Maintenance of Railway Tunnels
The proper maintenance of railway
tunnels is very important from the point of view of the safety of the trains as
well as that of the travelling public. In order to ensure that the railway
tunnel is in a good condition all year around, it is inspected in the following
ways.
Inspection by assistant engineer Apart
from routine inspection, the tunnel is inspected in detail by the AEN
once a year before the onset of the monsoons. All the substructures of the
tunnel are inspected and the aspects that require attention are recorded.
Inspection by permanent way
inspector The PWI inspects, the tunnel in detail once in a year
after the monsoons are over, paying particular attention to the track and its
components. The aspects requiring attention are taken care of immediately.
Inspection by works inspector The
structural portion of the tunnel is inspected in detail once in a year
by the IOW. All the sub-components of the structure are examined in detail. The
parts requiring attention are attended to in a planned way.
Details of a Tunnel Inspection
The following features of a tunnel require detailed inspection
and examination.
Portal at either end This is
inspected to ascertain whether there are any signs of slips in the
slopes above the portals or whether the masonry is in any way cracked, shaken,
or bulging, or whether there are any apparent signs of movement.
Section of tunnel in relation to
moving dimensions This inspection is done to check if the
section, whether on straight routes or curves, conforms to the schedule of
dimensions.
Tunnel walls and roofing These are
inspected in the case of lined tunnels to ascertain whether the lining
is in a satisfactory condition. Doubtful places, such as loose projections,
should be tapped to check for hollow sound or loose rock.
Drainage This is
inspected to ascertain whether the side drains are adequate and functional.
Ventilation shafts These are
inspected to ascertain whether the ventilation shafts are adequate and
free from vegetation and other growth.
Lighting equipment and special
tools This inspection of these features is required to
ascertain whether the lighting equipment and special tools, wherever supplied,
are in a good state.
Track The track
is inspected to ascertain whether its line and level are correct, including
that of the approaches. Rails, sleepers, and fastenings should be particularly
examined for corrosion.
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