Almost along the railroad tracks there is usually gravel located below and to the right and left side rail. Why deliberately placed and what does it do?
1. Functions of pebbles on the railroad tracks is as ballast cushion. With the layer of gravel is rail can stand steady. So the trains running on it can be run well.
2. Gravel also serves to absorb vibration (shock absorber) that occurs when a train passing.So the shock that occurs when a train passes can be reduced. And railroads were not easily damaged and can be used for a long time.
3. Next function is to hold and facilitate the flow of water in the rain. This function serves to prevent soil erosion or soil erosion around the railway.
4. And finally, gravel also serves to inhibit the growth of grass around the track. Growing grass around the rail can directly or indirectly cause penggemburan soil below. This of course can be dangerous because if the ground beneath the rails are not stable it will be harmful to the train journey.
But there are some places that do not exist gravel like the photo below.
Indeed, there are certain positions do not need gravel, such as railroad tracks located on the bridge or highway. This happens because all of the functions of the gravel had been taken over its function by other mechanisms.
Bridges are designed so as to withstand the vibration that will occur is generated when a train passes. So even with the tracks that are on the roads, paved roads have replaced the role of fine gravel. So at these places, no longer need to put gravel under the railway.
