Question

How does the depth of ballast cushion affect rail section?

(a) Higher the depth bigger the rail section

(b) Depth is less, bigger the rail section

(c) Depth is less, smaller the rail section

(d) Depth and Rail section same

This question was posed to me during an interview.

My doubt is from Railway Engineering in chapter Other Major Topics in Civil Engineering of Basic Civil Engineering

Answer 1

Correct answer is (b) Depth is less, bigger the rail section

To explain I would say: The selection of the rail section depends on many factors like heaviest axle loads, maximum permissible speed, type of sleepers and depth of ballast cushion. If the depth of the ballast cushion is less, then a bigger rail section has to be provided.