prEN 17318-1

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2019
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Railway applications - Infrastructure - Plastic sleepers and bearers - Part 1: General
requirements
Bahnanwendungen - Infrastruktur - Gleis- und Weichenschwellen aus Kunststoff - Teil 1:
Allgemeine Anforderungen
Applications ferroviaires - Infrastructure - Traverses et supports en plastique - Partie 1 :
Exigences générales
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 17318-1
ICS:
45.080 7UDþQLFHLQåHOH]QLãNLGHOL Rails and railway
components
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
December 2018
ICS 45.080
English Version
Railway applications - Infrastructure - Plastic sleepers and
bearers - Part 1: General requirements
Applications ferroviaires - Infrastructure - Traverses et Bahnanwendungen - Infrastruktur - Gleis- und
supports en plastique - Partie 1 : Exigences générales Weichenschwellen aus Kunststoff - Teil 1: Allgemeine
Anforderungen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 256.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2018 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 17318-1:2018 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents
European foreword . 5
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms, definitions and symbols . 7
3.1 Terms and definitions . 7
3.2 Symbols . 10
4 General Characteristics . 12
4.1 General . 12
4.2 Geometrical design and tolerances . 12
4.3 Mass . 14
4.4 Surface finish . 14
4.5 Loading. 15
4.5.1 Loads . 15
4.5.2 Load distribution . 15
4.6 Characteristic bending moments . 15
4.7 Ecodesign . 15
5 Quality control . 16
5.1 General . 16
5.2 Quality control during design approval tests . 16
5.3 Quality control during manufacturing . 17
6 Documentation . 17
6.1 General . 17
6.2 Data to be supplied by the purchaser . 17
6.3 Data to be provided by the supplier . 18
6.3.1 Before the design approval tests . 18
6.3.2 After the design approval tests . 18
6.3.3 Prior to start-up of production. 18
6.4 Marking . 18
7 Product testing . 18
7.1 General . 18
7.2 Tests on product . 19
7.2.1 General . 19
7.2.2 Bending resistance . 19
7.2.3 Thermal expansion . 23
7.2.4 Fire. 23
7.3 Tests on material characteristics . 23
7.3.1 Chemical resistance and compatibility . 23
7.3.2 Environmental resistance . 23
7.3.3 Environmental compatibility . 23
7.3.4 Mechanical properties . 24
7.4 Interface between the rail and the sleeper . 24
7.4.1 Permanent deformation of screw/insert in function of temperature . 24
7.4.2 Tests in combination with the fastening system . 24
7.5 Additional tests for consideration . 24
7.5.1 Fitness for contact with ballast . 24
Annex A (informative) Definition and recommendation for measurement of rail seat
inclination and twist between rail seats . 26
Annex B (informative) Design Methods and Factors . 27
B.1 General . 27
B.1.1 Introduction. 27
B.1.2 Determination of characteristic bending moments . 27
B.1.3 The determination of test bending moments . 28
B.2 Rail seat load . 30
B.2.1 Normal service increment for the dynamic wheel load . 30
B.2.2 Distribution of vertical loads in longitudinal direction . 30
B.2.2.1 Theoretical distribution . 30
B.2.2.2 Effect of support faults . 32
B.2.3 Attenuation effects of elastic rail pads and of elastic sleeper body . 33
B.2.4 Calculation of the dynamic rail seat load . 33
B.3 Characteristic bending moments . 33
B.3.1 General . 33
B.3.2 Calculation using the elastic beam on elastic foundation . 33
B.3.3 Load distribution for the rail seat load . 34
B.3.4 Rail seat section . 35
B.3.4.1 Positive bending moment . 35
B.3.4.2 Negative bending moment. 36
B.3.5 Sleeper centre section . 36
B.3.5.1 Negative bending moment. 36
B.3.5.2 Positive bending moment . 37
B.4 Test bending moments . 38
B.4.1 Increased service load level . 38
B.4.2 Exceptional loads . 38
B.4.3 Accidental loads . 38
B.4.4 Definition of k . 39
Annex C (informative) Calculation of bending moments for bridge sleepers in ballastless
track . 40
C.1 General . 40
C.1.1 Introduction. 40
C.1.2 Determination of characteristic bending moments . 40
