GEOMETRIC DESIGN OF THE

TRACK
UNDER THE GUIDANCE
MRS. PRATHIMA . G VANDANA RAMYA
ASSOC. PROFESSOR, CIVIL DEPT. 1NT15CV129
NMIT ,BANGALORE .
CONTENTS
 Necessity of Geometric Design of a Railway track
 Safe speed on curves.
 INTRODUCTION

The geometric design of a railway track includes all those parameters which determine or
affect the geometry of the track. These parameters are as follows.

 Gradients in the track, including grade compensation, rising gradient, and falling gradient.

 Curvature of the track, including horizontal and vertical curves, transition curves, sharpness of
the curve in terms of radius or degree of the curve, cant or super elevation on curves, etc.

 Alignment of the track, including straight as well as curved alignment.

It is very important for tracks to have proper geometric design in order to ensure the safe and
smooth running of trains at maximum permissible speeds, carrying the heaviest axle loads. The
speed and axle load of the train are very important and sometimes are also included as
parameters to be considered while arriving at the geometric design of the track.
 NECESSITY:

Most of the train derailments are due to the following reasons:

I. Track defects
II. Vehicular defects
III. Operational defects.
The railway engineer is mainly concerned with track defects. They
should be aware of the track defects and how to remove these
defects so that to derailments takes place. Railway track should be
designed, suiting to load and speed of the train.
A train may derail on the straight track due
to following reasons:

 Defective cross-level
 Defective alignment
 Defective gauge

In addition to this ,on curved track

derailments due to
 Improper super elevation
 Improper radius of curve
 Improper speed
 Unequal distribution of loads on two rails
 Derailments over the turn-outs and
crossings

 Gaping points
 Lifting of toe of switch due to inadequate fittings.
 Improper assembly of crossing, loose crossing bolts or wing rails than
the crossing nose
 Excessive wear in switches
 Tight gauge and defective check clearances at the nose of crossing.

If all the above elements are properly of derailments due to defects in

track can be avoided. designed ,the possibility of derailments due to
defects in the track can be avoided.
SAFE SPEED ON CURVES:

Safe speed for all practical purpose means a speed which is safe
from danger of overturning and derailments with a certain margin of
safety.
the speed to negotiate curves safely, depends upon the following
factors:
 The gauge of the track
 The radius of the curve
 The distance at which the resultant of the weight of vehicle and its
centrifugal force acts from the center of the track.
 Amount of super elevation provided.
 The presence or absence of transition curves at the ends of the
circular curve.
FORMULAE GIVEN BY THE MARTIN:

 Where transition curves exits i.e., on transitioned curves

I. For B.G and M.G:
The safe speed V in Km.p.h. is given by :
V=4.35√R-67 or V=4.4√R-70

II. For N.G :

III. V=3.6√r-6.1 or V=3.65√R-6
subject to a maximum of 50Km.p.h.
FORMULA GIVEN BY THE MARTIN:

 Where transition curves are absent

I. For B.G and M.G
V=4/5tH of speed calculated in (A)above . On non-
transitioned curves , the above speed is reduced by 20%
II. For N.G
=(4/5th of speed calculated in(B)above. i.e.,
V=2.92√R-6
 For high speed-Generally the following empirical formula is used
V=4.58√Rwhere V=speed in Kmph
R=radius of the curve in meters.
The maximum speed for transitioned curves is now determined on
Indian railway as per revised formula given below.

On B.G track.
V= ( Ca+ Cd )xR
13.76
where V=maximum speed in kmph
Ca=actual cant
Cd=cant deficiency permitted in mm
R=radius in meter
On M.G track
V=0.347( Ca + Cd )R
On N.G track
V=3.65√R-6 subject to a maximum of 50kmph