POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

BSCE ELECTIVE 3
Railway Engineering Final Examination

Gicom, Angelica F.

201306293MN0
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
HISTORY AND GENERAL FEATURES OF RAILWAY TRANSPORTATION

I. Introduction and Summary of the Topic

Transportation, in general, refers to the movement of people and goods

from one point to another. In the land mode of transportation, there are road
based and railway based modes of public or mass transportation. Railway
transportation utilizes wheeled vehicles that is running along the railway
tracks. In Metro Manila, large percentage of commuting public relies on
railway transportation as their mode of transportation to work or school.

Rail transportation has already began since the 6th century in Ancient
Greece and it continued to improve since then. James Watt first developed
stationary steam engine in 1774 followed by Matthew Murray who invented
the first steam-based locomotive around 1804. It is also noted that George
Stephenson, the Father of Railways was the first that successfully design the
first railway in the world carrying freight and passenger service with steam
traction. Advances in Railway Transportation were also evident in the
construction of Magnetic Levitation and Bullet Trains; as well as the
underground railways, railway track switch, diesel-electric models and etc.

Railway transportation has also its edge against other modes of land
transportation, such as it can serve large capacity of people and freights with
minimal travel time and delays, it is also safer with less accident rates and
passenger fatalities.

II. Definition of Terms

Air Brake It is the most common type of train brake using compressed air

Build Lease Transfer An agreement wherein a private sector design and

builds a project in a leased public land, and then operates it for an amount of
time and then transfer to the government

Build Operate Transfer An agreement wherein the private sector design

and builds a project, operates it for a certain time and eventually transfer it
to the government

Hunds hand propelled cars used in mine railway

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
MagLev Advanced type of train that utilizes magnetic field and was
patented by Hermann Kemper

III. Questions related to the Topic

1. A building used for loading and unloading passengers , it could be at grade, below
or above ground
a. Terminal b. Station c. Garage

2. A station that serves two or more routes or lines

a. Transfer Station b. Terminal c. Taxiway

3. It is the dynamic component of a rail transport system

a. Trains b. Terminal c. People

4. It is a static component of a rail transport system

a. Apron b. People c. Railroad

5. It is a branch of Civil Engineering that primarily deals with the technological and
scientific application to planning, design, operation and management of facilities.
a. Railway Engg b. Transportation Engg c. Traffic Engg
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
RAILWAY TRACK GAUGE

I. Introduction and Summary of the Topic

Gauge is the perpendicular distance between rails. Gauges are

classified into three (3) types that varies according to their gauge width.
Narrow Gauge are gauges from 600mm to 1422 mm in width, these are
suitable for mountainous terrain and undeveloped areas or areas where the
service passengers are just a few. Another type is the Standard Gauge also
called as Stephenson Gauge which is named after George Stephenson who
designed and chose the standard gauge that is widely used until today.
Approximately 55% of the railways in the world uses Standard Gauge. MRT,
LRT 1 and 2 uses standard gauge, while PNR uses Cape gauge. Lastly, broad
gauge are gauges from 1440mm and greater, these gauges has the greatest
capacity yet highest in cost.

There are five (5) factors affecting the choice of gauge. First is the traffic
Condition on the area, if the traffic situation is intense, the gauge needed must
be wide to accommodate large capacities. Second is the development of poor
areas, railway lines can connect undeveloped areas to the city center that will
enable movement of people and goods. It is wiser to build narrow gauge in
undeveloped areas since the passengers to be accommodated is not that many.
Third is the Cost of track, which is dependent upon the gauge width. The
greater the gauge width, the greater the cost since wider gauge is for wide
trains, and wide trains will be needing large stations. Fourth is the Speed of
movement, the wheel diameter of the train is equal to 0.75 times the gauge
width. Wider gauge is more compatible to railways having high speed design.
Last is the Nature of the country, the countrys topography varies from plane
to mountainous, and design speed decreases from each type. When the region
is mountainous, smaller gauge is needed so it can produce the minimum speed
and easier movement.
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
II. Definition of Terms

