1) During this period the track structure has been substantially improved. One of the greatest improvements was the elimination of rail joints. In order to reduce the number of joints the rails are welded into continuous lengths.These continuous or long welded rails have greater strength and provide a smoother running of trains at far greater speeds. 2) Another improvement which has made it possible to increase speeds on railways is the use of concrete sleepers. Thus in some countries , concrete sleepers have replaced wooden ones on heavily used main lines because of their advantages. Concrete sleepers have a longer life and a far greater weight than those made of wood. The greater weight of concrete sleepers provides the greater stability of track. It is this factor which has greatly contributed to increased speeds.
ответ взял прямо из текста. Насколько я помню, так надо делать в подобных заданиях.
What elements does the permanent way consist of? - The permanent way consists of rails, ties and ballast.
What is the origin of the term permanent way? - In the early days of railroad building the workers first had to lay temporary tracks to transport the materials to the construction site. And only after that they laid down the permanent tracks on the permanent way, as it was called.
What is the difference between the modern railroad track and the track of the early days of railways? - The first tracks had no ballast, the rails were made of wood and rested on heavy blocks of granite. Then the wooden rails were replaced by iron ones, and the granite blocks were replaced by wooden ties.
What is the gauge and what gauge is used on the Russia railways ?- The gauge is the distance between the rails and in Russia the railroads have a gauge of 1,524 mm .
Why is the joint the weakest part of the track ? - Because nearly all the rails wear out first at the ends.
What is the switch intended for? - Some railroads have two or more tracks. In order to make the trains pass from one track to another the railroads have a switch. /or/ The switch is intended for making the trains pass from one track to another
2) Another improvement which has made it possible to increase speeds on railways is the use of concrete sleepers. Thus in some countries , concrete sleepers have replaced wooden ones on heavily used main lines because of their advantages.
Concrete sleepers have a longer life and a far greater weight than those made of wood. The greater weight of concrete sleepers provides the greater stability of track.
It is this factor which has greatly contributed to increased speeds.
ответ взял прямо из текста. Насколько я помню, так надо делать в подобных заданиях.