250+ TOP MCQs on Track as an Elastic Structure and Answers

This set of Railway Engineering Multiple Choice Questions on “Track as an Elastic Structure”.

1. What was the theory proposed by Zimmerman for the railway tracks?
a) The track is an elastic structure
b) The track is non elastic in nature
c) Stresses are developed due to contact of rail and wheel
d) The track is also subjected to lateral load
Answer: a
Clarification: Zimmerman in 1888 proposed a theory which said that the track is an elastic structure. The sleepers provide elastic support to the rails. This elastic nature of rail helps in absorbing shocks and vibrations from the train.

2. On what factors does the mode of distribution of load on the track depends upon?
a) Stiffness of the rails
b) Weight of locomotive
c) Stiffness of rail and elasticity of bed
d) Stiffness of rail and weight of train
Answer: c
Clarification: The load acting on the track is distributed to the sleepers, ballast and the formation. Consequently Stiffness of rail and elasticity of bed are the factors which govern the mode of distribution of load.

3. The load in kilograms per unit rail length required to produce one unit depression in the rail is known as ____
a) section modulus
b) track modulus
c) stiffness coefficient of track
d) tractive resistance
Answer: b
Clarification: Track modulus defines the resistance to deformation in the track. It is a measure of the vertical rigidity of the rail.

4. What is the unit of track modulus?
a) kg/cm²
b) kg/cm
c) Cubic tonnes
d) kg²/m
Answer: a
Clarification: Track modulus measures the resistance to deformation. It is defined as the load (kg) per unit rail length needed to cause unit deformation in rail. Its unit is kg/cm².

5. Studies by RDSO reveal that rail depression below the load is not directly proportional to the load in the whole load range.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The track has voids in it. After initial loading these voids and slacks close. Thus after initial loading the depression per unit load decreases and becomes proportional to the increase in load.

6. Which among the following is not responsible for the variation in track modulus?
a) Gauge
b) Type of rail
c) Cost of construction
d) Ballast cushion
Answer: c
Clarification: The track modulus depends upon the gauge and the Track standards. The properties of the railway track affect the deformation in the track and thus affect the track modulus.

7. What are the types of track moduli?
a) Initial track modulus
b) Initial and Final track modulus
c) Initial and Elastic track modulus
d) Initial and Average track modulus
Answer: c
Clarification: The relationship between load and track modulus is not linear. Thus two values of Track modulus- initial track modulus (U_i) and elastic track modulus (U_e) are used.