Break of Gauge as a result of numerous change of gauge

Cape Gauge are gauges having a width of 1067 mm
Dual Gauge a railway line that caters trains of two separate track gauges
Loading Gauge It is the maximum dimensions to which trains can be
loaded without risk of striking alongside structures
Meter Gauge are gauges having a width of exactly 1 meter or 1000 mm

III. Questions related to the Topic

1. It is also called Stephensons Gauge?

a. Meter Gauge b. Standard Gauge c. Broad Gauge

2. Approximately 55% in the world uses this gauge?

a. Narrow Gauge b. Standard Gauge c. Broad Gauge

3. MRT, LRT 1 and 2 uses what kind of gauge?

a. Cape Gauge b. Standard Gauge c. Meter Gauge

4. PNR uses what kind of gauge?

a. Broad Gauge b. Standard Gauge c. Cape Gauge

5. Speed is a function of wheel diameter, whereas wheel diameter is equal to?

a. 0.5 gauge width b. gauge width c. 0.75 gauge width
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
RAILWAY ALIGNMENT

I. Introduction and Summary of the Topic

Geometric design refers to the design of all the physical features to be

provided in order to have a smooth and robust operation of the railway system.
Railway Alignment simply refers to the position and direction of the centerline of
the railway track in vertical and horizontal planes. To achieve the ideal Alignment,
these factors must be considered: Purpose of the new railway line, integrated
development, economic considerations, shortest route, minimum operational
expense, construction and maintenance cost, maximum safety and comfort, and
aesthetic considerations.

There are also factors to be considered in selection of good alignment of

railway lines, these are: Choice of gauge, Obligatory or Controlling Points,
Topography of the Country, Geometrical Standards, Geological Formation, Effect
of Flood and Climate, Position of Roads and Road Crossings, Proximity of Labour
and Material, Location of Railway Stations and Yards, Religious and Historical
Monuments, Cost Considerations, Traffic Considerations, Economic
Considerations, as well as Political Considerations.

II. Definition of Terms

Cant The angle of an individual rail with respect to the vertical

Cant efficiency It is the difference between the actual cant provided and the
cant required for high speed movement
Cant excess It is the difference between the actual cant provided and the cant
required for low speed movement
Cant gradient Refers to the increase and decrease of cant in the transition
length
Superelevation designed to counteract the centripetal acceleration produced
by the vehicle as it rounds a curve
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
III. Questions related to the Topic

1. This method is used in Mountain Alignment wherein the railway line traverses
in a zigzag alignment and follows a convenient side slope which is at nearly 90
degrees to the general direction of the alignment.
a. Switch-back method b. Zigzag line Method c. Spiral Method

2. This method is used in a narrow valley wherein a viaduct or small bridge has
to be constructed at a substantial height to traverse the valley
a. Switch-back method b. Zigzag line Method c. Spiral Method

3. Type of gauge that is normally adopted for mountain railways

a. Narrow Gauge b. Standard Gauge c. Broad Gauge

4. A type of railway system consisting of three rails, two normal rails and one
extra toothed rail in the middle
a. Toothed Railways b. Mountain Railways c. Rack Railway

5. It is a railway alignment where the terrain crosses the watersheds of two or

more streams of different sizes
a. Cross-country alignment b. Valley Alignment c. Plane Alignment
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
TRACKS AND TURNOUTS

I. Introduction and Summary of the Topic

Tracks are the path, specifically, railroads where the trains run. This
structure consists of rails, ballast, railroad ties, sleepers, subgrade and the sub
soil or natural ground. The first railway track was constructed in as early as
18th century and horses was used to pull trains of wagons which was primarily
used in quarries and collieries

There are different types of railroad tracks such as: funicular,

miniature, monorail, main line, subway, tram and light rail that varies
according to the design properties and specifications. Railway Turnouts are
mechanical device that guides trains from one track to another; it is composed
of railroad switch, connection parts, frog and guardrail

