Comparisons of the mechanical properties of timber, steel and concrete sleepers

In this research, the mechanical behaviour of steel, timber and concrete sleepers is investigated and compared by conducting several laboratory and field tests. The main sleeper design parameters including rail seat loads, sleeper-ballast contact pressures and sleeper bending capacities are considered in this investigation. New formulae for the calculation of sleeper design parameters are developed for steel, timber and concrete sleepers. Results indicate that the new formulae can improve the accuracy of current practices in the analysis and design of sleepers. Comparisons of the mechanical properties of steel, timber and concrete sleepers indicate the optimum sleeper type based on railway structural and operational conditions.