Comparative modal analysis of B70 and LCR-6 type railway sleepers after repeated impact loads


Cecen F., AKTAŞ B., Ozturk H., Ozturk I. S., Navdar M. B.

CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS, vol.336, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 336
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127563
  • Journal Name: CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, INSPEC, Metadex, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Railway sleeper, Pre-stressed concrete, Carbon fiber reinforced polymer, Eigen frequency, Damping ratio, LCR sleeper
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Due to today's high-frequency trainloads and wheel or rail irregularities, the railway system is more exposed to impact loading conditions. In this study, laminated carbon fiber reinforced polyurethane (L-CFRPU) products were used, with a new non-pre-stressed production process, to improve the impact damping characteristics of concrete railway sleepers. New designed LCR-6 type sleepers were compared with standard B70 type pre-stressed concrete sleepers by performing modal analysis before and after a 50 times repeated-330 kN impact loading procedure. This is the first study to compare new LCR-6 type sleepers with prestressed competitors after impact loads. According to the analysis results, FRF magnitude values decrease up to 83% lower in impacted LCR-6 type sleepers compared to impacted B70 type sleepers. After the impact loading procedure, the cracks formed in LCR6 type sleepers closed and remained below 50-mu m width, and according to the simultaneous mechanical test results, these few hairline cracks do not cause a significant mechanical capacity loss, while increasing the damping ratios by 274%. This advantage will be beneficial in extending the service life of sleepers and protecting other railway components from vibration and impact damage. Therefore, while the pre-stressed concrete sleepers have a negative course during their service life, the non-pre-stressed LCR type sleepers show a positive acceleration.