Evaluation of an innovative composite railway sleeper for a narrow-gauge track under static load
Article
Article Title | Evaluation of an innovative composite railway sleeper for a narrow-gauge track under static load |
---|---|
ERA Journal ID | 4221 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Ferdous, Wahid (Author), Manalo, Allan (Author), Van Erp, Gerard (Author), Aravinthan, Thiru (Author) and Ghabraie, Kazem (Author) |
Journal Title | Journal of Composites for Construction |
Journal Citation | 22 (2), pp. 1-13 |
Number of Pages | 13 |
Year | 2018 |
Publisher | American Society of Civil Engineers |
Place of Publication | United States |
ISSN | 1090-0268 |
1943-5614 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CC.1943-5614.0000833 |
Web Address (URL) | https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/%28ASCE%29CC.1943-5614.0000833 |
Abstract | This paper introduces an innovative composite railway sleeper with an optimal material usage for a narrow-gauge railway track under static loading condition. The composite sleeper is designed using sandwich panels that were bonded and coated with epoxy polymer matrix. The sleeper’s optimized shape was obtained using topology optimization. The vertical deflection and sleeper-ballast contact pressure of the optimized sleeper were analyzed by finite-element simulation and compared with a traditional timber sleeper. Prototype sleepers were then manufactured and their performance was evaluated experimentally. Results showed that the optimal sleeper shape only needs 50% volume of materials required for a standard rectangular timber sleeper. The performance of the optimal sleeper satisfactorily met the Australian standard requirements and was very similar to a timber sleeper indicating the high potential of this sleeper technology to replace the existing timber sleepers. This new sleeper is currently being tested in the Queensland Rail network as part of their sleeper maintenance program. |
Keywords | composite railway sleepers, optimal shape, sandwich panels, epoxy polymer, finite-element analysis, performance of sleeper, installation |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 400510. Structural engineering |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | Imperial College London, United Kingdom |
School of Civil Engineering and Surveying | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q4865/evaluation-of-an-innovative-composite-railway-sleeper-for-a-narrow-gauge-track-under-static-load
971
total views9
total downloads3
views this month0
downloads this month