This document discusses railway track drainage. It begins by introducing track drainage and distinguishing between surface and sub-surface drainage. Sources of moisture that can affect tracks are then outlined. The importance of track drainage is discussed, noting that it prevents problems like wet earth clogging ballast and ballast sinking into wet earth. Surface drainage and various methods of sub-surface drainage, like inverted filler blankets and pervious layers, are covered. Problems associated with bad drainage like clogging and ballast sinking are explained, along with remedies for those issues.

1. Dr. Walied A. Elsaigh
welsaigh@ksu.edu.sa
Asst. Prof. of Civil Engineering
CE 435
Railway Engineering
Drainage

2. Introduction
Track drainage involves the interception and removal of
water from the track.
Surface
Drainage
Sub-surface
Drainage

3. Source of Moisture
Surface water due to rain, dew and snow.
Moisture due to capillary action.
Seepage from adjacent areas.
Hydroscopic (held-water).

4. Why Track Drainage?
Track drainage is important due to following reasons:

5. Cont. Why Track Drainage?

6. Surface Drainage

7. Sub-surface Drainage

8. Sub-surface Drainage
Capillary Water
Inverted Filler Blanket
Provision of an inverted filler blanket

9. Cont. Sub-surface Drainage
Capillary Water
Provision of a pervious layer

10. Sub-surface Drainage
Seepage Water
Track in cutting
water seeps from adjacent areas into subgrade

11. Sub-surface Drainage
Seepage Water
water seeps from adjacent
areas into subgrade
Track build in cutting

12. Cont. Sub-surface Drainage
Seepage Water

13. Rail Track Drainage
Problems
Bad drainage? Ahaa, then wait for
the following are the rail track
problems!
Wet earth gets into
the ballast (clogging)
Ballast sinks into the
wet earth

14. Cont. Rail Track Drainage
Problems / Clogging
In KSA railways, we have dry clogging! Discuss

15. Cont. Rail Track Drainage
Problems / Clogging Remedy
Inverted Filler Blanket
1

16. Cont. Rail Track Drainage
Problems / Clogging Remedy
2

17. Cont. Rail Track Drainage
Problems / Clogging Remedy
3

18. Rail Track Drainage
Problems / Ballast Sinking

19. Rail Track Drainage Problems
Ballast Sinking/ Remedy
1

20. Rail Track Drainage Problems
Ballast Sinking/ Remedy
2

21. Rail Track Drainage Problems
Ballast Sinking/ Remedy
3

22. Rail Track Drainage Problems
Ballast Sinking/ Remedy
4

23. Rail Track Drainage Problems
Ballast Sinking/ Remedy
5

24. Rail Track Drainage Problems
Ballast Sinking/ Remedy
6

25. Rail Track Drainage Problems
Ballast Sinking/ Remedy
7

26. Rail Track Drainage Problems
Ballast Sinking/ Remedy
8

27. Thank You