A new transit method for realigning railway curves and spirals

Abstract

"String lining of curves was used extensively during the depression and the war, partly because of limited engineering personnel and money. Many engineers will prefer the following transit method to string lining, at least on important track and where it is desired to monument the curves precisely and permanently. Tens of thousands of curves fall within this classification, and a standardized procedure should be adopted. This transit method has been used recently in setting track centers for re-aligning and spiraling existing curves on railway track, regardless of whether they were originally spiraled. The systematic and. rational procedure developed in this article will minimize the required survey and track work and improve its quality, thus making possible that improved and definite curve alignment now urgently needed for higher speeds and increased standards of track maintenance-"--Introduction.