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. 2024 May 24;16(11):1498.
doi: 10.3390/polym16111498.

Laboratory and Numerical Investigation of Pre-Tensioned Reinforced Concrete Railway Sleepers Combined with Plastic Fiber Reinforcement

Attila Németh  1   2 , Sarah Khaleel Ibrahim  1   2 , Majid Movahedi Rad  1   2 , Szabolcs Szalai  1   2 , Zoltán Major  1   2 , Szabolcs Kocsis Szürke  1   2 , Vivien Jóvér  1   2 , Mykola Sysyn  3 , Dmytro Kurhan  4 , Dániel Harrach  1   2 , Gusztáv Baranyai  1   2 , Imre Fekete  1   2 , Richárd Nagy  1   2 , Hanna Csótár  1   2 , Klaudia Madarász  1   2 , András Pollák  1   2 , Bálint Molnár  1   2 , Bence Hermán  1   2 , Miklós Kuczmann  1   2 , László Gáspár  2   5 , Szabolcs Fischer  1   2
Affiliations

Laboratory and Numerical Investigation of Pre-Tensioned Reinforced Concrete Railway Sleepers Combined with Plastic Fiber Reinforcement

Attila Németh et al. Polymers (Basel). .

Abstract

This research investigates the application of plastic fiber reinforcement in pre-tensioned reinforced concrete railway sleepers, conducting an in-depth examination in both experimental and computational aspects. Utilizing 3-point bending tests and the GOM ARAMIS system for Digital Image Correlation, this study meticulously evaluates the structural responses and crack development in conventional and plastic fiber-reinforced sleepers under varying bending moments. Complementing these tests, the investigation employs ABAQUS' advanced finite element modeling to enhance the analysis, ensuring precise calibration and validation of the numerical models. This dual approach comprehensively explains the mechanical behavior differences and stresses within the examined structures. The incorporation of plastic fibers not only demonstrates a significant improvement in mechanical strength and crack resistance but paves the way for advancements in railway sleeper technology. By shedding light on the enhanced durability and performance of reinforced concrete structures, this study makes a significant contribution to civil engineering materials science, highlighting the potential for innovative material applications in the construction industry.

Keywords: ABAQUS; DIC; FEM; laboratory experiments; numerical modeling; plastic fiber reinforcement; pre-stressing; railway; reinforced concrete; sleeper.

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Conflict of interest statement

Author László Gáspár was employed by the company KTI Institute for Transport Sciences Non-Profit Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Sleeper details. (a) Side view, (b) Section A-A, (c) Section B-B, (d) Top view (all dimensions are given in millimeters).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Pattern importance in Digital Image Correlation (DIC) measurements.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Loading arrangement. Loading of the cross-section under the rail to a positive moment (1. Rigid support; 2. Hinged support. 3. Elastic disk; 4. Pre-stressed concrete sleeper; 5. Standard public insert; 6. Steel sheet with bend; Side stand and washer plate (if required by the customer)).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Application of the load. Loading of the cross-section under the rail to a positive moment.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Loading arrangement. Center cross-section loading on a negative moment (1—Rigid support; 2—Hinged support; 3—Elastic disk; 4—Pre-stressed concrete sleeper; 5—Standard public insert; 6—Steel sheet with a bend).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Application of the static load for a negative moment. Sleeper center (inverted position).
Figure 7
Figure 7
Loading arrangement. Center cross-section loading at a positive moment. (1. Rigid support; 2. Hinged support; 3. Elastic plate; 4. Pre-stressed concrete sleeper).
Figure 8
Figure 8
Application of the static load for a positive moment. Sleeper center.
Figure 9
Figure 9
The response of concrete under uniaxial loading conditions in two scenarios: (a) compression and (b) tension.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Meshed numerical model in ABAQUS.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Numerical modeling of the sleeper in ABAQUS.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Numerical modeling of the sleeper in ABAQUS.
Figure 12
Figure 12
Loading conditions and supporting details related to running in ABAQUS: (a) Mid-span upward loading case, (b) Mid-span downward loading case, and (c) Rail base plate loading case. (The midspan loading case is rotated 180° in reality; this figure is only for comparison and understanding). The arrows mean the concentrated forced applied on the sleepers in the finite element models.
Figure 13
Figure 13
Specimen R1_2. Photos taken during the bending tests related to the examination of the cross-section under the rail in the installation position: (a) the test setup with the evolved cracking and (b) the broken sleeper due to the loading.
Figure 14
Figure 14
Specimen Sf_1. Photos taken during the bending tests related to the examination of the central cross-section of the sleeper in an inverted position for a negative moment: (a) the test setup with the evolved cracking and (b) the broken sleeper due to the loading.
Figure 15
Figure 15
Specimen Rno_2. Photos taken during the bending tests related to the examination of the central cross-section of the sleeper in the normal position for a positive moment: (a) the test setup with the evolved cracking from one side and (b) the test setup with the evolved cracking from the other side.
Figure 16
Figure 16
Load-deflection responses of the tested sleepers: (a) rail base plate loading case, (b) mid-span upward loading case, and (c) mid-span downward loading case.
Figure 16
Figure 16
Load-deflection responses of the tested sleepers: (a) rail base plate loading case, (b) mid-span upward loading case, and (c) mid-span downward loading case.
Figure 17
Figure 17
Considered sections of the studied sleepers.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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