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Railway Flashcards

7 cards from real BCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning โ€” missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Railway flashcards as text
  1. What is 'gage widening' applied on sharp railway curves?

    Answer: Intentional increase in track gauge to ease wheel negotiation

    Gauge widening (slackening) increases the track gauge slightly on sharp curves to allow the rigid wheelbase of locomotives to negotiate the curve without binding.

  2. The 'P-formula' in AREMA standards is used to calculate:

    Answer: Dynamic wheel load including impact factor

    The AREMA P-formula calculates the equivalent dynamic wheel load by applying an impact factor to the static wheel load based on train speed.

  3. What is the function of a 'derail' device installed on railway sidings?

    Answer: Intentionally derail runaway cars to protect main line traffic

    A derail is a safety device that deliberately derails any unauthorized or runaway vehicles before they can reach and endanger main line traffic.

  4. In railway earthwork, what is a 'borrow pit'?

    Answer: Excavation site where fill material is obtained for embankments

    A borrow pit is an off-site or adjacent excavation from which suitable fill material is obtained when cut material is insufficient for embankment construction.

  5. Which type of bridge deck is most commonly used for heavy freight railway bridges in the US?

    Answer: Open-deck with timber ties directly on stringers

    Open-deck timber tie construction is traditional for heavy freight railway bridges, allowing direct rail fastening and easy inspection.

  6. What is 'wheel climb derailment' caused by?

    Answer: High L/V ratio causing flange to ride up over the rail head

    Wheel climb derailment occurs when the ratio of lateral force (L) to vertical force (V) exceeds the Nadal limit, causing the wheel flange to climb over the rail.

  7. What is the purpose of 'thermal pre-stressing' in continuously welded rail (CWR) installation?

    Answer: Lock rail in a stress-neutral state to prevent buckling and breakage

    CWR is thermally pre-stressed (or stress-relieved) at a target neutral temperature so it is in neither tension nor compression at that temperature, minimizing buckling and fracture risk.