Why a small gap is left between rails at the time of installation.
Evaluate the following statements.
Statement I: The gaps allow thermal expansion and reduce compressive stress and buckling.
Statement II: The gaps stop the rails conducting heat.

Question

Why a small gap is left between rails at the time of installation.

Evaluate the following statements.

Statement I: The gaps allow thermal expansion and reduce compressive stress and buckling.

Statement II: The gaps stop the rails conducting heat.

TestHub · Accepted Answer

Rails expand in hot weather. If there were no gap, the expansion would be blocked and large compressive thermal stresses ( Y α Δ T ) would buckle the track. The gap lets each rail lengthen freely. Statement I is true and Statement II false. Correct option: (B).

Physics - Heat & Thermo Question with Solution | TestHub

Options:

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