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Types of Rail Track and Their Features
We will introduce three common types of rail track and their features. Rail tracks are the essential components of a railway system, providing a stable and smooth surface for trains to move on. Rail tracks can be classified into different types based on various factors, such as the rail gauge, the construction form, the speed range, and the application scenario.
In this blog, we will introduce three common types of rail track and their features: standard gauge track, narrow gauge track, and broad gauge track.
Standard Gauge Track
Standard gauge track is the most widely used type of rail track in the world, with a rail gauge of 1435mm (4 feet 8 1/2 inches). It accounts for about 60% of the world’s railways, and is adopted by most countries in Europe, North America, and Asia. Standard gauge track can support high-speed trains up to 350 km/h, and is suitable for inter-city, regional, and international rail services. Standard gauge track has a long history, dating back to the ancient Roman era, when the width of the carriage wheelbase was similar to the standard gauge.
The initiator of the standard gauge was George Stephenson, a British engineer who built the first public railway in the world. Standard gauge track has the advantages of compatibility, interoperability, and efficiency, but also the disadvantages of higher construction and maintenance costs, and lower adaptability to complex terrains.
Narrow Gauge Track
This gauge track is the type of rail track that has a rail gauge narrower than the standard gauge, usually ranging from 600mm to 1067mm. It is mainly used in mountainous, hilly, or remote areas, where the terrain is rugged and the curves are sharp. Narrow gauge track can reduce the construction cost and the environmental impact, as it requires less earthwork, materials, and land.
However, narrow gauge track also has some drawbacks, such as lower speed, capacity, and stability, and higher operational risk and difficulty. Some examples of narrow gauge track are the Cape Gauge (1067mm), used in South Africa and Japan, the Swedish Three Foot Gauge (891mm), used in Sweden and Norway, and the Metre Gauge (1000mm), used in India and Southeast Asia.
Broad Gauge Track
Broad gauge track is the type of rail track that has a rail gauge wider than the standard gauge, usually ranging from 1520mm to 2140mm. It is mainly used in regions with large land area and low population density, such as Russia, India, and Australia. Broad gauge track can increase the load capacity, stability, and comfort of trains, and is suitable for freight, passenger, and military transport.
However, broad gauge track also has some disadvantages, such as higher construction and maintenance costs, lower compatibility and interoperability, and greater susceptibility to track deformation and derailment. Some examples of broad gauge track are the Russian Gauge (1520mm), used in Russia and other former Soviet countries, the Iberian Gauge (1668mm), used in Spain and Portugal, and the Brunel Gauge (2140mm), used by the Great Western Railway in Britain in the 19th century.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rail tracks can be divided into different types based on various factors, and each type has its own features, advantages, and disadvantages. The choice of rail track type depends on the specific needs and conditions of each railway project, and should balance the trade-offs between cost, performance, and safety. Rail tracks are the foundation of railway development, and play a vital role in promoting economic and social progress
