The Importance of Railway in Transportation

Faculty of engineering - Shoubra
Benha University
Research Article
in fulfillment of the requirements of
Department Surveying Engineering Department
Division
Academic Year Second Year Surveying
Course name Highway, Railway and Tunnels
Course code SUR221
Topic 2: The Importance of Railway in Transportation
By:
Name Edu mail B. N
Ahmed Yasser Ahmed Mohamed Nassar ahmed170165@feng.bu.edu.eg 210018
Approved by:
Examiners committee Signature
.‫م‬.‫أ‬
‫د‬
‫العباس‬ ‫أبو‬ ‫يوسف‬ .
‫شهاب‬ .‫م‬.‫د‬
‫حسن‬
‫رشوان‬ ‫كريم‬ .‫م‬.‫د‬
‫حامد‬ ‫محمود‬ .‫د‬.‫أ‬

Benha University
Faculty of Engineering - Shoubra
Academic year 2019-2020
1 | P a g e
Topic 2: The Importance of Railway in Transportation
Abstract
This research article mainly talks about railways. An account of the long history of
centuries-old railways will be mentioned. Hence the vital importance of the railways
and its role in all fields. Then the types of railway elements (rail, sleepers, and ballast).
Then we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of each. Finally, the design of
rail with all needed geometric equations.

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Table of Contents
Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... 1
1. History of Railway Development....................................................................................... 4
2. The Importance of Railway in Transportation ................................................................... 6
3. Types of Track Elements.................................................................................................... 8
3.1.1. Double Headed Rail.............................................................................................. 9
3.1.2. Bull Headed Rail................................................................................................... 9
3.1.3. Flat Footed Rail .................................................................................................. 10
3.2. Sleepers...................................................................................................................... 10
3.2.1. Timber (Wooden) sleepers.................................................................................. 11
3.2.2. Metal sleepers ..................................................................................................... 11
3.2.3. Concrete Sleepers ............................................................................................... 12
3.3. Ballast ........................................................................................................................ 12
3.3.1. Sand ballast......................................................................................................... 12
3.3.2. Moorum ballast................................................................................................... 13
3.3.3. Cinder ballast ...................................................................................................... 13
3.3.4. Broken stone ballast............................................................................................ 13
4. Merits and Demerits ......................................................................................................... 14
4.1.1. Bull Headed Rail................................................................................................. 14
4.1.2. Flat Footed Rail .................................................................................................. 14
4.2.1. Timber (Wooden) sleepers.................................................................................. 15
4.2.2. Metal sleepers ..................................................................................................... 15
4.2.3. Concrete Sleepers ............................................................................................... 16
4.3.1. Sand ballast......................................................................................................... 16
4.3.2. Moorum ballast................................................................................................... 17
4.3.3. Cinder (Coal ash) ballast..................................................................................... 17
4.3.4. Broken stone (Gravel) ballast ............................................................................. 17
5. Design of Rail................................................................................................................... 18
6. References ........................................................................................................................ 23

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List of Figures
Figure I.D. Description Page
Figure 1-1 The Diolkos - The Father of The Railways 33
Figure 1-2 The Wooden Wagonways of Britain 33
Figure1- 3 World's First Steam Train 34
Figure 1-4 Richard Trevithick's Steam Locomotive 34
Figure 1-5 The First Electric Passenger Train 35
Figure 1-6 The Bullet Train - Shinkansen 35
Figure 3-1 Track Elements 37
Figure 3-2 Rail 37
Figure 3-3 Double Headed Rail 38
Figure 3-4 Bull Headed Rail 38
Figure 3-5 Flat Footed Rail 39
Figure 3-6 Sleepers 39
Figure 3-7 Timber (Wooden) Sleeper 40
Figure 3-8 Metal Sleepers 40
Figure 3-9 Mono-block concrete sleepers 41
Figure 3-10 Twin-block concrete sleepers 41
Figure 3-11 Sand Ballast 42
Figure 3-12 Cinder Ballast 42
Figure 3-13 Broken stone ballast 42
Figure 4-1 Vignole Rail Cross-section and Dimensions 47
Figure 4-2 Egypt Rail Dimension Models 50

