Why Are There Stones Along Railway Tracks?
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Ever wondered why train tracks have those rocky neighbors? It's not just for looks! Dive in to discover their surprising purpose
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These crushed stones are called track ballast and they help keep the train tracks in place
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These sleepers are like the crossties of the tracks, ensuring they stay upright and at the correct distance from each other
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Railway sleepers, also known as railroad ties or crossties, are the rectangular supports that lie perpendicular to the tracks, keeping them upright and evenly spaced
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Traditionally, sleepers were made of wood, but today, pre-stressed concrete is the preferred material
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Track ballast needs to be crushed and angular. Smooth, round pebbles, like those found in rivers, would roll around under the weight of a train
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The stones don't allow vegetation to grow on railway tracks which could weaken the ground on which the railway lines run
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Track ballast also keeps water from reaching the track on a regular basis and softening the ground
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