Structure gauge

minimum clearance outline in Germany (left: main tracks; right: other tracks)

File:2014 Replacement of New Road Bridge, Milton Ernest, Bedfordshire.png

Increasing the structure gauge for a larger loading gauge can involve substantial work. The UK's Midland Main Line being upgraded in 2014.

The structure gauge, also called the minimum clearance outline, is the minimum height and width of tunnels and bridges as well as the minimum height and width of the doors that allow a rail siding access into a warehouse. In addition, the term may apply to the minimum distance to railway platforms (passenger or freight), buildings, electrical equipment boxes, railway signal equipment, third rails or to supports for overhead catenaries or overhead lines from the track.

The difference between the structure gauge and the loading gauge is called the "clearance". The amount of clearance between the loading gauge and the structure gauge depends on the speed of the train, due to the train wobbling, so a train may be able to get past a restricted clearance by travelling at slow speed.

The term can also be applied to the minimum size of road tunnels and bridges.

See also

• Air draft, applies to bridges across navigable waterways
• Berne gauge
• Clearance car
• Disadvantages of third rail (additional infrastructure restrictions)
• Engineering tolerance
• Loading gauge
• Railway platform
• Railway platform height
• Wayobjects

External links

• Transport Canada, Standard Respecting Railway Clearance
• GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN RAILROAD HIGH AND WIDE CLEARANCES
• Railway line clearances and car dimensions including weight ..., Volumes 87-90
• www.ipm.fraunhofer.de/railway
• Clearance Guidelines for Industrial Railways (BC)
• Transport Canada