Bandafstand

Bandafstand is a term used in the Dutch language to describe the distance between the two rails of a railway track. It is a crucial measurement in railway engineering, as it determines the stability and safety of the track. The standard bandafstand in the Netherlands is 1,435 millimeters, which is also the standard for most of Europe. This measurement is known as the "normaalspoor" or normal gauge.

The bandafstand is not fixed and can vary depending on the type of railway and its intended use. For example, narrow-gauge railways, which are common in some parts of the world, have a smaller bandafstand, typically between 600 and 1,000 millimeters. Conversely, broad-gauge railways, such as those in India and Russia, have a larger bandafstand, typically between 1,676 and 1,760 millimeters.

The bandafstand is measured from the center of one rail to the center of the other. It is important to maintain the correct bandafstand, as a wider or narrower bandafstand can cause issues such as wheel flanging, which can lead to derailments. Regular maintenance and inspection of the track are necessary to ensure that the bandafstand remains within the acceptable range.