C.1.3 The determination of test bending moments . 40
C.2 Rail seat load . 40
C.2.1 Normal service increment for the dynamic wheel load . 40
C.2.2 Distribution of vertical loads in longitudinal direction . 40
C.2.2.1 Theoretical distribution . 40
C.2.3 Attenuation effects of elastic rail pads and of elastic sleeper body . 41
C.2.4 Calculation of the dynamic rail seat load. 41
C.3 Characteristic bending moments . 41
C.3.1 General . 41
C.3.2 Calculation using the elastic beam on elastic supports . 41
C.3.3 Load distribution for the rail seat load . 42
C.3.4 Characteristic bending moments . 42
C.4 Test bending moments . 42
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2008/57/EC aimed to be covered . 43
Bibliography . 46

European foreword
This document (prEN 17318-1:2018) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 256 “Railway
applications”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This European Standard is one of the series EN 17318 “Railway applications – Infrastructure – Plastic
sleepers and bearers”, which consist of the following parts:
— Part 1: General requirements;
— Part 2: Product testing;
— Part 3: Material characteristics.
This European Standard is used as the technical basis for transaction between corresponding parties
(purchaser – supplier).
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
Introduction
This part of the standard defines the general characteristics for plastic sleepers and bearers and is used
in conjunction with the following parts:
— Part 2: Product testing;
— Part 3: Material Characteristics.
Plastic sleepers and bearers are safety critical components for railway applications. They are not
covered by any other standards.
As safety critical components, an agreement is needed between purchaser and supplier to operate a
factory Quality System.
1 Scope
This document defines the technical criteria and control procedures which need to be satisfied by the
constituent materials and the finished plastic sleepers and bearers.
The main requirement of plastic sleepers and bearers is transmission of vertical, lateral and
longitudinal loads from the rails to the ballast or other support. In use they are also exposed to
environmental and chemical impacts, which could influence sleeper performance.
The tests defined in this standard provide assurance of the capability of sleepers or bearers to resist
repetitive loading and provide sufficient durability. In addition, controls are placed on manufacturing
processes and tests to ensure that the plastic will not suffer unacceptable degradation in service.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 13146-3, Railway applications - Track - Test methods for fastening systems - Part 3: Determination of
attenuation of impact loads
3 Terms, definitions and symbols
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. ISO and IEC maintain
terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1.1
purchaser
body responsible for purchasing the product on the user’s behalf
3.1.2
supplier
body responsible for the use of the European Standard in response to the purchaser’s requirement. The
supplier is also responsible for requirements which apply to the producer or manufacturer
3.1.3
sleeper
transverse component of the track which controls the gauge and transmits loads from the rail to the
ballast or other sleeper support
3.1.4
bearer for switches and crossings
transverse component of switches and crossings which control the relative geometry of two or more
running rails and different pieces of special track work, and transmits loads from the rails to the ballast
or other bearer support
3.1.5
bending moment
moment applied on the plastic sleeper or bearer which produces tension and compression in the
element
3.1.6
positive bending moment
moment which produces tension at the bottom of the plastic sleeper or bearer
3.1.7
negative bending moment
moment which produces tension at the top of the plastic sleeper or bearer
3.1.8
rail seat
area on which a running rail rests
3.1.9
rail seat area
rail seat and the immediate area around the fastening system
3.1.10
