ruling grade

American  

noun

Railroads.

1. the steepest grade on a given stretch of track, which determines the maximum tonnage that can be hauled in a train having a given horsepower at a stated minimum speed.

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Example Sentences

It shortens the transcontinental route between Denver and Salt Lake City by about 175 miles, cuts the ruling grade from 4% to 2%.

From Time Magazine Archive

So he determined to build from the outset up to the highest standard, securing a lower ruling grade than any other transcontinental enjoyed.

From Project Gutenberg

The above discussion serves to illustrate the desirability of adopting a low ruling or limiting grade for roads to be surfaced with a material having low tractive resistance and the poor economy of adopting a low ruling grade for earth roads or roads to be surfaced with material of high tractive resistance.

From Project Gutenberg

It not only saves the three miles I spoke of, but a terrible amount of cutting, and doesn't add a fraction to our ruling grade; bringing us out—I'll tell you where it brings us out!

From Project Gutenberg

There was only one choice of locations: the valley line, where the ruling grade is about nominal.

From Project Gutenberg