BCE Railway 4

Question 1

What is the 'heel' of a railroad switch?

Accepted Answer

The fixed end of the switch rail farthest from the points

Answer

The heel is the fixed end of the switch rail where it joins the closure rail, opposite to the movable point (toe).

Question 2

Which type of railway track structure is used in urban light rail systems embedded in pavement?

Accepted Answer

Embedded rail (grooved rail) track

Answer

Embedded grooved rail is used in street-running light rail systems, where the rail is set flush with the road surface in a slot.

Question 3

The 'Talgo' train design concept primarily achieves passenger comfort through:

Accepted Answer

Passive tilting bogies with articulated configuration

Answer

Talgo trains use passive tilting through pendulum-action bogies and articulated design, reducing the need for high superelevation on curves.

Question 4

What is 'track modulus' in railway geotechnical engineering?

Accepted Answer

Stiffness of the track support system per unit length of rail

Answer

Track modulus (u) is the distributed foundation stiffness in lb/in/in, representing the support the track receives per unit deflection per unit rail length.

Question 5

What is the primary advantage of 'slab track' over conventional ballasted track?

Accepted Answer

Lower maintenance requirements and better long-term geometry stability

Answer

Slab track (concrete base without ballast) requires significantly less maintenance and retains its geometry longer, though initial costs are higher.

BCE - Bachelor of Civil Engineering Practice Test

BCE - Bachelor of Civil Engineering Practice Test

BCE Railway 4