There is significant demand for timber sleepers in the Australian
rail industry, and historically hardwood sleepers have been
extensively used. However, their continued use is regarded by many
as an unacceptable use of a valuable forest resource, with supplies
becoming scarce and the cost of hardwood sleepers rising
substantially. This project aims to investigate the possible use of
treated softwood timbers for rail sleepers and specifically:
- identify, test and evaluate a range of potential hardwood sleeper
substitutes
- determine material, structural and fastener-hold properties of
current hardwoods and of sleeper substitute materials under static
and repetitive loading and
- establish a set of testing processes and suitable standards for
timber sleepers.
Successful completion of the research and production of softwood
sleepers would result in the following benefits for the rail
industry:
- Lower cost for alternative sleepers should hardwood sleepers become
too costly or unavailable
- Industry knowledge about the mechanical performance of sleepers and
desirable performance characteristics; including bending
characteristics; fatigue behaviour; extent to which plates cut into
the sleeper; loosening of fastener etc
- Knowledge about the stability of the softwood sleeper-ballast
combination
The project was evaluated by STEM Partnerships in 2005, and if
successful, was estimated to have the potential to deliver a risk
free value of $ 18 million over the next 15 years to the rail
industry. Taking into account risks involved in delivering the
technology, the expected value is $10.8 million.
Results to date:
- Cyclic testing of hardwood and softwood sleepers is complete
- Static testing of hardwood and softwood sleepers 80 per cent
complete.
Future outcomes:
- Further testing of softwood and hardwood sleepers
- Development of testing processes and standards for timber sleepers
Project Leader: Dr Martin Murray (QUT)
Project Manager: Mr John Hearsch (John Hearsch Consulting)
