Yes. Gravel used on railway tracks is known as ballast. It is used to dissipate the vibration produced by trains traveling at high speeds. In effect, the gravel layer acts as a cushion and damps the vibrations so that they do not travel long distances. If the rails are laid on a solid base, these vibrations can travel long distances and lead to cracks on the base as well as on nearby buildings.
The ballast provides a foundation for the sleepers, distributes the pressure on to the formation and helps in diverting the rain water. In a typical ballast, voids constitute 20 to 30 percent of the volume.
The ballast provides a foundation for the sleepers, distributes the pressure on to the formation and helps in diverting the rain water. In a typical ballast, voids constitute 20 to 30 percent of the volume.
