FRA Track & Roadway Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a track inspector identifies a condition that requires an emergency speed restriction, the restriction is effective:
- After the next scheduled inspection
- Immediately upon discovery (Correct answer)
- After written approval from the railroad's chief engineer
- 48 hours after the defect is logged
Correct answer: Immediately upon discovery
Emergency speed restrictions take effect immediately upon discovery of the hazardous condition to prevent accidents.
Question 2: Which type of crosstie condition is considered a 'Class 1' defective tie under FRA standards?
- A tie with surface checks less than 1/2 inch deep
- A tie that is split and cannot hold a spike (Correct answer)
- A tie with minor end checks
- A tie with moderate weathering but intact spike holes
Correct answer: A tie that is split and cannot hold a spike
A tie that is split or deteriorated to the point where it cannot hold a spike to maintain gage is classified as defective and must be replaced.
Question 3: Superelevation on a curved track is designed primarily to:
- Reduce rail wear on the high rail
- Counteract the centrifugal force on trains traveling through curves (Correct answer)
- Increase the speed limit on tangent track
- Prevent frost heave in cold climates
Correct answer: Counteract the centrifugal force on trains traveling through curves
Superelevation (banking of the outer rail) is used to counteract centrifugal force and allow trains to traverse curves safely at higher speeds.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a joint bar in track construction?
- To connect two rail ends together and maintain alignment (Correct answer)
- To attach the rail to the crosstie
- To provide electrical continuity for signals only
- To prevent rail from expanding due to heat
Correct answer: To connect two rail ends together and maintain alignment
Joint bars (also called splice bars or angle bars) are bolted at the rail ends to connect them and maintain lateral and vertical alignment.
Question 5: Under FRA rules, which of the following conditions would result in a track being removed from service?
- Rail end mismatch of 1/8 inch on Class 4 track
- Missing one of four joint bar bolts on Class 2 track
- A gage deviation of 1 inch over the allowable limit on any class of track (Correct answer)
- A single cracked tie in a 100-foot section of Class 3 track
Correct answer: A gage deviation of 1 inch over the allowable limit on any class of track
A gage deviation exceeding the allowed tolerance by 1 inch is a condition that makes a track segment unfit for any service.
Question 6: The term 'track buckling' refers to:
- Vertical sag caused by weak crossties
- Lateral displacement of the track structure caused by thermal expansion (Correct answer)
- Failure of the joint bars at a rail splice
- Ballast washing out from under the ties
Correct answer: Lateral displacement of the track structure caused by thermal expansion
Track buckling (sun kink) occurs when continuous welded rail expands from heat and the lateral resistance of the track is insufficient to contain it.
Question 7: When inspecting a railroad bridge for track safety purposes, which element is the inspector primarily concerned with regarding the approach track?
- The color of the bridge paint
- The alignment and elevation transition between the bridge and the approach roadbed (Correct answer)
- The number of bridge stringers visible from trackside
- The water level under the bridge
Correct answer: The alignment and elevation transition between the bridge and the approach roadbed
Approach track transitions must provide a smooth alignment and grade change to prevent sudden vertical or lateral shocks as trains enter the bridge.
FRA Track & Roadway Safety 3
When a track inspector identifies a condition that requires an emergency speed restriction, the restriction is effective: