Optimal design and spacing of mono-block prestressed concrete sleeper under vertical load

Abstract

The present paper proposes scientific and practical methodology to solve the following problems: the value of dynamic impact factor, sleeper spacing, Wheel load distribution along successive sleepers, stress beneath the sleeper and stress reduction within the railway successive layers. The proposed methodology aims to determine the following items: the suitable sleeper spacing for a given rail type, the wheel load distribution along successive sleepers, the moment within mono-block pre-stressed concrete sleeper (B70), the crushing strength between (sleeper and ballast surface) and finally the suitable effective ballast depth. A feasibility study to calculate the total cost of 1Km of either a single track or a double track per year, as well as selecting railway track elements economically & technically according to the external loads and mechanical characteristics.