Ballastisüsteeme

Ballastisüsteeme, or ballast systems, are essential components in various industries, most notably in marine applications and railway engineering. In ships, ballast systems are used to control the vessel's stability, trim, and draft. This is achieved by taking on or discharging ballast water into dedicated tanks. Ballast water is crucial for maintaining seaworthiness when a ship is not fully loaded with cargo. It helps to keep the ship upright and prevents excessive movement, especially in rough seas. The process of ballasting and deballasting is carefully managed to ensure the safety of the vessel and its crew.

In the context of railways, ballast refers to the crushed stone or gravel bed upon which railway tracks are laid. The ballast system in this case is the entire layer of aggregate. Its primary functions are to distribute the load from the track components (rails and sleepers) over a wider area of the subgrade, provide drainage to prevent waterlogging and frost heave, and hold the track in place, resisting lateral and longitudinal forces. The quality and type of ballast material significantly impact the track's stability, longevity, and maintenance requirements. Regular maintenance involves tamping and re-ballasting to restore the bed's integrity.