This standard specifies the requirements for crushed stone ballast used in railway track construction, covering material types, physical properties, size grading, and testing methods.
Lays down the requirements for coarse aggregate used as ballast in railway tracks.
Quick Reference Values
Maximum Aggregate Impact Value (AIV)20%
Maximum Los Angeles Abrasion Value30%
Maximum Water Absorption1% by weight
Standard Nominal Size50 mm
Practical Notes
Track ballast must be angular with high abrasion resistance to maintain strong interlocking and excellent drainage under dynamic train loads.
Sampling is critical; ensure samples are collected per IS 2430 to accurately represent the entire quarry yield or stockpile.
Routine checking of water absorption is essential as values above 1% can lead to rapid degradation under freeze-thaw cycles or heavy impact loads.