II. Definition of Terms

Track Modulus the index of measurement of tracks resistance to deformation

Coning of wheels It keeps the trains to be centrally aligned on a level and
straight track
Rigidity of frame It is a balancing factors that keeps trains back to the central
alignment
Turnouts It is the arrangement of points and crossing used to lead the trains
from one track to another
Permanent way Another term for Railway tracks

III. Questions related to the Topic

1. It is the backbone of railway system

a. Tracks b. Turnouts c. Gauges

2. It is the index of measurement of tracks resistance to deformation

a. Strength of Tracks b. Track Modulus c. Track Rigidity
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
3. It keeps the trains to be centrally aligned on a level and straight track
a. Rigidity of frame b. Coning of wheels c. Turnouts

4. The slope used in the rails to reduce wear and tear of the wheel flanges
a. 1:30 b. 1:10 c. 1:20

5. It is a balancing factors that keeps trains back to the central alignment

a. Turnouts b. Rigidity of frame c. Coning of wheels
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
RAILS

I. Introduction and Summary of the Topic

Rails are the components of track laid in two parallel lines that provides
level surface for efficient movement of trains. Cast Iron, Malleable iron,
Wrought Iron and steel are the basic materials used in the production of rails.
Rails primarily consists of a head, a web, and a foot, and there should be an
economical and balanced distribution of metal in its different components so
that each of them can fulfil its requirements accordingly.

There are three types of rails: Double Headed Rails, Bull headed rails,
and flat-footed rail that varies according to their size, dimensions, weight and
other distinct properties.

II. Definition of Terms

Double headed Rails The first rails used, having a cross section of I or
dumb-bell section
Bull headed rails It is almost similar to Double headed rails but with more
metal in the head.
Flat footed rails It is also called a vignole rail having a cross section of an
inverted T.
Rail joiner It is a metal plate that joins the rail ends in jointed track.
Light rail A city-based rail system that mostly run in private rights-of way
and separated from all other traffic.

III. Questions related to the Topic

1. Defects in rails that are serious in nature and can lead to sudden failure.
a. OBS defects b. IMR Defects c. REM defects
2. Defect in rails that are not so serious but should be kept under observation
a. OBS defects b. IMR Defects c. REM defects
3. Defect in rails that needs early removal of the rail from the track
a. OBS defects b. IMR Defects c. REM defects
4. It is a defect in a rail which can possibly lead to the fracture or breakage of the
rail
a. Flaw b. Shelling c. Corrugation
5. It is the progressive horizontal separation of metal that occurs on the side of
the gauge, predominantly at the upper gauge corner
a. Flaw b. Shelling c. Corrugation
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
SLEEPERS

I. Introduction and Summary of the Topic

Sleepers or otherwise termed as "ties", short for "crossties"; are the

transverse members of a railway track. It is made of wood, concrete or
sometimes steel, which are used to secure the rails at the correct gauge. Cast
steel chairs fixed to the sleepers hold the rails in place by means of clips or
keys.

Sleepers must be able to spread wheel loads to ballast. It should also

hold the rails to gauge and inclination and transmit lateral and longitudinal
forces. Sleepers must insulate rails electrically and provide a base for rail seats
and fastenings

II. Definition of Terms

Cast Iron Sleepers sleepers that has a useful life of 50 to 60 years and has
sufficient bearing area yet prone to corrosion
Concrete Sleepers sleepers that has a useful life of 40 to 50 years and has good
insulation and non-corrosive yet it is difficult to handle and manufacture
Steel Sleepers sleepers that has a useful life of 20 to 25 years and has a better
lateral rigidity but liable to corrosion
Timber sleepers are usually made of softwood and was accepted by most
railways as the standard up to the middle of the 20th century until its durability
limitations were recognized.
Turnout a mechanical device that enables trains to be guided from one line of
rail tracks to another

III. Questions related to the Topic

1. These concrete sleepers are mostly manufactured by the long line method
a. Mono-block concrete sleepers b. Timber sleepers c. Steel Sleepers

