• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.231-242
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• 2012

This research work aims to develop an optimal design using Finite Element (FE) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) methods to replace the traditional concrete and timber material by a Synthetic Polyurethane fibre glass composite material in railway sleepers. The conventional timber railway sleeper technology is associated with several technical problems related to its durability and ability to resist cutting and abrading action of the bearing plate. The use of pre-stress concrete sleeper in railway industry has many disadvantages related to the concrete material behaviour to resist dynamic stress that may lead to a significant mechanical damage with feasible fissures and cracks. Scientific researchers have recently developed a new composite material such as Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyurethane (GFRP) foam to replace the conventional one. The mechanical properties of these materials are reliable enough to help solving structural problems such as durability, light weight, long life span (50-60 years), less water absorption, provide electric insulation, excellent resistance of fatigue and ability to recycle. This paper suggests appropriate sleeper design to reduce the volume of the material. The design optimization shows that the sleeper length is more sensitive to the loading type than the other parameters.

• Proceedings of the KSR Conference
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• 2007.05a
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• pp.1129-1137
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• 2007

50kg NSI PCT(Prestress Concrete Timber, sleeper) is developed for the purpose of low maintenance cost, Extend life cycle, Track stability, Friendly Environment, Good running quality. In this study, as a part of research which is to make renovated NSI turnout, the main objective of this study is the optimization of PC sleeper's section, the number of PS tension wire. For this purpose, the finite element analysis was conducted to evaluate the serviceability and the safety of NSI PC sleeper developed.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.389-394
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• 2019

In case of damaged timber sleepers, maintenance is carried out according to the track inspection standard. However, it is difficult to detect the extent of damage on the bridge, and maintenance is depended on inspector's judgment. In this study, we propose to improve the evaluation criterion of timber sleepers for the ballast-less tracks on serviced urban railway bridge. The timber sleepers on railway bridge was classified according to degree of damage, and damage scores were calculated for each damage grade. Also we have improved the maintenance system of the timber sleepers through the history management system of the individual timber sleepers on railway bridge. As a results, it was judged that systematic management of timber sleepers could be possible during maintenance.

• Structural Monitoring and Maintenance
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.131-157
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• 2014

Special track systems used to divert a train to other directions or other tracks are generally called 'railway turnout'. A traditional turnout system consists of steel rails, switches, crossings, steel plates, fasteners, screw spikes, timber bearers, ballast and formation. The wheel rail contact over the crossing transfer zone has a dip-like shape and can often cause detrimental impact loads on the railway track and its components. The large impact also emits disturbing noises (either impact or ground-borne noise) to railway neighbors. In a brown-field railway track where an existing aged infrastructure requires renewal or maintenance, some physical constraints and construction complexities may dominate the choice of track forms or certain components. With the difficulty to seek for high-quality timbers with dimensional stability, a methodology to replace aged timber bearers in harsh dynamic environments is to adopt an alternative material that could mimic responses and characteristics of timber in both static and dynamic loading conditions. A critical review has suggested an application of an alternative material called fibre-reinforced foamed urethane (FFU). The full-scale capacity design makes use of its comparable engineering characteristics to timber, high-impact attenuation, high damping property, and a longer service life. A field trial to investigate in-situ behaviours of a turnout grillage system using an alternative material, 'fibre-reinforced foamed urethane (FFU)' bearers, has been carried out at a complex turnout junction under heavy mixed traffics at Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia. The turnout junction was renewed using the FFU bearers altogether with new special track components. Influences of the FFU bearers on track geometry (recorded by track inspection vehicle 'AK Car'), track settlement (based on survey data), track dynamics, and acoustic characteristics have been measured. Operational train pass-by measurements have been analysed to evaluate the effectiveness of the replacement methodology. Comparative studies show that the use of FFU bearers generates higher rail and sleeper accelerations but the damping capacity of the FFU help suppress vibration transferring onto other track components. The survey data analysis suggests a small vertical settlement and negligible lateral movement of the turnout system. The static and dynamic behaviours of FFU bearers appear to equate that of natural timber but its service life is superior.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.145-152
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• 2010

This study investigates experimentally flexural behavior and CFB(Carbon Fiber Bar) reinforcing effects of timber sleeper in traditional storied tower house. As a test result, standard sleepers without CFB(Carbon Fiber Bar) reinforcement show flexural cracks at the bottom member at the beginning of loading stage and leads to fracture. However, reinforced specimens with CFB show initial shrinkage at the upper part of specimen by compression, instead of flexural cracks at the bottom, and finally show compressive failure or fracture after failure of CFB and it proves that reinforcing effects by CFB are exerted from early loading. Reinforced specimens showed higher strength in yield strength by 6%~38%, and ultimate strength by 8%~17%, than those of standard specimens. Reinforced specimen is considered that specimen with flexural reinforcement using CFB can expect flexural deflection control effect. Reinforced specimen shows higher ductile coefficient increase of average 141% compared than standard specimens and it proves that higher structural ductile behavior can be expected in reinforced specimens.