Deutsch: Bahn / Português: Transporte ferroviário / Italiano: Trasporto ferroviario
Rail transport is a means of conveyance of passengers and goods, by way of wheeled vehicles running on rails. It is also commonly referred to as train transport or railroad. In contrast to road transport, where vehicles merely run on a prepared surface, rail vehicles are also directionally guided by the tracks on which they run. Track usually consists of steel rails installed on sleepers/ties and ballast, on which the rolling stock, usually fitted with metal wheels, moves. However, other variations are also possible, such as slab track where the rails are fastened to a concrete foundation resting on a prepared subsurface.
In an industrial context, railroad refers to a system of transportation that uses railways and trains to transport goods, materials, and people. Railroads are used in various industries, including transportation, manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. Here are some examples of railroad in different contexts:
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Transportation: Railroads are used to transport passengers and cargo over long distances. Examples of railroad transportation include freight trains, commuter trains, and high-speed trains.
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Manufacturing: Railroads are used to transport raw materials and finished products within manufacturing facilities or between different manufacturing locations. Examples of railroad transportation in manufacturing include steel mills, paper mills, and automobile assembly plants.
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Mining: Railroads are used to transport minerals, ores, and coal from mines to processing facilities or ports. Examples of mining railroads include iron ore railways, coal railways, and copper railways.
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Agriculture: Railroads are used to transport agricultural products such as grains, livestock, and fertilizer. Examples of agricultural railroads include grain railways, cattle railways, and fertilizer railways.
Other terms related to railroad in industrial contexts include:
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Rail infrastructure: The physical infrastructure such as tracks, signals, and bridges that support railroad transportation.
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Rolling stock: The vehicles used on railways, including locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, and maintenance-of-way equipment.
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Rail logistics: The process of planning, coordinating, and managing the transportation of goods and materials by rail, including scheduling, routing, and tracking.
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Rail safety: The set of practices, rules, and regulations used to ensure the safety of railroad operations, including safety training, safety equipment, and safety inspections.
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Rail technology: The technology used in rail transportation, including locomotive control systems, signaling systems, and track maintenance equipment.