File(s) under permanent embargo
Evaluation of an innovative composite railway sleeper for a narrow-gauge track under static load
journal contribution
posted on 2018-04-01, 00:00 authored by W Ferdous, A Manalo, G Van Erp, T Aravinthan, Kazem GhabraieKazem GhabraieThis 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.
History
Journal
Journal of composites for constructionVolume
22Issue
2Pagination
04017050-1 - 04017050-13Publisher
American Society of Civil EngineersLocation
Reston, Va.Publisher DOI
ISSN
1090-0268Language
engPublication classification
C Journal article; C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2017, American Society of Civil EngineersUsage metrics
Keywords
composite railways sleepersoptimal shapesandwich panelsepoxy polymerfinite-element analysisperformance of sleeperinstallationScience & TechnologyTechnologyEngineering, CivilMechanicsMaterials Science, CompositesEngineeringMaterials ScienceComposite railway sleepersPHENOLIC COREBEHAVIOROPTIMIZATIONSYSTEMMechanical Engineering
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC