Loading gauge

A loading gauge is a diagram or physical structure that defines the maximum height and width dimensions in <a href="/facts/Rail_transport/9nJQbsDV">railway</a> <a href="/facts/Rolling_stock/xe66VHGf">vehicles</a> and their loads. Their purpose is to ensure that rail vehicles can pass safely through tunnels and under bridges, and keep clear of platforms, trackside buildings and structures. Classification systems vary between different countries, and loading gauges may vary across a network, even if the <a href="/facts/Track_gauge/aQIXUugv">track gauge</a> is uniform.
The term loading gauge can also be applied to the maximum size of road <a href="/facts/Vehicle/jSIEqANL">vehicles</a> in relation to <a href="/facts/Tunnel/PJNSaSIw">tunnels</a>, <a href="/facts/Overpass/bHSRAB3f">overpasses</a> and <a href="/facts/Bridge/vBJ7Hw8v">bridges</a>, and <a href="/facts/Garage_door/MuKNTrmc">doors</a> into <a href="/facts/Automobile_repair_shop/34oxG4sU">automobile repair shops</a>, <a href="/facts/Bus_garage/SN5QG6oe">bus garages</a>, <a href="/facts/Filling_station/8tKyIht7">filling stations</a>, <a href="/facts/Garage_(residential)/2t4aeYgP">residential garages</a>, <a href="/facts/Multi-storey_car_park/tQ2ljXQm">multi-storey car parks</a> and <a href="/facts/Warehouse/BthIekUE">warehouses</a>.
A related but separate gauge is the <a href="/facts/Structure_gauge/1Wr4rQoY">structure gauge</a>, which sets limits to the extent that bridges, tunnels and other infrastructure can encroach on rail vehicles. The difference between these two gauges is called the <a href="/facts/Engineering_tolerance/zRrj34dF">clearance</a>. The specified amount of clearance makes allowance for <a href="/facts/Envelope_(motion)/FgkhJ1XC">wobbling</a> of rail vehicles at speed.

Loading gauge open-in-new

Loading gauge