2. This method utilizes 3040 molds for casting concrete sleepers that are kept
in about 100120-m-long casting beds
a. Block method b. Long line method c. Pre tension method
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
3. The manufacture of these concrete sleepers is simple and similar to that of any
other ordinary precast RCC unit.
a. Post Tension b. Two block c. Mono block

4. The world leading manufacturer of concrete sleepers and presently

manufacturing about 60% of the total concrete sleepers in the world.
a. Transpenine Railways b. North Luzon Railway Corp c. Indian Railways

5. Type of accident that occurs when the wheels of a vehicle ascend the rail
head.
a. Detachment b. Disengagement c. Derailment
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
BALLAST, SUBGRADE, EMBANKMENT

I. Introduction and Summary of the Topic

Ballast is a layer of crushed stones, gravel, or other granular materials and

forms the track bed, which the railroad sleepers are laid. Good quality track ballast
is made from crushed natural rock with particles not larger than 50 mm and
generally smaller than 28 mm. Angular stones are preferable to rounded stones,
to achieve the interlocking properties and resistance to longitudinal and lateral
forces under dynamic loading. Sand ballast, Moorum Ballast, Coal Ash or Cinder,
Broken stone ballast are the common types of ballast.

II. Definition of Terms

Ballastless Track a type of track that does not require ballast to maintain its
integrity
California Bearing Ratio used to measure the load bearing capacity
Flakiness index is the percentage by weight of the particles with a minimum
thickness of less than 3/5 of their mean dimension
Kankar a lime agglomerate that is found in various places in the form of
nodules of varying sizes
Subgrade a material underneath the ballast of a constructed railway track

III. Questions related to the Topic

1. Ballasts that are suitable in Cast Iron pot sleeper tracks
a. Sand Ballast b. Coal Ash or Cinder c. Moorum Ballast
2. The thickness of sub ballast must not be less than
a. 150 mm b. 100 mm c. 200 mm
3. Type of ballast which are not suitable for high speed movement of trains
a. Moorum Ballast b. Broken stone ballast c. Coal Ash or Cider
4. Type of ballast which are suitable for high speed movement of trains
a. Moorum Ballast b. Broken stone ballast c. Coal Ash or Cider
5. Size of ballasts that are adopted universally for all type of sleepers
a. 50mm b. 40mm c. 30mm
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
TRACK FITTINGS AND FASTENINGS

I. Introduction and Summary of the Topic

Track fittings and fastenings are utilized to fix the rails in correct
position. There are different types of track fittings that varies according to
their purpose, viz. joining rail to rail, joining rail to wooden sleepers, joining
rail to steel through sleepers, joining rail to cast iron sleepers, elastic
fastenings to be used with concrete, steel, and wooden sleepers. Each of these
types has different fittings and fastenings required that will be further
discussed in this chapter.

II. Definition of Terms

1. Fish plate derives from the cross section of this fitting and its main function
is to hold two rails together in both the horizontal and vertical planes.
2. Dog Spike this fastening was named because of the head of this spike that
looks like the ear of a dog and it is used for fixing rails to wooden sleepers.
3. Round spike this fastening has a round section with a diameter of 18 mm,
and is used along with anticreep bearing plates for fixing rails to sleepers.
4. Fang bolts fittings that are employed under the switches to fasten the slide
chairs to the sleepers.
5. Cotters are used for fixing tie bars to CI sleepers and are classified according
to their methods of splitting

III. Questions related to the Topic

1. Its primary purpose is to fix the rail to the sleeper
a. Fastening b. Chair c. Tie bar
2. This is also known as an elastic rail clip
a. IRN 202 clip b. Pandrol Clip c. Spring steel Clip
3. Type of fastening that is basically consists of four coach screws which are
tightened against the plastic dowels of the PRC sleepers
a. Herbert Meir fastening b. Malleable cast iron inserts c. Rubber Pads
4. It is an integral part of an elastic fastening
a. Composite liners b. Rubber Pads c. Nylon Liners
5. It is a liner used effectively with loose jaws for overcoming the problem of
elongated holes.
a. Nylon Liner b. Mota Singh Liner c. Composite Liner
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
LOCOMOTIVES AND OTHER ROLLING STOCKS