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1.History of Railway Development.
In the Middle Ages, people traveled on foot or horseback, and other forms of transport
were intended for goods. It is impossible to imagine the revolution that took place in
industry and population expansion without the modern means of transportation for
passengers and goods. So, the development of railways to coincide with industrial
progress was a major challenge. In ancient civilizations in Egypt, Greece…etc,
transportation of transporting goods and people by carts (drawn by bulls or horses), and
they built predetermined methods to reduce animal energy consumption during
transport, paved flat roads and prevented animals from walking on unpaved terrain
Because this consumes much energy, this was the first transportation lines in the world.
In the eighteenth century there was a simplified railway network in Britain, which
were carts made of wooden or stone panels pulled by horses from the mine to the factory
(Figure 2), and vice versa, but it proved ineffective when the loads increased As
industrial Revolution advanced, wood was replaced - because it was corroded - with
iron and cast iron plates, and then iron bars and wheeled wheels were used.
As James Watt invented the stationary steam engine, steam engines emerged. inventors
began developing these engines by the nineteenth century. One of the most important
designs that were developed were the rooms that transfer more steam to mechanical
energy and were called "non-condensing high-pressure chambers".
Figure 1-1: The Diolkos - The Father of The Railways. Figure 1-2: The Wooden Wagonways of Britain

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By 1804, Richard Trevitec designed a locomotive that could pull 25 tons and 70 people
on its first voyage. From this moment on, compressed steam engines were installed to
transport goods and people. By this time, old rail rails were developed to support steam
locomotive loads.
And in the late twenties of the nineteenth-century trains appeared in their commercial
form, where the English inventor designed a steam engine that is easier to use and more
durable. Soon his designs went to America. Also, during this period, the fields of civil
engineering entered the task of building railways, tunnels, bridges, drainage and
excavation work, and all infrastructure works for train stations and railways .With
technological developments in the following decades, huge developments occurred in
locomotive technology and the development of underground railway tracks began. But
over time, smoke caused the tunnels to cause many complaints. In 1837, the first electric
railroad in Scotland was built by Robert Davidson. Where he relied on galvanic cells.
In 1890, the London train fleet was modernized with electric motors. Then the subway
era appeared all over the world. Then came the era of diesel engines that ended the era
of steam locomotives, especially after World War II. Where diesel provided more
energy than coal and electricity. Over time, diesel engines were combined with electric
motors, to make the trains use the best tools. In 1906 the first diesel-based railway was
built in Switzerland. Then entered the revolution of high-speed trains, where its speeds
reached 270 miles per hour, to this days, networks of high-speed trains are being built
all over the world.
Figure1- 3: World's First Steam Train Figure 1-4: Richard Trevithick's Steam Locomotive

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2.The Importance of Railway in Transportation
As the population increases, countries face an increasing need to move goods within
and across their borders with other countries. Roads and railways dominate the
transportation of goods on the ground. The larger the country or region and has broader
economic interests, the greater the need for a large rail network within the
manufacturing and logistics. There are many options available for transporting goods,
for example ships, planes, trailers, and railways. Each of them has its advantages.
Railways are the best option for several reasons, including:
• High speed at long distances
The railway is characterized by long-distance travel with few waiting times, so it can
travel long distances in very short times, so the Passengers and goods arrive at their
scheduled times. it is the best choice for long distances.
• Trustworthy
Rail is not affected by weather conditions like any other means of transportation. For
example, they move in rain, fog, and even snow, unlike trucks, that are stationed until
conditions are clear.
Figure 1-5: The First Electric Passenger Train Figure 1-6: The Bullet Train - Shinkansen

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• Safe
Railways are the safest and least chance for accidents and railway collapses compared
to the rest of the means of transportation and dealing with goods and permanent
observation throughout the trip secures the railway. In addition to the fact that less
dependence on the human factor reduces errors.
• Organized
Rail transport has fixed schedules and a specific track to move and arrive, so it is easy
to monitor the goods.
• Economical price
Trains are one of the cheapest means of transportation compared to others. By rail, a lot
of goods can be transported by one train, which saves shipping and transportation costs.
This is very important for companies.
• Suitable for bulky goods
The carrying capacity of the railway is very large compared to other means of
transportation, so it is more suitable for heavy and bulky goods for long distances. In
addition to that the train capacity can be increased by adding more carts without any
problems to meet the transportation needs. It is also possible to transport goods from the
railway to water, truck, and vice versa. This provides a transport environment for the
goods to their desired destination, whatever their capacity.
• Environment friendly
Rail transport is the best option for transporting goods and preserving the environment
together. The railway is 4 times more fuel-efficient than trucks. And reduce traffic
congestion. In addition to fighting noise pollution. So, it is the most environmentally
friendly among all means of transportation.

