Let’s delve into the world of railway sleepers, those unassuming yet crucial components that support the rails and keep our trains on track. Here’s a concise overview:
Railway Sleepers: Supporting the Iron Horse
1. Wooden Sleepers:
- Materials: Typically made from timber (e.g., Sal, Teak, Deodar).
- Dimensions: Around 2600 mm long, 254 mm broad, and 127 mm thick.
- Advantages:
- Good elasticity.
- Easy to handle during installation.
- Disadvantages:
- Susceptible to wear, tear, and termite attacks.
2. Steel Sleepers:
- Usage: When wooden or concrete sleepers aren’t feasible.
- Advantages:
- High durability.
- Suitable for heavy loads.
- Disadvantages:
- Initial cost is higher.
3. Cast Iron Sleepers:
- Global Use: Widely adopted, especially in Indian Railways.
- Advantages:
- Sturdy and durable.
- Resistant to corrosion.
- Disadvantages:
- Heavyweight.
4. Concrete Sleepers:
- Composition: Reinforced concrete.
- Benefits:
- Long-lasting.
- Low maintenance.
- Drawbacks:
- Initial cost.
- Brittle under impact.
5. Prestressed Concrete Sleepers:
- Construction: High-tension steel wires embedded in concrete.
- Pros:
- Excellent load-bearing capacity.
- Minimal maintenance.
- Cons:
- Initial investment.
Remember, these sleepers play a silent but vital role in keeping our trains running smoothly across the vast Indian railway network!
