BCE Railway 2

Question 1

What is the standard gauge track width used in the United States?

Accepted Answer

4 ft 8.5 in

Answer

The standard gauge of 4 ft 8.5 in (1435 mm) is used in the US and most of the world.

Question 2

Which type of rail joint is preferred in modern high-speed railway tracks?

Accepted Answer

Welded rail (CWR)

Answer

Continuously Welded Rail (CWR) eliminates joints, reducing noise, vibration, and maintenance costs on high-speed lines.

Question 3

What is the primary function of a track ballast in railway construction?

Accepted Answer

Distribute load and provide drainage

Answer

Ballast distributes wheel loads from sleepers to the subgrade and provides drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Question 4

The degree of a railway curve in the American system is defined as the angle subtended by a chord of:

Accepted Answer

100 feet

Answer

In the American chord definition, the degree of curve is the central angle subtended by a 100-foot chord.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a cant (superelevation) in railway curves?

Accepted Answer

Counteract centrifugal force on curved track

Answer

Superelevation raises the outer rail to counteract centrifugal force, allowing trains to negotiate curves at higher speeds safely.

BCE - Bachelor of Civil Engineering Practice Test