BCE Railway 5

Question 1

What is 'gage widening' applied on sharp railway curves?

Accepted Answer

Intentional increase in track gauge to ease wheel negotiation

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Dynamic wheel load including impact factor

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Intentionally derail runaway cars to protect main line traffic

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Excavation site where fill material is obtained for embankments

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Open-deck with timber ties directly on stringers

Answer

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

BCE - Bachelor of Civil Engineering Practice Test

BCE - Bachelor of Civil Engineering Practice Test

BCE Railway 5