rail seat bending moment
moment under the centre line of the rail
3.1.11
centre bending moment
moment at the centre part of a monoblock sleeper
3.1.12
monoblock sleeper
Sleeper consisting of one block of material
3.1.13
twin-block sleeper
sleeper in which two blocks are connected by a connecting bar
3.1.14
block
short plastic element which transmits loads from one rail to the ballast or other support
3.1.15
test load
load applied during testing
3.1.16
dynamic rail seat load
Pk
characteristic load on a rail seat of the sleeper for normal service dynamic loading
3.1.17
characteristic bending moment
M
k
bending moment from dynamic rail seat load P
k
3.1.18
characteristic positive bending moment for rail seat section
M
k,r,pos
positive bending moment at rail seat from dynamic rail seat load P
k
3.1.19
characteristic negative bending moment for rail seat section
M
k,r,neg
negative bending moment at rail seat from dynamic rail seat load P
k
3.1.20
characteristic negative bending moment for centre section
M
k,c,neg
negative bending moment at centre section from dynamic rail seat load P
k
3.1.21
characteristic positive bending moment for centre section
M
k,c,pos
positive bending moment at centre section from dynamic rail seat load P
k
3.1.22
thermal deformability
deformation of geometric properties as a result of thermal influences
3.1.23
bedding modulus
pressure (force per surface area) per unit deflection and measured under a uniaxial load
3.1.24
ballastless track
high fixity track constrained by means other than ballast
3.1.25
fastening system
any device used to secure running rails into chairs or baseplates or directly to sleepers, bearers or other
rail supports
3.1.26
gauge
lateral distance between the running edges of rails in track
3.1.27
lateral track resistance
ability of a sleeper to resist movement, perpendicular to rail, under lateral loading
3.1.28
conductor rail
rigid metallic section or rail mounted on insulators as a means of distributing electrical energy to trains
3.1.29
geometric ballast plate
GBP
rigid steel plate with geometrically structured surface simulating ballast contact
Note 1 to entry: see Annex A of EN 16730.
3.1.30
flat plate
FP
rigid steel plate with flat surface with dimension 300 mm by 300 mm
3.2 Symbols
For the purpose of this document, the symbols listed in Table 1 apply.
Table 1 — Symbols
Symbol Description Unit
−2 3
C static bedding modulus with GBP between 0,01 and 0,1 N.mm N/mm
stat
−2 3
C static bedding modulus with GBP between 0,01 and 0,2 N · mm N/mm
tend
low frequency dynamic bedding modulus with GBP at 5Hz between 0,01 and 0,1 N
Cdyn N/mm
−2
· mm
d Deformation of the sleeper in the strength test under F mm
0s r0
d Deformation of the sleeper in the strength test under k × F mm
1s 1s r0
d Deformation of the sleeper in the strength test under k × F mm
2s 2s r0
Upper limit for the sleeper deformation in the strength test at exceptional load
d mm
1s,lim
level
d Upper limit for the sleeper deformation in the strength test at accidental load level mm
2s,lim
Fc Positive test load at the centre section of the sleeper kN
Fc
Positive reference test load at the centre section of the sleeper kN
Fc
Negative reference test load at the centre section of the sleeper kN
0n
Fc
Negative fatigue test load at the centre section of the sleeper kN
fat,n
Fc
Negative test load at the centre section of the sleeper kN
n
Fc
Negative permanent deformation test load at the centre section of the sleeper kN
perm,n
Fr Positive test load for the rail seat section kN
Fr
Positive reference test load for the rail seat section kN
Fr Maximum positive test load at the rail seat section which cannot be increased kN
B
Fr Positive fatigue test load for the rail seat section kN
fat
Coefficient used for calculation of static test load for the exceptional load level.
k
1s
This factor is applied to initial reference test load.
Symbol Description Unit
Coefficient used for calculation of static test load for the accidental load level. This
k
2s
factor is applied to initial reference test load.
k Coefficient to be used for calculation of Fr at the end of the fatigue test.
