Sleepers:
FUNCTIONS OF SLEEPERS:
  • To hold the rails to proper gauge.
  • To transfer the loads from rails to the ballast.
  • To support and fix the rails in proper position.
  • To keep the rails at a proper level in straight tracks and at proper superelevation on curves.
  • To provide elastic medium between the rails and the ballast
  • To provide stability to the permanent way on the whole.
REQUIREMENTS OF GOOD SLEEPERS:
  • The sleepers should be sufficiently strong to act as a beam under loads.
  • The sleepers should be economical.
  • They should maintain correct gauge.
  • They should provide sufficient bearing area for the rail.
  • The sleepers should have sufficient weight for stability.
  • Sleepers should facilitate easy fixing and take out of rails without disturbing them.
  • They should facilitate easy removal and replacement of ballast.
  • They should not be pushed out easily of their position in any direction under maximum forces of the moving trains.
  • They should be able to resist impact and vibrations of moving trains.
    They should be suitable for each type of ballast.
  • If track-circuiting is done, it should be possible to insulate them from the rails
TYPES OF SLEEPERS:
  • C.C. sleepers
  • Prestressed concrete sleepers.