This IRS gives the requirements for the design of monoblock prestressed concrete sleepers. The primary application is for mainline railway tracks, covering narrow (1000mm), standard (1435mm) or wider-than-standard gauges (e.g., 1668mm broad gauges) with speeds of up to 350km/h or axle loads of up to 300kN, but the principles can be valid for other applications. The combination of speeds and axle loads is in agreement with the principles of EU 2030/2050, whereby a “standard” design is suitable for freight trains with a 250kN maximum axle load and a 160km/h maximum speed, and passenger trains with a maximum 180kN axle load and a 350km/h maximum speed.
This document is intended to support but not replace the European Standards on this subject, in particular:
- EN 13230, parts 1 to 5 - Concrete sleepers and bearers (2016), and EN 13230, part 6 (2019).
- EN 13146 - Fastening systems (2012).
This document summarises background information that has been presented in CEN/TC256/SC1/WG16/SG1 for editing EN 13230-6.
It integrates in full or in part the following UIC leaflets:
- UIC Leaflet 713
It complements the following standards:
- EN 13230, parts 1 to 5 - Concrete sleepers and bearers (2016) and EN 13230, part 6 (2019)
- EN 13146 - Fastening systems (2012)
The work was developed by the Demosleeper Working Group Project.
Link to the IRS: https://shop.uic.org/en/1-laying-and-maintenance-of-track/14385-recommendations-for-the-design-and-use-of-prestressed-monoblock-concrete-sleepers.html.