I. Introduction and Summary of the Topic

Rolling stock used in railways had developed from wagons and carriages,
which ran on roadways, carrying both people and freights. Horse drawn
tramways has paved the way for the evolution of railways immediately upon
steam power had begun to developed in early 1800s by American Oliver Evans.
There is a wide range of rolling stocks including freight wagons, passenger
coaches, multiple units, light rail/trams and locomotives

Locomotive is a variety of railway rolling stock that produces the motive

power that enables movement of the vessels in the railways. There are three
distinct types of tractions, stem traction by steam locomotives, diesel traction by
diesel locomotives and electric traction by electric locomotives, which will be,
discussed further in the discussion along with maintenance of locomotives and
other additional discussions

II. Definition of Terms

1. Diesel locomotive It is powered by using diesel oil as fuel and combustion

takes places inside a cylinder; it normally comprises of four-stroke cycles
consisting of suction, compression, ignition, and exhaust.
2. Diesel-electric locomotives It is powered by diesel engine and generator
or alternator that provides the traction power to the locomotive.
3. Electric locomotives It is powered by electric motors, through the contact
of the mounted pantograph at the top of trains and the overhead catenary
wire.
4. Compressed air brakes a type of brake system which consists of a brake
cylinder containing a piston and lever arrangement
5. Vacuum brakes a type of brake system which consists of vacuum brake
cylinder with a piston and lever arrangement

III. Questions related to the Topic

1. It consists of a cylinder, piston, and other moving parts, and it converts the
heat energy of the steam into rotary energy
a. steam engine b. boiler c. tender
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2. It is located behind the locomotive to store fuel

a. engine b. boiler c. tender

3. These are unusual incidents resulting either from human error or due to
equipment failure.
a. Breakdowns b. Periodical Overhaul c. Wear and tear

4. Maintenance practices before the deterioration of locomotives trough wear

and tear
a. Preventive maintenance b. Repair c. Breakdown Maintenance

5. Type of preventive maintenance wherein the locomotive is completely

stripped and all of its parts are repaired and/or replaced.
a. Schedule Shed Maintenance b. Transformation c. Periodical Overhaul
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
RAILWAY STATIONS AND YARDS

I. Introduction and Summary of the Topic

Railway stations are locations where trains usually stops to load and unload
passengers and/ or freights, and other purposes. These stations varies with
regards to their effectiveness and suitability that will have a direct impact on the
satisfactory of the passengers; whereas accessibility, safety, convenience and
gender sensitivity must be addressed and prioritized in every station. Every
railway stations must have facilities that are conforming with the standards used
in the design of railway station to ensure safe and convenient railway travel.

Topics including the other purposes of railway station, selection of railway

station site, classification of railway stations, types of yards and other related
topics will be discussed further.

II. Definition of Terms

1. Block station is a station wherein the driver must be authorized to proceed

or enter the next block section
2. Flag station is a stop-over for trains that has a station building and staff
3. Goods yard type of yard that provides facilities for storing, loading,
unloading, and dispatch of goods wagons.
4. Terminal station is a station wherein a railway line or one of its branches
terminates, it is usually found at ends of the line
5. Yard is a system of tracks laid out to store, maintain, and join engines and
carriages as well as goods traffic being handled by the railways.

III. Questions related to the Topic

1. It is the simplest station and usually has only rail level platform where trains
can stop on a railway line.
a. Flag Station b. Terminal Stations c. Halt

2. It is the juncture of three or more lines converging from different directions.

a. Terminal Stations b. Junction Stations c. Crossing Station

3. There are provided for the boarding and alighting of passengers

a. Concourse b. Station platforms c. Yards
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4. Type of yard that handles the reception and dispatch of passenger trains.
a. Coaching yard b. Marshalling yard c. Locomotive yard

5. Type of yard that contains and holds the locomotives for watering, fueling,
repairing etc.
a. Marshalling yard b. Coaching yard c. Locomotive yard