This is Why There’s A Ton Of Crushed Rocks Between Train Tracks

in life •  8 years ago 

Have You Ever Wondered?

Why would the railway tracks be lying on a bed of stones?

Ballast

These stones under the tracks are called ballast.

What Is Ballast For?

Ballast is material that is used to provide stability to a vehicle or structure. And the wood sleepers keep a firm hold of the rails.

In Place

The stones also keep the rail tracks in place.

Sharp Stones

The stones are sharp to prevent the wooden beams from sliding.

Altitude

They also raise the ground, and prevent the rails from getting flooded, by draining the water.

No Weeds

Plus, they prevent the growth of weeds and any kind of vegetation that would interfere with the correct functioning of the rails. So, as you now know, they are exteremely important!

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Writing from the heart on what you know - 11/10 ;)