Course On Traction Distribution

TITLE Rev . 0.

OHE II

Session No.M2.12/15
Page 1 of 58

Date of issue 14.2.2009

Types of Foundations,
Turn Outs,Cross overs,
Overlaps, Neutral
Sections, ATD & Bonds.

Foundations

2800
Shoulder
width
50100mm

Foundati
on Level

General
Foundation
RDSO DRG. No. ETI/C/0023

The top of foundation

should be 50-100 mm
above the surrounding
ground level. The length of
mast below rail level should
be minimum 1850 mm for
regulated OHE and 1750
mm for un-regulated OHE.
A 1350 mm embeddment of
mast in concrete is
necessary. Concrete
cushion of 150 mm below
the bottom of mast is also
necessary.

Foundations
Where foundations are constructed on the slope of
banks, the foundations should be so located that
generally no part of it is exposed. The top of
foundation may then be brought to the desire level (rail
level- 500 mm) by providing a super block of length
and breadth equal to the top dimension of foundations.
The increase in bending moment due to increased
setting distance should be calculated and the
designation of foundation to allow for this BM should
be selected. The arrangement is shown in the Fig.
No. A.1.03

Foundation in slope of Bank

OHE Mast
Rail Level
500 mm

Super Block

Standard foundation

Types of Foundations
Side Bearing Foundation
Side bearing foundations
are used for masts where
the soil bearing capacity is
11,000 or 21,500 Kgf./M2
and 300 mm wide shoulder
is available on the bank.
However for overlap inter
masts and masts on the
inside of curves, 550 mm
wide shoulder is necessary
( Drg. No. ETI/C/0023)

Side Gravity Foundation

Side gravity
foundations may be
used for masts where
soil bearing capacity
is 8000 and 11000
Kgf./M2, or adequate
shoulder width is not
available. No portion
of the foundation
should be exposed.

RDSO/DRG/ETI/C/0058

RDSO/DRG/ETI/C/0058

Pure gravity foundations

(type G) are used for
independent masts where
soil surrounding the
foundations is loose and
cannot exert passive
pressure on the
foundations. G type
foundation have been
designed for soil bearing
capacity of 5500 , 8000 and
11000 Kgf./M2. Pure gravity
foundations (Type P) are
used for portals and are
designed for soil bearing
capacity of 8250 and 11000
Kgf./m2.

New Pure Gravity

New pure gravity
foundations may be used for
masts where soil bearing
capacity is 5500, 8000 and
11000 Kgf./M2 or where
adequate shoulder width as
mentioned in para 6.5.3
(300/550) is not available. In
such cases, it should be
ensured that foundation is
not exposed.

Foundations in black cotton soil

1 The foundation of the black cotton should be done
preferably in dry season i.e. from November to May.
Excavations should be avoided as far as possible in
case of unexpected rains in dry season also.
2 In black cotton soils. WBC and NBC type of
foundations are used. Primarily WBC foundations are
to be adopted where swelling/shrinkage is not
expected to take place at the founding level and NBC
foundations have to be provided where
swelling/shrinkage is expected to occur.
3 When in doubt regarding classification of BC soil as
to dry or wet, it is preferable to make NBC type
foundation.

BLACK COTTON FOUNDATION

1. 2 m for
WBC

NBC Foundation

F B M CODE
FOUNDATION BENDING MOMENT

FIRST DIGIT

SECOND/THIRD DIGIT

115

1 = UP TO 700 Kg

15 =

1500 Kgm

234

2 = 701 TO 1600 Kg

34 =

3400 Kgm

340

3 = 1601 TO 3000 Kg

40 =

4000 Kgm

455

4 = 3001 TO 4000 Kg 55 =

5500 Kgm

NORMALLY MAST ARE EMBEDED IN THE FOUNDATION

UP TO 1.35 METER DEPTH.
ONLY IN BC SOIL IT IS EMBEDED UP TO 1.85 METER DEPTH.

DRY
BLACK
COTTON
FOUNDATION

NEW
PURE
GRAVITY
FOUNDATION

SIDE
BEARING
FOUNDATION

SIDE
GRAVITY
FOUNDATION

MAST FOUNDATIONS SHOWN ABOVE GROUND LEVEL

Tension Length
Length of conductor which is stretched between the two
anchor points.

Overlap
An arrangement of overhead equipment over a track
where two sets of traction conductors are run parallel to
each other for short distance over span(s) providing a
smooth passage for the pantograph of an electric rolling
stock. In the un-insulated overlaps two sets of
conductors are separated by 200 mm and connected by
a jumper. In insulated overlaps the two sets of
conductors are separated by 500 mm in air. Electrical
continuity is provided by an isolator. Interruptor or
booster transformer.

