2
Types of gradient
• Ruling gradient: The steepest gradient allowed on the track section. It
determines the max load that the locomotive can haul that section. The steep
gradient needs more powerful locomotives, smaller train loads, lower speed,
resulting in costly hauling.
– In plains: 1 in 150 to 1 in 200
– In hilly regions: 1 in 100 to 1 in 150
• Momentum Gradient: The gradient on a section which are steeper than the
ruling gradient acquire sufficient momentum to negotiate them are known as
momentum gradient.
• Pusher gradient: As stated above a ruling gradient limits the maximum weight
of a train which can be hauled over the section by a locomotive. If the ruling
gradient is so severe on a section that it needs the help of extra engine to pull
the same load than this gradient is known as pusher of helper gradient. In
Darjeeling Railways 1 in 37 pusher gradient is used on Western Ghat BG Track.
• Gradient at stations: at stations gradient are provided sufficient low due to
following reason:
– To prevent movement of standing vehicle
– To prevent additional resistance due to grade.
On Indian railways, maximum gradient permitted is 1 in 400 in station yards.
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Grade compensation on curves
• If a curve is provided on a track with ruling
gradient, the resistance of the track will be
increased this curve. In order to avoid resistance
beyond the allowable limits, the gradients are
reduced on curves. The reduction in gradient is
known as grade compensation for curves.
• BG track: 0.04% per degree of curve
• MG track: 0.03 % per degree of curve
• NG track: 0.02 % per degree of curve
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Degree of curve/Radius:
9
Superelevation
2
GV
e
127 R
• Where, e is super elevation in mm; G is the gauge in mm + width
of the rail head in mm; V speed of the train in kmph; R radius of
the curve in m.
– For BG track: G = 1676 mm+ 74 mm=1.75 m
– For MG track: G = 1.058 m
– For NG track: G= 0.772 m
G for: BG track-1.676+0.074=1.750 m
MG :1.058m
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NG: 0.772m
Maximum value of superlevation:
• the maximum value of superlelevation has been
decided on the basis of experiments carried out
by many researchers. The maximum value of
superelevation generally on many railways of the
world has been adopted about 1/10th to 1/12th of
the gauge. As per Indian railways:
– BG Track: 165mm (normal condition); 185 (special permission)
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Safe speed on curves
On the curves the safe speed can be calculated
empirically by the following formula:
a) For BG and MG on transition curve:
V 4.4 R 70
For non-transition curve (80% of the speed on the transition curve):
V 0.8 * 4.4 R 70
b) For High speed track:
V 4.58 R
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R is t h e r a d i u s i n m , V is speed i n K m p h :
Transition Curves
Objectives of providing transition curves:
– To attain gradual rise of the outer rail;
– To decrease the radius of the curve gradually from
infinite at the straight end of the rack to that of the
circular curve at the junction with the circular curve
of the selected radius.
– To provide smooth running of vehicles and provide
comfort to the passengers
– To reduce chance of derailment.
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Types of Transition Curve