Which sleeper type (wood or concrete) generates higher dynamic loading ? The literature is not very clear about this. Can anyone help with this ?
Hello ,
It's based on the modulus of elasticity and toughness of the specimen.First of all placing of wood along the grain and across the grain also depends on the amount of load carrying capacity.
Hence check the hard wood and concrete for it's E value so that u can decide.
Comparatively, shock developed due to dynamic loading is better absorbed by wooden sleeper than concrete. Activity on the aggregates which ultimately transfers the shock to ground will be more in case of concrete sleepers than wooden sleeper.
To answer this question one must consider the ductility (ability to deform) of the materials before fracture (failure). The more ductile a material is the more energy it will absorb before failing. Under repeated cyclic loading it is my feeling that wood will generally be more resistant than concrete as its modulus of elasticity is smaller. Of course to compare the two materials one has to carry out a test on similar sized specimens and determine the ''fatigue strength'' for both to come out with a definite answer.
In Pakistan I have seen sleeper made of wood, concrete and iron, which one is economical and safer?
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