Formula:
Definition: This calculator determines the number of rails needed based on the count of fish bolts per kilometer of track.
Purpose: It helps railway construction and maintenance professionals estimate rail requirements for track projects.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: Each rail typically requires 4 fish bolts for proper fastening, so the total number of fish bolts is divided by 4 to get the rail count.
Details: Accurate rail estimation ensures proper track construction, maintenance planning, and material procurement for railway projects.
Tips: Enter the number of fish bolts per kilometer of track (±5% accuracy). The value must be > 0.
Q1: Why divide by 4?
A: Each rail section typically requires 4 fish bolts (two at each joint) for proper fastening to adjacent rails.
Q2: What's the ±5% about?
A: This accounts for typical variation in fish bolt counts due to track geometry, special sections, or maintenance conditions.
Q3: Does this work for all track types?
A: The formula works for standard tracks. Special trackwork (switches, crossings) may require additional rails.
Q4: How do I count fish bolts?
A: Count all fish bolts along 1 km of track, including both sides of each rail joint.
Q5: What about damaged or missing fish bolts?
A: The calculation assumes all required fish bolts are present. Adjust counts for known missing bolts.