Necessity for Geometric Design of Track

Introduction

The geometric design of a railway track includes all those parameters which determine or affect the geometry of the track. These parameters are as follows.

1.  Gradients in the track, including grade compensation, rising gradient, and falling gradient.

2.  Curvature of the track, including horizontal and vertical curves, transition curves, sharpness of the curve in terms of radius or degree of the curve, cant or superelevation on curves, etc.

3.  Alignment of the track, including straight as well as curved alignment.

It is very important for tracks to have proper geometric design in order to ensure the safe and smooth running of trains at maximum permissible speeds, carrying the heaviest axle loads. The speed and axle load of the train are very important and sometimes are also included as parameters to be considered while arriving at the geometric design of the track.

Necessity for Geometric Design

The need for proper geometric design of a track arises because of the following considerations

(a)  To ensure the smooth and safe running of trains

(b) To achieve maximum speeds

(c)  To carry heavy axle loads

(d) To avoid accidents and derailments due to a defective permanent way

(e)  To ensure that the track requires least maintenance.

(f)  For good aesthetics