The spans at insulated and un-insulated overlaps should

be designed in accordance with Drg. Nos.
ETI/OHE/G/02131/Sheet 1 and RE/33/G/02121 Sh. 1
respectively.
Note: If feasible, overlap shall be avoided under overhead
power line crossings.
Encumbrance: The axial distance on vertical plane
between the catenary and the contact wire at support.
It varies from 1.4 to 0.3 mts. [ 300,400,500,600,750,900]

Minimum Encumbrance
Normally, the axial distance between the
catenary and the contact wire at the minimum
dropper should not be less than 150 mm.
Smaller droppers may be adopted in
exceptional cases. If the shortest dropper is
loop type and more than 150 mm, no speed
restriction is called for. But if the dropper is
without loop or of rigid type or less than 150
mm, the overhead equipment is deemed
suitable upto 90 km/h speed.

3 span Insulated Overlap

3 span Un Insulated Overlap

4 span Insulated Overlap

Bracket Arrangement

Overlap Type Equipment

Types of
Turn outs
Crossed Type Equipment.

Knuckle Type Eqpt.

Types of OHE at T/Os

Crossed Type of Turn Out

Crossed type equipment for turn outs is
normally adopted on secondary tracks , but
may be used on main tracks , where speeds
are less than 100 kmph. The overhead
equipment of the secondary track normally
crosses the overhead equipment of the main
track or does not have any overlapping span
before anchorage.

Diamond Crossing

Diamond Crossing

Section Insulator

Section Insulators

Sectional insulators should be so located that the following

conditions are fulfilled.
i) At location of section insulator, the axial distance between
the catenary and contact wire shall not be less than 450 mm
in the case of single-wire section insulator and 600 mm in
the case of a double wire section insulator without
increasing the encumbrance at the supports beyond 1.40 m.
ii) The section insulator is to be located beyond the point
where the centre distance between the two tracks is equal to
or more than 1.65 m. If the section insulator is erected with
the free ends of the runners away from the centre of the turn
out this distance may be reduced to 1.45 m.

Section Insulators
iii) The stagger of the contact wire at the location of the section
insulator should normally be zero, but in no case should it
exceed + 100 mm.
iv) On loops, the section insulator shall, as far as possible, be
located close to the first support of the overhead equipment for
the loop.
v) The preferred location of section insulator on main running
track is 2 to 10 m from the support in the direction of traffic,
though its provision on the main line should be avoided.
vi) In double line section, the runners should be in the trailing
direction.

Speed Potential of Section Insulator

120 kmph
(i) 1/10 of span <
d < 1/3 of span

80 kmph

(i) d < 1/3 of span

80 kmph
(i) d > 1/3 of span

Neutral Section
A short section of insulated dead overhead
equipment which separates the sectors fed by two
adjacent substations which are normally connected
to different phases.
Types of Neutral sections
1. Conventional overlap type
2. Short Neutral section
a) section Insulator type
b) PTFE
3. Dynamic Neutral section / ASNS

45/49.5/54

36

49.5

36

Over lap type Neutral section

54

PTFE NEUTRAL SECTION

Balfour Beatty

AUTOMATIC SWITCHED NEUTRAL SECTION (Arthur Flury)

HT
COIL 1

PHASE
1

2.
supply.
3.
4.

MAST

PTFE

H
PTFE

SKID ROD
BC = 3300 mm

1.

VCB2

VCB1

HT
COIL2
I

PHASE
2

L
J

K
SKID ROD

BJ = 25000 mm

CJ = 21700 mm

DE = 6800 mm

EJ = 14900 mm

Loco moves on the section X

At section insulator Point A, pantograph touches energised Skid Rod at point B.. A little
further movement of Pantograph from point B breaks contact from section
insulator runners causing current to pass through HT coil 1.
The moment HT coil 1 gets energised, ( Minimum current required 25 Amps) VCB 1
closes in 15 Milli Sec. and energises section DE at 25 kV AC from Phase 1
At point C panto touches trailing end of section insulator at point D which is already
charged at 25 kV AC, from Phase 1 supply.
A little further movement of panto from point D results in breaking the panto contact
from Skid Rod BC thus de-energising HT coil 1.

AUTOMATIC SWITCHED NEUTRAL SECTION (Arthur Flury)

HT
COIL 1

PHASE
1

B
L

VCB2

MAST

PTFE

PTFE

SKID ROD

BC = 3300 mm

5.