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3.Types of Track Elements
The track is the part of the railway that carries the axes of the railcar and locomotives
directly and transfers its loads to a larger area of the surface of the railway with a stress
in the limits until the traffic becomes smooth and safe. The track consists of parallel bars
fixed on the sleepers with a fixed and defined distance between tracks. sleepers are
buried in a layer of stones known as ballast. The rail is attached to the bolts and fixed to
the sleepers.
The permanent track consists of:
3.1.Rail
The rails are a component of the track that extends in the form of two bars parallel
horizontally. Its function is that it is the track that contact with the wheels of the train.
It is made of high carbon steel to be able to carry loads.
Figure 3-1: Track Elements
Figure 3-2: Rail

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Types of rail are:
3.1.1. Double Headed Rail
These rails represent the first stages of the development of the rails, mainly consist of:
• Upper-Table
• Web
• Lower Table
The upper and lower parts were identical, and the goal was to
increase the life span of the rails as if the upper part was
affected it could be turned upside down, so the lower part
would be used in place of the upper part. However, these rails
failed due to the roughness of the lower part in contact with
the chair throughout. The era of double-headed rails ended.
3.1.2. Bull Headed Rail
As in the Double-headed, Bull Headed rail mainly consists of:
• Head
• Web
• Foot
These rail are made of more metal -steel- than the double
head rail, the head has more metal than the foot, but the foot
was wider than the head to distribute the loads on it and to
provide the necessary strength and stiffness and to hold
wooden keys. In this type of rail, two cast iron chairs are used
for each sleeper.
Figure 3-3: Double Headed Rail
Figure 3-4: Bull Headed Rail

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3.1.3. Flat Footed Rail
Also known as “Vignole Rail” (for its inventor
Charles Vignoles). flat-footed railway was developed
as an inverted-T rail cross-section. It can be fixed
directly on the sleepers with nails only, this type gives
the strength and lateral stability of the track compared
to the previous types, in addition to that it is more
economical than the previous types.
Like its predecessors, it consists of:
• Head
• The web
• Foot
The foot spreads to form a base. About 90% of the countries in the world use flat footed
rail.
3.2.Sleepers
Sleepers are the transverse ties that are laid to support the rails firmly and evenly. They
have an important role in the track as they transmit the wheel load from the rails to the
ballast to absorb the vibrations of the trains. it also used to maintain the rail gauge and
align the rail correctly. There are various types of sleepers used in railways, according
to their suitability, availability, economy, and design. Based on the material used in the
construction.
Figure 3-5: Flat Footed Rail
Figure 3-6: Sleepers

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the sleepers are classified into:
3.2.1. Timber (Wooden) sleepers
Despite the recognition of the limits of the durability of wooden sleepers, However, it
has been accepted and used for various railways around the world as the best types of
sleepers. And still today there are many railways that use wood in the sleepers, it is
flexible, lightweight and adapted to the non-
standard surrounding conditions, in addition to that
it is a good electrical insulator. All these features
made the wood good sleepers. Because of the need
for wood for domestic uses and architectural
purposes, in addition to the desire to conserve
forests, alternative materials were found for
sleepers.
3.2.2. Metal sleepers
Sleepers are usually made of cast iron or steel. Iron sleepers are now widely used as a
substitute for wooden sleepers.
▪ Steel sleepers: Made of steel, the performance of this type is excellent and widely
used.
▪ Cast iron sleepers: Made of cast iron, this type is widely used but not like steel
sleepers.
Figure 3-7: Timber (Wooden) Sleeper
Figure 3-8: Metal Sleepers

