Gauging Requirements

[MistaMatthews]

Sorry if i've posted in the wrong section. I've been given the following as a question as part of my college course but unfortunately have not been given any information about what this actually means:

• Explain the gauging requirements of the track including the interface with OLE and/or DC conductor in terms of rail geometry.

Is that asking me to explain about overhead lines / pantographs and DC rails / collector shoes. Not really sure what it has to do with gauging.

If anyone has any info on this or could point me in the direction, your help would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks!

 

[CW2]

It's a bit tricky to comment with the limited information given. With that caveat:

Define the track gauge - what is it, why is it important, what different gauges are in common use?
Define the (static) structure gauge - what is it, why can't you impinge the structure gauge?
What happens when a vehicle moves - sway movement on suspension -> discuss dynamic structure gauge.
Why is it important for the 3rd rail to be correctly aligned?
How is the OLE aligned? Consider horizontal stagger, vertical changes (overbridges / tunnels).
Quite a lot to get your teeth into there ...

 

[MistaMatthews]

Many thanks for that, they are all things that have been covered. I guess it's just the wording of the question that's throwing me off

 

[CW2]

Many thanks for that, they are all things that have been covered. I guess it's just the wording of the question that's throwing me off

You're welcome. Good luck!

 

[Philip Phlopp]

It's a bit tricky to comment with the limited information given. With that caveat:

Define the track gauge - what is it, why is it important, what different gauges are in common use?
Define the (static) structure gauge - what is it, why can't you impinge the structure gauge?
What happens when a vehicle moves - sway movement on suspension -> discuss dynamic structure gauge.
Why is it important for the 3rd rail to be correctly aligned?
How is the OLE aligned? Consider horizontal stagger, vertical changes (overbridges / tunnels).
Quite a lot to get your teeth into there ...

You may also wish to discuss electrical clearances with regards to stagger, contact wire gradient, catenary wire height, and also electrical clearance versus the kinematic envelope of the chosen rolling stock (or all rolling stock). You may find the information online regarding the Steventon Bridge debacle and Paisley Canal electrification project useful concerning gauging for electrification requirements.