Forces acting on a railway track summarized in short points:

### 1. **Vertical Forces**

- **Static Load**: Weight of the train (locomotives and carriages) exerted downward.
- **Dynamic Load**: Additional forces due to the motion of the train, including impacts and
oscillations.

### 2. **Lateral Forces**

- **Centrifugal Force**: Outward force when a train navigates a curve.
- **Wind Force**: Lateral pressure exerted by strong winds on the train and track.

### 3. **Longitudinal Forces**

- **Traction Force**: Force exerted by the locomotive's engines for movement.
- **Braking Force**: Force exerted by the braking system, causing deceleration.

### 4. **Thermal Forces**

- **Expansion and Contraction**: Changes in rail length due to temperature variations, causing stress.

### 5. **Ground Forces**

- **Subgrade Reaction**: Resistance provided by the underlying soil or foundation.
- **Track Settlement**: Gradual sinking of the track due to load and subgrade conditions.

### 6. **Impact Forces**

- **Wheel Impact**: Force due to irregularities in wheel or rail surfaces, causing shocks.

### 7. **Vibration Forces**

- **Vibration**: Oscillatory forces due to the motion of trains, affecting track stability and structure.

By understanding and managing these forces, railway engineers can design and maintain tracks that are
safe, durable, and efficient.