3 B
Dynamic low frequency stiffness at the centre section in between the loads (0,1 ·
k
MN/m
cn,dyn1
Fc ) and (0,5 · Fc )
0 0
Dynamic low frequency stiffness at the centre section in between the loads (0,1 ·
k
MN/m
cn,dyn2
Fc ) and Fc
0 0
k Static stiffness at the centre section in between the loads (0,1 · Fc ) and (0,5 · Fc )
MN/m
cn,stat1 0 0
k Static stiffness at the centre section in between the loads (0,1 · Fc ) and Fc
MN/m
cn,stat2 0 0
Dynamic low frequency stiffness at the rail seat section in between the loads (0,1
k
MN/m
r,dyn1
·Fr ) and (0,5 ·Fr )
0 0
Dynamic low frequency stiffness at the rail seat section in between the loads (0,1
k
MN/m
r,dyn2
·Fr ) and Fr
0 0
k Static stiffness at the rail seat section in between the loads (0,1 ·Fr ) and (0,5 ·Fr )
MN/m
r,stat1 0 0
k Static stiffness at the rail seat section in between the loads (0,1 ·Fr ) and Fr
MN/m
r,stat2 0 0
k Coefficient used for the degradation during service life of the sleeper.
t
−2
k static stiffness with GBP between 0,01 and 0,1 N ·mm MN/m
stat
−2
k static stiffness with GBP between 0,01 and 0,2 N ·mm MN/m
tend
−2
k low frequency dynamic stiffness with GBP at 5Hz between 0,01 and 0,1 N · mm MN/m
dyn
L Length of the sleeper m
L
Design distance between centre lines of the rail seat m
c
Design distance between the centre line of the rail seat to the edge of the sleeper at
L
m
p
the bottom
Design distance between the articulated supports centre lines for the test
L
m
r
arrangement at the rail seat section
M Bending moment from dynamic rail seat load P kNm
k
k
Negative characteristic bending moment at centre section,
M kNm
k,c,neg
(see Annex B)
Positive characteristic bending moment at centre section,
M kNm
k,c,pos
(see Annex B)
Negative characteristic bending moment at rail seat,
M kNm
k,r,neg
(see Annex B)
Positive characteristic bending moment at rail seat,
M kNm
k,r,pos
(see Annex B)
Deformation for permanent deformation test of screw/insert in function of
Δe mm
temperature
Symbol Description Unit
−1
α Linear thermal expansion coefficient for the bottom K
T,bottom
−1
α Linear thermal expansion coefficient for the top K
T,top
4 General Characteristics
4.1 General
The track is an assembly of transverse sleepers or bearers secured to the rails by means of a fastening
system and supported by ballast or other support. It is characterized by the gauge of the track, the rail
profile, the inclination of the rails and the spacing of the plastic sleepers and bearers.
4.2 Geometrical design and tolerances
Typical designs for plastic sleepers and bearers are shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

NOTE L1: Distance between sleeper gauge points taking into account the fastening system and track gauge.
Figure 1 — Typical monoblock sleeper
NOTE L1: Distance between sleeper gauge points taking into account the fastening system and track gauge.
Figure 2 — Typical twin-block sleeper

Figure 3 — Typical bearer
The values of the main dimensions shall be determined by the purchaser.
The maximum tolerances specified in Table 1 apply to ballasted track and can be varied by the
purchaser. Variations might include for special requirements such as dedicated plastic elements for
ballastless track or associated with the use of a sleeper laying machine, etc.
Table 2 — Maximum tolerances
Symbols Description Tolerances
L Overall length of the plastic element ±10 mm
b , b
Top and bottom width of the plastic element ±5 mm
1 2
+10

Depth at any position along the total length of the plastic
h

element measured in accordance with the quality plan
−3

mm
+2

L
Distance between the rail fastening gauge points

−1

mm
Position of the rail fastening gauge point with regard to the end
L
±8 mm
of the plastic element
L
Total length of reinforced plastic block ±8 mm
i Inclination of the rail seat (see Annex A) ±0,25 °
Planeness of each rail seat area: with regard to 2 points 150 mm
F 1 mm
apart (monoblock and twin-block sleepers only)
Relative twist between rail seats for sleepers and bearers (see
T 0,5 °
Annex A)
a
M Mass of the sleeper (variation with regard to nominal weight) ±5 %
a The purchaser shall indicate if all or part of the fastening system is included in the mass of the plastic
element.