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3.2.3. Concrete Sleepers
Concrete sleepers are one of the types of sleepers used in railways, with some properties
such as resistance to water, heat and corrosion. Heavyweight concrete sleepers help to
hold it in place for a long time. In addition to that its maintenance is less than the timber
sleepers
▪ RCC sleepers: They are reinforced concrete Sleepers.
▪ Prestressed Concrete Sleepers: They are concrete Sleepers made of pre-
stressed reinforced concrete.
3.3.Ballast
Ballast is a layer of broken stones, gravel, or other materials placed around and below
sleepers to distribute train and rail loads regularly. In addition, it fixes the sleepers and
prevents them from moving, as well as draining water away from the sleepers, reducing
grass on the rail and absorbing the impulse caused by the train wheels.
Types of Ballasts are:
3.3.1. Sand ballast
It is mainly used for cast iron sleepers. It is used in other types of sleepers in very low-
density areas. Coarse sand is better than fine sand. Sand is good at draining water, but
it causes excessive wear to the railway.
Figure 3-9: Mono-block concrete sleepers Figure 3-10: Twin-block concrete sleepers

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3.3.2. Moorum ballast
Moorum is the product of fragmentation of laterite, its color is red. It is used as an initial
ballast in constructing railways and as a secondary ballast. it's a good water filter.
3.3.3. Cinder ballast
Also called “Coal Ash Ballast”. This type of ballast is
very cheap and widely available. But it causes corrosion
to steel sleepers.
3.3.4. Broken stone ballast
Broken stone ballast is the most used rail ballast. It is obtained by crushing hard stones
such as quartzite and granite. Limestone and sandstone can be used. The stones should
be chosen so that they are non-porous, hard and tough to withstand various conditions.
It is used for high-speed rail tracks. This type is the best in performance and most
economical in the long run.
Figure 3-11: Sand Ballast
Figure 3-12: Cinder Ballast
Figure 3-13: Broken stone ballast

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4.Merits and Demerits of (Rail, Sleeper, and Ballast).
4.1.Rail
4.1.1. Bull Headed Rail
Merits Demerits
It gives better alignment and smoother
path
Their strength and hardness are not the
best
The path renewal is easy and quick to
remove and replace
Its maintenance is high cost
Easy to manufacture of points and
crossings.
its fastenings are expensive
4.1.2. Flat Footed Rail
Merits Demerits
Strong and stiff The flat foot gets loosened more
frequently.
Requires fewer number of fastenings bent rails straightening, replacing and de-
hogging of rails are difficult.
Cheaper than other types they require a bearing plate to overcome
the problem of rails sink into the wooden
sleepers under the heavy load.
It provides longer track stability and life
span
points and crossing Manufacturing are
hard.
Easy to maintain
Does not require chairs and keys

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4.2.Sleeper
4.2.1. Timber (Wooden) sleepers
Merits Demerits
Easy to correct alignment. The bonds between sleepers and rails are
not strong, so lateral stiffness is less.
Suitable for areas with curves. The life span of wood is about 15 years,
and it is less than the rest of the sleepers.
Easy to handle, with little damage. Woods are vulnerable to insects such as
mites and termites.
Cheap and easy to produce. Wood is liable to cracking or splitting.
Good shock absorbent and good ability to
reduce vibration.
The value of the scrap generated from it is
low.
Inexpensive in maintenance. More exposed to fire hazards than other
types.
The stone ballast can be used with it and
can be abandoned.
It can be used in sleepers of bridges.
4.2.2. Metal sleepers
Merits Demerits
It’s life span Longer than wooden sleepers
(35:50 years)
The metal is exposed to rust
Insects cannot weaken it Cause more damage in accidents
The consumer has a high value Not suitable for bridges
easy gauge adjustment Require many sleepers

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Unified in durability and strength Bad in shock absorbing
The fire does not affect it Not suitable for electric railways
Light weight
It is not constantly renewed
4.2.3. Concrete Sleepers
Merits Demerits
Easy production, and cheap costs. Its transportation is difficult and requires
special equipment due to its heavy weight
Its heavy weight gives it strong grip and
stability
The damaged ones cannot be reused and
have no value
Can be used on electrified railways as
they are insulated
It cannot be used on bridges because it is
difficult to manufacture in different sizes
Under normal conditions, it is slow to
damage
It is quickly damaged during carrying and
discharging
Not affected by insects or pests
It has a long lifespan (about 45 years)
Its maintenance costs are low
Not affected by fires
4.3.Ballast
4.3.1. Sand ballast
Merits Demerits
Good drainage properties Causes excessive wear
Cheap Blows off easily

