Chapter: Civil : Railway Airport Harbour Engineering : Railway Engineering : Track Junctions and Simple Track Layouts
Railway Track Junctions: Symmetrical Split
Symmetrical Split
When a straight track splits up
in two different directions with equal radii, the layout is known as a
symmetrical split (Fig. 15.3). In other words, a symmetrical split is a
contrary flexure in which the radii of the two curves are the same. The salient
features of a symmetrical split are the following.
(a) The
layout consists of a pair of points, one acute angle crossing, four curved lead
rails, and two check rails.
(b) The
layout is symmetrical about the centre line. This means that the radii of the
main track as well as of the branching track are equal.
(c) The
layout provides facilities for diverting vehicles both towards the left and the
right.
(d) It is
suitable for locations with space constraints, as it occupies comparatively
much less space than a turnout from the straight track.
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