The design, dimensions and tolerances of the fastening system shall be defined by the purchaser.
The purchaser shall specify the minimum clearances between rail fastening component and
reinforcement according to the fastening system to be used, and between reinforcement and connecting
bar for twin-block sleepers.
For abbreviations, see Table 1.
4.3 Mass
Transportation and track installation methods can determine a maximum sleeper mass and this shall be
determined by purchaser.
The mass of the sleeper also contributes to the longitudinal, lateral and vertical resistance of the track.
The vertical resistance of the sleeper is determined by the mass of the sleeper, the resistance of the
sleeper within the ballast and if applicable, the mass of ballast lifted along with the sleeper. As a
simplified method in determining the vertical resistance of the sleeper, purchaser can determine a
minimum sleeper mass. In this case, whenever ballast is lifted along with the sleeper, this should be
added to the sleeper weight.
4.4 Surface finish
Particular attention shall be paid to the rail seat area, which shall be free of any individual large void.
4.5 Loading
4.5.1 Loads
The track is subjected to repeated loads in three different directions, generally applied simultaneously:
a) vertical loads from axle load and service conditions;
b) transverse loads from lateral forces;
c) longitudinal loads from acceleration and braking, thermal stresses in continuous welded rail, etc.
Under all loading conditions the track has to retain its geometry including gauge, top, level and
alignment.
The characteristic load is calculated by applying a dynamic coefficient to the static wheel load.
The dynamic coefficient takes into account the normal dynamic effects of wheel and track irregularities.
The specification of loads and the corresponding bending moments is the responsibility of the
purchaser.
4.5.2 Load distribution
For the analysis of load distribution the assembled rail, fastening system and plastic sleepers and
bearers on ballast or other support shall be considered as a beam on a continuous resilient support.
The moment of inertia of the rail profile, the spacing of the plastic sleepers and bearers and the
elasticity of the whole assembly on its support will all have an influence on the longitudinal distribution
of the vertical loads applied on the rail. As a result, the rail seat load applied on the plastic element is
only a proportion of the wheel load.
4.6 Characteristic bending moments
The characteristic bending moments are defined in kN · m by the plastic sleeper and bearer design
criteria and are used to calculate test loads.
See Annex B and Annex C.
4.7 Ecodesign
Suppliers of plastic-material sleepers or bearers shall assess the environmental factors of their
products.
The following topics shall be highlighted:
a) use of chemicals not harmful to health;
b) use of recycled materials;
c) environmental impact of the manufacturing process (CO , etc.);
d) end-of-life recycling and re-use;
e) transport costs from raw material production sites through to final site-of-use.
5 Quality control
5.1 General
The supplier shall operate a quality system, which is defined and maintained in a quality manual. This
manual shall address all actions, functions and resources, procedures and practices concerned with
achieving and providing documentary evidence that the quality of the delivered plastic sleepers and
bearers and services that the supplier provides are to the agreed requirements.
The quality manual shall include a quality plan for the production of plastic sleepers and bearers, which
defines and details the following:
a) the organization, structure and responsibilities;
b) all the materials, processes and procedures for manufacturing, storing and transporting of the
plastic sleepers and bearers;
c) all testing requirements including definition of testing equipment, method of testing, frequency of
tests, etc.;
d) all other quality control procedures to ensure and verify that the plastic sleepers and bearers and
services provided are to the agreed requirements of the purchaser.
The purchaser shall have access to the quality manual at the premises of the supplier.
NOTE Guidance on quality systems is given in the EN ISO 9000 series.
5.2 Quality control during design approval tests
The supplier shall provide to the purchaser all quality documents in relation with the plastic elements
to be submitted to design approval tests.
