Which of the following is used while selecting an alignment for railway line?
- ACompass
- BTraversing
- CTheodolite
- DSoil surveyCorrect
Solution
Concept
Railway alignment selection procedures
Formula
NONE
Step-by-step solution
1. Railway tracks require stable foundation soil capable of bearing heavy moving wheel loads. 2. A soil survey evaluates soil bearing capacity, settlement properties, and slope stability along a route. 3. Soil survey data is critical for selecting a safe and durable alignment for a railway line. Answer: D
Explanation
Selecting a railway route requires analyzing subsoil characteristics to ensure the ground can support heavy train loads without excessive settlement or structural failure. Conducting a soil survey helps evaluate bearing capacity, slope stability, and drainage conditions along potential routes. This information determines whether a particular alignment is safe and feasible for railway construction.
Why the other options are wrong
A) A compass is used for bearing measurement rather than route suitability assessment. B) Traversing is a survey procedure for establishing control networks rather than evaluating subgrade suitability. C) A theodolite is an instrument for angle measurement used in detailed alignment layout.
Shortcut
Soil survey determines subgrade load-bearing capacity for railway alignment selection.
Common mistake
Selecting angular surveying instruments like a compass or theodolite instead of soil survey for evaluating subgrade stability.
Correct answer: D) Soil survey