EXPANSION OF RAILS.
Reading edition
In laying the 45 ft., 44 ft. 6 in., 39 ft. 5 in., 32 ft., 29 ft. and 26 ft. lengths of rails, the following spaces must be left at the joints, according to the temperature for the expansion and contraction of the metal, viz.:—
Air Temperature. (Degrees Fahrenheit.) NATURE OF WEATHER. Length of Rail.
45′ 0″ 44′ 6″ 39′ 5″ 32′ 0″ 29′ 0″ 26′ 0″
80 In hot Summer weather 5/32″ 3/32″
60 In moderately cool weather ¼″ 3/16″
30 In cold Winter weather 13/32″ 9/32″
For laying down new permanent way iron expansion gauges, equal in thickness to the respective spaces given, to be used.
Wooden gauges must on no account be allowed.
The expansion granges must, as far as possible, be allowed to remain in the joints until they are properly fished up, and the road slewed into its proper line and “topped.”