Kolejnice

Kolejnice is a Czech and Slovak word that translates to "rail" or "railway track" in English. It refers to the parallel steel bars on which trains travel. These tracks are a fundamental component of any railway system, providing a smooth and defined path for locomotives and rolling stock.

The basic structure of a kolejnice consists of two parallel steel rails, typically weighing 30 to 70 kilograms per meter, laid on sleepers (also known as ties) which are usually made of wood or concrete. The sleepers are then embedded in ballast, a layer of crushed stone, which distributes the load and allows for drainage. Fastenings are used to secure the rails to the sleepers.

Kolejnice are designed to withstand significant forces, including the weight of trains, acceleration, braking, and lateral forces generated during curves. The precise spacing between the rails, known as the gauge, is standardized and varies across different countries and railway systems, though common gauges exist.

The development of efficient and durable kolejnice was a crucial step in the industrial revolution, enabling the mass transport of goods and people. Continuous innovation in materials science and engineering has led to improvements in rail strength, wear resistance, and track stability, ensuring safer and faster rail travel. The maintenance of kolejnice is a vital aspect of railway operations, involving regular inspection, repair, and replacement to ensure the integrity and safety of the network.