Evolution of Railway Tracks-From Wooden Rails to Modern Steel Tracks
A stable structure, commonly known as a railway track, primarily consists of rail sleepers, rail fishplates, and rail fasteners such as rail clips, railroad tie plates, and railroad spikes. Its purpose is to ensure the transportation of trains by providing a reliable surface for their wheels. The terminology for railway tracks varies across different countries; for example, in British English and UIC terminology, it is often referred to as a "railway track," while in the United States, it is predominantly called a "railroad track."
The development of railway tracks has a rich history. The initial rail track was constructed from wood and remained in use for approximately 50 years. To mitigate wear on wooden rail tracks, iron straps were later added to the wooden rails. Subsequently, cast iron rails became widely adopted. In recent times, steel rails are primarily produced through a continuous casting process. Over the years, the shape of rails has undergone significant changes. Since its first rolling in 1831, the "T" section has become the standard in North America.