materials used to enhance the stability of soil and prevent erosion around railway embankments or under railway tracks.
54. Ballast Regulator:
A ballast regulator is a machine used to maintain the distribution of ballast around railway tracks for optimal track stability.
55. Cant Deficiency:
Cant deficiency occurs when the outer rail in a curve is not raised enough to compensate for the centrifugal force, potentially leading to instability.
56. Impact Load:
Impact load refers to the dynamic load exerted on the track due to the motion of trains, especially at high speeds.
57. Axle Load:
Axle load is the weight borne by each axle of a train, which must be accounted for when designing track structures to prevent damage.
58. Level Crossing:
A level crossing is a point where a railway track intersects a road at the same level, often equipped with signals or gates for safety.
59. Concreting:
Concreting involves the process of pouring concrete into molds or structures, such as for the construction of railway bridges or viaducts.
60. Train Shed:
A train shed is a large roofed structure where trains are stored, serviced, or maintained, often found in railway stations.
61. Bollard:
A bollard is a sturdy post used at the edge of railway platforms to prevent train collisions with the platform.
62. Rolling Stock:
Rolling stock refers to all vehicles that move on the railway tracks, including trains, locomotives, and carriages.
63. Lateral Stability:
Lateral stability refers to the ability of railway tracks and structures to resist forces that may cause them to shift sideways under load.
64. Timber Ties:
Timber ties, or wooden sleepers, were once the standard choice for supporting tracks. They are still used in some rural areas due to their cost-effectiveness.
65. Electrification:
Electrification involves the installation of overhead wires or third rails to power electric trains.
66. Geogrid:
Geogrids are synthetic materials used for soil stabilization, often used in track foundations and embankments.
67. Turnout Gear:
Turnout gear refers to the mechanical components that allow the track points to be moved for switching trains between tracks.
68. Paving Blocks:
Paving blocks are used for creating walkways or surfaces in and around railway stations and platforms.
69. Traffic Block:
A traffic block is the temporary suspension of train services in a section of track for maintenance or repair.
70. Track Stagger:
Track stagger refers to the misalignment of rails on parallel tracks, ensuring that opposing trains do not run directly opposite each other.
71. Bearing Plate:
A bearing plate is used to distribute the load of the railway track over the supporting foundation or base.
72. Cutting:
A cutting is an excavation made to lay tracks through a hill or elevated ground, typically requiring support structures to prevent soil collapse.
73. Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM):
A tunnel boring machine is a large, specialized piece of equipment used for creating tunnels for underground railway sections.
74. Catenary:
The catenary is the system of overhead wires used to deliver electrical power to trains, supported by poles or gantries.
75. Graded Track:
Graded track refers to a track that has been constructed with a specific incline or decline, usually for overcoming topographical challenges.
76. Braking Distance:
Braking distance refers to the distance required for a train to come to a complete stop once the brakes are applied.
77. Bridge Deck:
The bridge deck is the surface of a bridge that supports the railway track, providing a flat surface for train movement.
78. Scour Protection:
Scour protection measures are designed to protect the foundations of bridges and embankments from erosion caused by water flow.
79. Crosstie Plate:
A crosstie plate is a metal plate placed beneath the rails and the cross ties to secure the rails to the ties.
80. Stressed Rail:
Stressed rail is a type of rail that has been preloaded with stress to reduce the risk of track distortion under heavy loads.
81. Track Circuits and Signal Systems:
Track circuits and signal systems are used to monitor train locations and control traffic flow, improving railway safety.
82. Swivel Joint:
A swivel joint is a rotating connection used in turnouts and track switches to allow smooth movement of the track.
83. Axle Box:
An axle box is the component that houses the bearing and allows the train’s axle to rotate smoothly.
84. Track Clearance:
Track clearance is the horizontal and vertical space around the railway track, ensuring that trains can pass without obstruction.
85. Coupling:
Coupling refers to the mechanism that joins two train cars together, allowing them to move as one unit.
86. Perron:
A perron is a raised platform at a railway station where passengers board and alight from trains.
87. Vibrational Monitoring:
Vibrational monitoring is the process of assessing and analyzing vibrations in the track structure to prevent potential damage.
88. Bridge Approach:
A bridge approach is the section of track leading to a bridge, designed to ensure smooth transitions for trains entering or leaving the bridge.
89. Track Foundation:
Track foundation is the base or structure that supports the railway track, typically made from compacted soil, stone, or concrete.
90. Track Inspection Vehicle:
A track inspection vehicle is used for routine monitoring of the track’s condition, checking for any faults or wear.
91. Underpass:
An underpass is a tunnel that allows vehicles or pedestrians to cross beneath a railway line.
92. Locomotive Shed:
A locomotive shed is a facility where locomotives are stored, maintained, and serviced.
93. Signal Box:
A signal box is a control center where train movements are monitored and signals are managed.
94. Track Shifting:
Track shifting refers to the process of moving a section of railway track from one location to another for operational or maintenance reasons.
95. Trench Track:
Trench track refers to track systems laid in a trench, typically used in urban environments to reduce noise and improve aesthetics.
96. Rail Expansion:
Rail expansion is the increase in rail length due to temperature changes, requiring expansion joints to accommodate this movement.
97. Overhead Bridge:
An overhead bridge provides a safe crossing for passengers and vehicles over railway tracks.
98. Platform Pavement:
Platform pavement refers to the surface or flooring on railway platforms, designed for pedestrian safety and durability.
99. Rail Cutting:
Rail cutting involves trimming or shaping rails to fit track requirements during construction or repairs.
100. Bogie Suspension:
Bogie suspension is the system used to absorb shocks and vibrations, improving the comfort and safety of railway travel.
Key Takeaways:
- The above 100 civil engineering terms play a crucial role in the design, construction, and maintenance of Indian Railways infrastructure.
- Understanding these terms is essential for professionals working in or studying the field of railway engineering.
- Civil engineering innovations and improvements in Indian Railways ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
