Methods of ballast Measurement

Methods of ballast Measurement

The quantity of the ballast can be measured either in a stack or in a wagon. Both methods are described below.

1 Stack Measurement

Stacking should be done on an almost plane and firm ground with good drainage. The height of the stack should not be less than 1 m except in hilly areas, where it may be 0.5 m. The top width of the stack should not be less than 1 m and should be kept parallel to the ground plane. The side slopes of the stack should not be flatter than 1.5:1 (horizontal:vertical). The volume of each stack should normally not be less than 30 m³ in plain areas and 15 m³ in hilly areas.

2 Wagon Measurement

In the case of the ballast supply being directly loaded into wagons, a continuous white line should be painted inside the wagon to indicate the level up to which the ballast can be loaded. The volume in cubic metres corresponding to white line should also be painted outside the wagon on both sides. In addition to the painted line mentioned above, short pieces of flats (cut pieces of tie bars or otherwise) punched with the volume should be welded in the centre of all the four sides of the wagon.