VCB1

HT

COIL2
I

PHASE
2

L
J

K
SKID ROD

BJ = 25000 mm

CJ = 21700 mm

DE = 6800 mm

EJ = 14900 mm

Within 15 Milli Sec of de-energisation of HT coil 1, VCB 1 opens out and section
DE becomes neutral.
6 As the panto is having solid contact with contact wire in section DE at the time of opening
out of VCB 1 resulting in switching off the 25kV power supply, there is no flash over on
the pantograph, even though Loco might have been drawing full current. At this position
Loco DJ is in closed position and Master controller (MP) may be on any notch.
7. Loco travels in the neutral section between points D E F G & I a distance of 21.7
meters, which must be covered within 0.6 Sec. to avoid DJ opening through Q 44 relay.
This is only possible when the Loco speed is equal to or more than 130 KMPH. If loco is
with power ON & drawing current more than 25 amps. then DE will remain energised
otherwise not.
8. At Section insulator point I panto bridges Skid Rod at point J charged from phase 2
supply, resulting in instant rushing of current through HT coil 2 thus closing VCB 2 in
15 milli s econds, which in turn charges the section H I at 25 kV AC from phase 2 supply.

AUTOMATIC SWITCHED NEUTRAL SECTION (Arthur Flury)

HT
COIL 1

PHASE
1

VCB2

VCB1

PTFE

MAST

PTFE

HT
COIL2
I

L
J

SKID ROD
BC = 3300 mm

PHASE
2

K
SKID ROD

BJ = 25000 mm

CJ = 21700 mm

DE = 6800 mm

EJ = 14900 mm

9.

At point I & J there is a possibility of heavy flash over on the panto pan as it enters from
neutral section to live 25 kV AC section through HT coil 2.This flash over will continue
till the section HI gets charged at 25 KV from phase 2 supply after closing of VCB 2.

10.

Further at Skid Rod point K, panto bridges point L of section insulator which is charged
at 25 kV AC supply from phase 2.

11.

A little further movement of pantograph from point L results in panto leaving contact
from Skid Rod J K , thus de-energising HT coil 2.

12.

Within 15 Milli Sec of de-energisation of HT coil 2, VCB 2 opens out and section H I
becomes neutral.

Regulating Equipment
A device for maintaining the tension of OHE conductors
constant under all ambient temperature conditions.
Note: Such OHE is called regulated OHE.

Auto Tensioning Device

3 Pulley Type ATD

3 Pulley Type ATD

3 Pulley Type ATD adjustment chart

Bonds
Bond means an electrical connection between two or
more conductors of non-current carrying metallic parts
of traction masts or structures or supports and rails.
Earth wire means a conductor run on traction masts
or structures or supports and bonded to their metallic
parts/supports and connected to earth.
Earth electrode means a metal plate or pipe or any
other conductor electrically connected to the general
mass of the earth.

Bonds
Earth means a connection to the general
mass of earth by means of an earth
electrode. An object is said to be earthed
when it is electrically connected to an earth
electrode, and the object is said to be solidly
earthed when it is electrically connected to
an earth electrode without intentional addition
of resistance or impedance in the earth
connection. The resistance of the earth
electrode shall not exceed 10-Ohm.

Bonds
Impedance-bond is a bond, installed by the Signal and
Telecommunication Department, which provides a low impedance
path for the traction return current and a relatively high impedance
path for track circuit current.
Rail-bond means an electrical connection across a rail joint between
consecutive lengths of rails. It is also called a Longitudinal bond
Structure bond means a bond connecting for non current carrying
metallic parts of a traction mast or structure or support to the traction
rail.
Cross bond means a bond between two rails of a track or two rails
of adjacent tracks. It is also called a transverse bond.
All types of bond i.e. rail-bond, cross-bond and structure-bond shall
be of mild steel of not less than 200 mm2 cross sectional area

Bonds
Signal bond means an electrical connection across a rail joint,
provided by the Signalling & Telecommunication Department, to
facilitate flow of track circuit current.
Traction Rail means a non-track-circuited rail of a wired track,
not required for signalling purposes and which may be earthed.
In non-track-circuited sections, both the rails of wired track are
traction rails and in single rail-track-circuited sections, the
traction rail is the non-track-circuited rail.

Welded bond means a bond which is made of standard

copper conductors with M.S. ferrules at either end, pressed on
the conductors and bent to shape. The bond shall be connected
to the rails by electric or gas welding.
Wired track means a track provided with 25 kV a.c. 50 Hz.
Single phase overhead equipment.

