Behaviour of Polymer Filled Composites for Novel Polymer Railway Sleepers

Polymers

Tom Heyer¹  Choman Salih²  Peter Schubel²  Allan Manalo²  Peng Yu²  Wahid Ferdous²  Rajab Abousnina³ 

[1] Austrak Pty. Ltd., Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia;Centre for Future Materials (CFM), University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia;School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia;

关键词: composite sleeper;    timber replacement sleeper;    GFRP;    structural performance;    sustainable development;   

DOI  :  10.3390/polym13081324

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

A novel concept of polymer railway sleeper is proposed in this study that has the potential to meet static performance requirements within the cost of hardwood timber. The existing challenges of composite sleepers, such as low performance or high cost, can be overcome using this innovative concept. Such a proclamation is proven through limit state design criteria and a series of experimentations. Results show that polyurethane foam as an infill material can provide sufficient strength and stiffness properties to the sleeper, but the inadequate screw holding capacity could be a problem. This limitation, however, can be overcome using a particulate filled resin system. The findings of this study will help the railway industry to develop a timber replacement sleeper.

【 授权许可】

Unknown