250+ TOP MCQs on Collection, Transportation and Specifications for Track Ballast and Answers

This set of Railway Engineering Multiple Choice Questions on “Collection, Transportation and Specifications for Track Ballast”.

1. What should be the maximum percentage of aggregates retained on the 65mm sieve?
a) 10%
b) 5%
c) 16%
d) 12%
Answer: b
Clarification: The aggregates used for Ballast should be present in proper proportion with respect to their sizes. Not more than 5% should be retained on 65mm sieve and 40-60% on 40 mm sieve.

2. What should be the shape of Ballast stones?
a) Cubical
b) Rounded
c) Sub-rounded
d) Flaky
Answer: a
Clarification: The ballast must be cubical in shape and the particles should not be flaky. Minimum rounded faces should be present. Shape affects the resistance to abrasion, packing efficiency and strength of the ballast.

3. What is the shrinkage allowance when ballast is supplied by Wagons?
a) 25%
b) 50%
c) 8%
d) 32%
Answer: c
Clarification: Ballast usually has some air voids present between them. A shrinkage up to 8% is permitted at the destination after verifying the ordered quantity.

4. How is the collection of Ballast done?
a) From Ballast depots
b) Collection along the cess
c) From ballast depot or along the cess
d) From mine sites
Answer: c
Clarification: Ballast can be collected from the ballast depot and transported to the site with the help of ballast trains. It can also be collected along the cess and putting it directly on the track.

5. Where is the stacking of ballast done?
a) Alongside the railway line
b) In containers
c) In specially built sheds
d) Stored in the trucks
Answer: a
Clarification: Appropriate number of zones are made alongside the railway track for stacking of ballast. All the stacks in each zone are serially numbered.

6. In the collection of ballast along the cess, what are the materials passing through 6mm square mesh called?
a) Fine aggregates
b) Dust
c) Coarse aggregates
d) Silicates
Answer: b
Clarification: The materials passing through 6mm square mesh are classified as Dust. It should not be more than 1% in the total ballast material.