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No noise produced on the track Poor retentivity of packing
Good packing material for CI sleepers Track cannot be maintained to high
standards
4.3.2. Moorum ballast
Merits Demerits
Cheap, if locally available Very soft and turns into dust
Prevents water from percolating Maintenance of track is difficult
Provides good aesthetics Quality of track average
4.3.3. Cinder (Coal ash) ballast
Merits Demerits
Easy availability on railways Harmful for steel sleepers
Very cheap Corrodes rail bottom and steel sleepers
Good drainage Soft and easily pulverized
Maintenance is difficult
4.3.4. Broken stone (Gravel) ballast
Merits Demerits
Hard and durable when procured from
hard rocks
Initial cost is high
Good drainage properties Difficulties in procurement
Stable and resilient to the track Angular shape may injure wooden
sleepers
Economical in the long run

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5.Design of Rail
5.1.Height of Rail
𝐻𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙 = 2.137√𝑊𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙
where
𝐻𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙: Height of rail(cm)
𝑊𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙: Weight of rail(kg/m`)
5.2.Distribution of metal between the elements of the rail
• Head = 48%
• Web = 20%
• Base= 32%
5.3.Width of Rail
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 =
𝐴ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑
𝐻ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 × 0.9
𝑤𝑤𝑒𝑏 =
𝐴𝑤𝑒𝑏
𝐻𝑤𝑒𝑏
𝑤𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 =
𝐴𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
𝐻𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 × 0.65
where
𝐴𝑥: Area of 𝑥
𝐻𝑥: Height of 𝑥
𝑤𝑥:Width of 𝑥
Figure 4-1: Vignole Rail Cross-section and Dimensions

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5.4.Stresses on Rail of Horizontal Moving Loads
𝑘 =
𝑓𝑠
∆
where
𝑘: railway slump coefficient (kg/cm3
)
𝑓𝑠: amount of pressure on the surface of the ballast (kg/cm2
)
∆: slump of sleepers (cm)
5.5. Design of Rail Cross-section
(a)The weight of the rail is imposed according to these rules:
𝑊𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙 = (4~5)𝑃
𝑊𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙 =
𝑆 × 𝑃
13
where
𝑊𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙: Rail weight (kg/m)
𝑃 :largest weight on the wheel (ton)
𝑆 : installment rail distance (cm)
(b)The section is formed according to the aforementioned rules, then it calculates
the moment of inertia
𝑧 = 5.2 × 𝐻𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙 − 533
where
𝑧: Cross-section coefficient of resistance to bending with the rail (cm3
)
• in the case of corroded rail head
𝑧` = 𝑧 −
∆ℎ
30
× [𝑊`𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙 + 0.53 × (ℎ − ∆ℎ)]

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Where
𝑧`: Cross-section coefficient of resistance to bending with the corroded rail (cm3
)
∆ℎ: Amount of corrosion (mm)
𝑊`𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙: New rail weight (kg/m)
(c) Calculate the bending moment, and the cross-section coefficient of resistance (z)
is calculated from it
𝑧 =
𝑀
𝑌
Where
𝑀: Moment of inertia
𝑌: The maximum vertical dimension of the profile edge.
𝑓𝑟 =
𝑀𝑟
𝑧
𝑓𝑟: Maximum permissible stress
𝑀𝑟: Bending moment
(d)Check the Maximum permissible stress limit

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Figure 4-2: Egypt Rail Dimension Models

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Table 4-1: Some railway models in the Egyptian Railways and some other countries

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6.References
Bonnett, Clifford F. Practical Railway Engineering. Imperial College Press, 2010.
Chandra, Satish, and Aqarwal. Railway Engineering. 2007.
Mundrey, J. S. Railway Track Engineering. Tata McGraw-Hill Education Private Ltd.,
2010.
Profillidis, V. A. Railway Engineering. Ashgate, 2000.
،‫الهواري‬
‫محمد‬
.
‫السكك‬
:‫الحديدية‬
‫وسكة‬ ‫وتخطيط‬ ‫سير‬ ‫ديناميكية‬
. 1983.
‫الحديد‬ ‫السكة‬ ‫هندسة‬ ‫محاضرات‬ ‫سلسلة‬
.
‫العامة‬ ‫األشغال‬ ‫قسم‬
.‫القاهرة‬ ‫جامعة‬ .

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