Bonding in Single Rail-TrackCircuited Sections

The traction rail in a single rail-track-circuited section shall

be provided with rail bonds not only over the entire length
upto which the track circuited rail exists but also for a
distance of 50 m on both sides of the track circuited length.
In addition, the traction rail shall be cross bonded to the
traction rails. If any, of adjacent tracks wherever they exist
at intervals of not less than 100m(if adjacent tracks do not
exist then separate earths at 100 m distance should be used).
The traction rails of such adjacent tracks shall also be
provided with rail-bonds over the entire length of the track
circuits and for further 50 m on both sides. In case the
length of a track circuited rail is not more than 350 m, a
cross bond shall be provided between the rails of the track
immediately outside the track circuited length at both of its
end.

Bonding in Double Rail-TrackCircuited Sections.

In a double rail-track-circuited section, both the rails shall be
provided with rail-bonds. At insulated joints of the double railtrack-circuit an impedance bond shall be provided. Since no
traction rail is available for structure bonding, an earth wire shall
be run on the traction mast or structure or support. In case, the
length of the earth wire exceeds 1000 metres it shall be made
electrically discontinuous by providing a cut-in-insulator so that
no section of the earth wire is greater than 1000 metres
electrically. Each such section of the earth wire shall be
connected to an earth at two traction masts or structures or
supports at a distance not exceeding 500 m apart
No cross bond shall be provided between the rails of the same
track or between the rails of different tracks in a double railtrack-circuited section.

Bonding Adjacent to Traction Sub

Station/Feeding Post
Commencing opposite to a traction substation/feeding post, all the traction rails shall
be provided with rail-bonds for a distance of
1000 metres on either side of the traction
sub-station/feeding post. In addition, these
traction rails shall be cross-bonded at
approximate distances of 300, 500, 700 and
1000 metres from the traction substation/feeding post.

Bonding of Rails on
Wooden/Concrete Sleepers
A wired track shall be deemed to be on
wooden or concrete sleepers if there are not
more than six metallic sleepers in any length
of track not exceeding 350 m. The traction
rails of such a track shall be provided with
cross bonds at distance of not more than 350
m apart. No rail bonds shall be provided.

Bonding in Loco sheds and

Loco/EMU stabling sidings
All traction rails of loco sheds and loco/EMU
stabling sidings shall be provided with cross
bonds at distance of not more than 100 m
apart. Further all sidings and/or dead ends,
whether wired or not, shall be connected by
rail bonds. The rails on wooden or concrete
sleepers/supports in loco/EMU inspection pits
shall be provided with rail-bonds for the entire
length of the pit and also upto a length of 50
m on both sides and connected to an earth

Bonding of Rails in a Tunnel

In a tunnel all the traction rails shall be provided with rail-bonds
not only over the entire length inside the tunnel but also for a
length of upto 50 m or both sides outside the tunnel. Besides, a
cross bond shall be provided between the traction rails at either
ends of the tunnel.
If the tracks in a tunnel are track-circuited,then An earth wire connecting all non-current carrying metallic parts
which form parts of the supports for the overhead equipment,
shall be run inside the tunnel. The earth wire shall be
connected to an earth as well as to the traction rails at both
ends just outside the tunnel. In case, all the rails are track
circuited, the earth wire shall be connected to an earth at both
ends just outside the tunnel. If the length of the earth wire
exceeds 1000 m, the stipulation in regard to making it
electrically discontinuous as mentioned earlier shall be
followed.

Bonding of Over line Structure &

Exposed mettalic parts
The metallic parts of foot or road over bridges or other over-line
structures over wired tracks shall be connected either to a
traction rail or to an earth by means of two mild steel strips/flats
of cross-section not less than 200 mm2 each.
All exposed metallic parts such as platform structures/sheds,
metallic fencing, wires, pipes and such other items, not likely to
come into direct contact with the 25 kV ac overhead equipment
and located with a distance of 20 m from the nearest electrified
track and running parallel to it for a distance of more than 20 m
but less than 350 m shall be connected to an earth or traction
rail. If parallelism with the nearest electrified track exceeds 350
m all such exposed metallic parts shall be connected to a
separate earth at distances not exceeding 350 m apart. No
special precaution is required in case such metallic parts are
fitted on metallic supports directly buried in the ground if the
earth resistance of such metallic support is less than 10- Ohm .

Bonding of Earthing Heel of Isolator

Switch & connection of Return
Conductor
The earthing heel of an isolator switch shall be connected
by two mild steel flats of cross-section not less than 200 mm
2 each to the supporting metallic traction mast or structure
or support. The connection shall be as short and as direct as
possible. Such a traction mast or structure or support shall,
in turn, be connected to a traction rail or an earth wire and,
in addition, to an earth.
A return conductor connecting booster transformers shall be
connected approximately at the mid point between the
adjacent booster transformer stations to the traction rail of
the same track or to the mid point of an impedance bond in
the case of double rail track circuited section.

Thanks

AUTOMATIC

SWITCHED

NEUTRAL

SECTION