TM 5-840-2
c. Weight requirements. The bearing capacity of
loading cranes occupy the other track to facilitate
the pavement will essentially determine the height
loading or unloading. Double-track layouts shall
to which open storage material can be stacked or
have crossovers at intervals of 300 to 1500 m
the maximum weight of items in one area. The type
(1,000 to 5,000 ft). Single-track layouts of more
and thickness of pavement will depend on these
than 300 m (1,000 ft) should have rail connections
storage requirements. Summer heat affects most
at both ends. Figure 5-1 shows one example of
flexible pavement surfaces; and, subsequently,
open storage layout, and additional layout
improper base and subbase construction can cause
information can be found in DOD manual 4145.19-
sinking and puncturing of the pavement surface
R-1.
under heavy loading.
5-4. Loading and unloading platforms.
5-3. Aisle and track layout.
a. Size. Within each open storage area there
Each open storage area will require specialized
should be at least one rail car loading and unload-
attention to provide the proper aisle and track
ing platform. Side-loading platforms should be at
layout for the particular material being stored on
least 6 m (20 ft) wide and at least one car length
the area. The type of material will generally dictate
long. The length is preferably two car lengths. The
the dimensions used and the proper MHE needed
platform should be located such that the side face
to accomplish transportation of the material. In
is 1880 mm (6 ft 2 in) from the center line of the
general, though, efficient open storage layouts
track, and the elevation of the top of the platform
provide for straight-line flow of stock from loading
should be 1150 mm (3 ft 9 in) above the top of the
and unloading areas to storage areas, ready access
rail. Ramps up to the platform should have a slope
to each stock location, and both maximum and
no greater than 15 percent. If the platform is also to
efficient utilization of road and track facilities.
serve flat cars in which the cargo is to be unloaded
Aisles in open storage areas will be essentially
from the end of the car, and end-loading platform
roads since the dimensional requirements for MHE
should be constructed. The dimensions should be
are large. Main aisles should be located in the
similar to the side-loading platform except that the
longitudinal direction of the storage space, while
width of the platform at the end-loading portion
cross aisles should be placed perpendicular to the
should be 10 m (32 ft) wide (fig 5-2).
b. Materials. The platforms can be constructed
main aisles. One efficient layout of main and cross
aisles produces rectangular storage areas that are
of concrete, wood, or earth-filled timbers. The type
twice as long as they are wide. In large open
of construction should be based on the expected
storage areas, every alternating main aisle should
service loads and environmental conditions that the
be equipped with double track to accommodate
ramp and platform will experience.
cars to be loaded on one track while rail-mounted
5-2
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