USE OF CONCRETE SLEEPERS AND STEEL SLEEPERS ON THE SOUTHERN RAILWAY

War time shortage of timber in England prompted experimentation with concrete and steel for sleeper construction. The first experience with the use of reinforced concrete sleepers on a main line in 1912 resulted in shattering after only 5 years' life. Concrete 1:1-1/2:3 unvibrated, reinforced with four 3/4 in. main bars were in good condition after 14 year's service on the main line between Exeter and Plymouth. Speed of trains in this section rarely exceeds 25 to 30 mph. Testing results of concrete sleepers on fast-running main line is incomplete since these sleepers have been in service less than one year. Steel is difficult to obtain during wartime; however some results on the use of steel sleepers are reported. Weight losses are reported for three types of steel sleepers. Steel sleepers are unsatisfactory when the track is to be electrified or track circuited.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Publication Date: 1943-10-15

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 383-388
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 79

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Concrete; Concrete ties; Deflection; Equipment tests; Loads; Maintenance of way; Railroad ties; Railroad tracks; Steel; Structural design; Technology; Wood ties
• Uncontrolled Terms: Track design; Vertical loads
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• Old TRIS Terms: Steel cross ties; Test equipment; Wooden cross ties
• Subject Areas: Design; Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00037301
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 4 1994 12:00AM