BCE Railway 3

Question 1

What is 'creep' in railway track terminology?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal movement of rails due to traffic

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Tongue rail (switch rail)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Gradual change in curvature introduced by speed restriction

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

No lateral force acts on either rail

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Prevent wheel from taking the wrong route at the frog gap

Answer

Check rails guide the wheel flange and prevent it from taking the wrong route through the gap (flangeway) at the frog point.

BCE - Bachelor of Civil Engineering Practice Test