BCE Railway 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'creep' in railway track terminology?
- Longitudinal movement of rails due to traffic (Correct answer)
- Lateral displacement of sleepers
- Vertical settlement of ballast
- Thermal expansion of welded rails
Correct answer: Longitudinal movement of rails due to traffic
Rail creep is the longitudinal movement of rails in the direction of traffic caused by temperature changes and braking/traction forces.
Question 2: Which component of a railway turnout (switch) guides the wheel from one track to another?
- Tongue rail (switch rail) (Correct answer)
- Closure rail
- Stock rail
- Check rail
Correct answer: Tongue rail (switch rail)
The tongue rail (switch rail) is the movable tapered rail that deflects wheel flanges from one track to another.
Question 3: What is the 'virtual transition' concept in railway engineering?
- Gradual change in curvature introduced by speed restriction (Correct answer)
- Electronic speed control system
- Track geometry correction technique
- Signal transition zone between blocks
Correct answer: Gradual change in curvature introduced by speed restriction
A virtual transition is a speed restriction that simulates the effect of a physical transition curve where space is insufficient.
Question 4: The 'equilibrium speed' on a superelevated curve is the speed at which:
- No lateral force acts on either rail (Correct answer)
- The train experiences maximum centrifugal force
- Flange contact with rail is maximum
- Rail wear is minimized
Correct answer: No lateral force acts on either rail
At equilibrium speed, centrifugal force exactly balances the component of gravity due to superelevation, resulting in no net lateral rail force.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'check rail' installed near frogs in railway crossings?
- Prevent wheel from taking the wrong route at the frog gap (Correct answer)
- Increase train speed through the crossing
- Support the frog mechanically
- Provide electrical continuity
Correct answer: Prevent wheel from taking the wrong route at the frog gap
Check rails guide the wheel flange and prevent it from taking the wrong route through the gap (flangeway) at the frog point.
Question 6: In railway design, what does 'AREMA' stand for?
- American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (Correct answer)
- Association of Railway Engineers and Manufacturers of America
- American Rail Equipment and Materials Authority
- Association for Railway Evaluation and Maintenance Assessment
Correct answer: American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association
AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association) publishes the primary design standards for US railways.
Question 7: Which track geometry parameter measures the difference in elevation between the two rails at a cross-section?
- Cross-level (Correct answer)
- Alignment
- Profile
- Gauge
Correct answer: Cross-level
Cross-level (also called cant or superelevation) measures the height difference between the two rails at any given cross-section of track.
BCE Railway 3
What is 'creep' in railway track terminology?