What is cant?

Vehicle passing on a circular curve always experiences lateral acceleration due to centrifugal force acting away
from the carbody. Due to this wheel offloading and lateral loads experienced by the track are not even, To
have equilibrium state, the outer rail is raised compared to inner rail. Equilibrium state is achieved when both the
wheels of the wheelset exert equal/same loads on the track.
The level difference between the outer rail and inner rail is called super elevation or cant.

Why cant is provided?

1. To achieve equal distribution of loads on rails.

2. To reduce wear and tear of rolling stock and rails.
3. To nullify the effect of lateral forces.
4. To provide comfort to the passengers by reducing the lateral accelerations.
 EQUILIBRIUM CANT = Real/Actual cant Theoretically best for a given curve and speed

CANT DEFICIENCY = Equilibrium cant – Real/Actual cant

Physically done to avoid
CANT EXCESS = Real/Actual cant - Equilibrium cant  Derailments
 Discomfort to passengers
 Risk of track lateral displacement

In view of maximum permissible speed and the loading condition of the car, cant deficiency is provided such that
1. Discomfort to the passengers is avoided and
2. Derailment risk is reduced when the tare vehicle travels at low speeds along the curve.
3.

NOTE: Higher cant deficiency causes discomfort to the passengers.

1. When there is higher cant excess, and the vehicle halted on sharp curve and it starts to move. Derailment chances are
more because outer wheel get off loaded when the vehicle stand on excess cant.
2. If excess cant is provided, possibility of higher positive angle of attack at leading outer also increase the chance of
derailment