RAILWAY SLEEPERS IN ASBESTOS CEMENT

A brief description is given of asbestos cement sleepers, the method of manufacture, characteristics and present usage. Asbestos chrysotile a hydrated silicate of magnesia, is very pliable and contains an extremely high tensile strength approximating that of steel wire. Railway sleepers are manufactured by compressing several thin layers of asbestos cement while still in a pliable condition and arranged in such a way that the fibres are evenly oriented. The sleepers are supplied in two classes. These vary in thickness dependent on their intended use, principally in respect of traffic density and speed. Two types of rail fastening are offered; a rigid fixing for secondary lines and sidings and spring type clips for high speed traffic. Asbestos cement offers very high insulating characteristics. While the life of the asbestos cement sleeper can only be assumed, practical tests show that it remains unaltered after 20 years of use.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Authors:
  • Hubbard, W
• Publication Date: 1959-12-4

Media Info

• Features: Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 510-511
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 111

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bolts; Concrete; Concrete ties; Electric insulating materials; Fabrication; Fasteners; Fastenings; Insulating materials; Railroad ties; Railroad traffic; Stresses; Technology; Tension; Velocity
• Uncontrolled Terms: Tensile stress
• Geographic Terms: Italy
• Old TRIS Terms: Clip fasteners
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00039310
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM