GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Detailed explanation-1: -A small gap is left between two subsequent rails while installing. The rails expand on account of thermal expansion due to increased temperature in summer. If no spacing is left, the rails can bend sideways due to expansion in summer, leading to train accidents.

Detailed explanation-2: -The gaps left between successive rails on a railway track, the reason is that the rails expand in summer. The gap is provided to allow for this expansion. If no gap is left, the expansion in summer will cause the rails to bend sideways. That will result in train accidents.

Detailed explanation-3: -Because rails are made from steel, they expand as they get hotter, and can start to curve this is known as ‘buckling’. Most of the network can operate when track temperatures heat up to 46°C – roughly equivalent to air temperature of around 30°C – but rails have been recorded at temperatures as high as 51°C.

Detailed explanation-4: -Continuous welded rail (CWR) gives the vehicles a smoother ride and is much lower maintenance so used for the majority of new track these days.

Detailed explanation-5: -Thermal expansion during hot days can result in stress in railroad tracks leading to buckling and derailments. The RTCS is a set of low profile rectangular devices that can be attached to the rail to mitigate temperature spikes during hours of peak solar exposure.