Concrete Sleepers
Concrete sleepers are one of the most versatile and widely used products in the railway industry. They are solid and durable, making them ideal for various applications, including track, switchgear, and signalling.
Concrete sleepers were first used in the early 19th century, and their use has grown steadily since then. Today, they are an essential part of railway infrastructure around the world.
Advantages of Concrete Sleepers
Concrete sleepers have several advantages over other types of sleepers.
Durability
They are solid and durable, which means they can support heavy loads, making them ideal for various applications. They are also resistant to fire and rot, making them perfect for use in railway tunnels.
Low maintenance
Concrete sleepers are relatively easy to install and maintain as they do not require painting or other treatments. They do not require as much maintenance as other types of sleepers, such as timber sleepers.
Essential use as railway infrastructure
Concrete sleepers are typically more expensive than other types of sleepers, such as timber sleepers. However, they are an essential part of railway infrastructure. They support the rails, keep them in place, and provide a foundation for track switches, signals, and other equipment.
Long lifespan
The lifespan of a concrete sleeper is typically around 60 years. However, with proper maintenance and inspection, they can last much longer, making them ideal for use in areas of high traffic or where the track is subject to severe weather conditions.
Eco-friendly
Concrete sleepers are also environmentally friendly, as they can be recycled and reused. This means that they are a sustainable option for railway infrastructure.
How to Make Concrete Sleepers
Concrete sleepers are made from various materials, including steel, plastic, and wood. They are designed to withstand the weight of trains and the forces of nature, such as wind and rain.
Concrete sleepers are typically made from a mix of Portland cement, aggregate (such as gravel or crushed stone), water, and admixtures (such as air entrainment or plasticisers). The concrete is then placed into a mould and allowed to cure.
Once cured, the sleepers are then ready for installation. They are typically installed using special machines that can lift and place them into position.
Types of Concrete Sleepers
Concrete sleepers come in various shapes and sizes and are manufactured to meet the specific needs of each railway.
Prestressed concrete sleeper
Prestressed concrete sleepers are the most common type used today. They are made by compressing concrete around steel reinforcement rods, which gives them extra strength. They are designed to withstand the high loads imposed by trains.
Post-tensioned concrete sleeper
Post-tensioned concrete sleepers are less common, but they offer some advantages over prestressed sleepers. They are made by tensioning steel cables inside the concrete, which gives them even more strength.
Rectangular concrete sleeper
A rectangular concrete sleeper is used extensively in main-line railways.
Cantilever concrete sleeper
A cantilever sleeper is used in areas of high rainfall or where the track is subject to severe weather conditions. A box sleeper is used in tunnels and underpasses.
Creating a strong foundation for your project made easy
At CEMEX, we are committed to creating lasting solutions to ensure excellence through all stages of the concreting process.
Quality Concrete Sleepers in Melbourne
Concrete sleepers are pretty heavy, making them difficult to handle, and they are less flexible than other types of sleepers, making them more challenging to install in curved tracks. The installation process is critical to the performance of the sleeper and must be carried out by experienced professionals.
Concrete sleepers are an essential part of the process if you are planning to build or maintain a railway line. They are a safe and reliable way to support the rails, providing a smooth journey for trains. Contact Cemex Concrete Company to find out more about our concrete sleeper services.