This includes:
a) detailed drawings of the plastic element and components included;
b) detailed information about material composition of the product;
c) procedure showing how all testing requirements are fulfilled:
1) this includes geometrical tests with description of the gauge and measurement method for each
dimension;
2) this includes load tests on plastic and sleeper with the description of the measurement means
and method.
e) general description of the manufacturing process;
f) test report showing compliance of the sleepers with the dimensions and maximum tolerances
defined in Table 1.
Design approval tests results may be used for the determination of test loads to be used for routine
tests.
5.3 Quality control during manufacturing
Prior to start of manufacturing the supplier shall provide to the purchaser a Quality Plan including all
quality documents in relation with the acceptance of materials and manufacture of the plastic elements.
For routine tests, alternative test arrangements can be used if the manufacturer can provide evidence of
results complying with approved test arrangements.
The Quality Plan shall detail:
a) frequency of testing for each dimensional requirement;
b) frequency for load tests on plastic and on sleeper;
c) mechanism used to increase the inspection frequency when defects are identified;
d) actions to be taken in the case of defects being found to ensure recheck for compliance.
In case of early dimensional inspection of the plastic element, the Quality Plan shall take into account
further shortening of the element.
At the request of the purchaser, the supplier can be asked to carry out from time to time certain non-
routine tests included in this standard, and confirm compliance with the standard for the routine tests.
6 Documentation
6.1 General
The purchaser can require all of the data from the supplier before the design approval tests.
6.2 Data to be supplied by the purchaser
The purchaser shall specify the following data:
a) all characteristic bending moments;
b) required tests and choice of options;
c) drawings and specifications necessary to define:
1) critical dimensions (Distance between sleeper gauge points L – length – width – depth at rail
seat – etc.);
2) fastening system interface and geometric lay-out;
3) particular tolerances (Table 1);
4) conductor rail insulator supports (optional);
5) scope of the test arrangements and procedures indicating whether the options are used.
d) absolute maximum and minimum weight of the plastic sleeper and bearer (kg/sleeper or kg/m);
e) any additional technical specification, e.g. electrical insulation;
f) rail profile definition;
g) minimum strength class of plastic (optional).
6.3 Data to be provided by the supplier
6.3.1 Before the design approval tests
a) detailed drawings of the plastic sleeper and bearer;
b) characteristics of materials;
c) description of manufacturing process.
6.3.2 After the design approval tests
— design approval test report.
6.3.3 Prior to start-up of production
a) all data required in Clause 5 “Quality control”;
b) production file for manufacturing data.
6.4 Marking
Each plastic sleeper and bearer shall have the following permanent marking:
a) year of manufacture;
b) mould identification;
c) identification mark of the production plant.
The purchaser may require additional information (permanent or not) to be identified on the plastic
sleepers and bearers.
7 Product testing
7.1 General
This section defines the testing regime and rules for acceptance of plastic sleepers and bearers.
Two kinds of tests are used:
a) design approval test: a test on a plastic sleeper or bearer or part of a plastic sleeper or bearer to
demonstrate compliance with the design;
b) routine test: a product test as a part of the manufacturing quality control process.
Tests are defined for each type of plastic sleeper and bearer in part 2 and for material in part 3.
The routine test procedures are carried out on plastic sleepers and bearers selected at random from the
manufacturing production line. No additional preparation to normal production is allowed. Routine
tests are usually assessed on a defined statistical basis.
In some railway networks, dual gauge and convertible gauge sleepers are used. In these cases, the test
procedures in this section may still be used but judgement shall be made by the purchaser on the
combination of tests for two gauges.
7.2 Tests on product
7.2.1 General
The following table (see Table 3) summarizes the mandatory (“M” in the Table 3) and the optional tests
(“O” in the Table 3).
Table 3 —Matrix of tests in function of track types
Ballastless track
Ballastless track without
with elastic
Ballasted track elastic layer under the
layer under the
sleeper
sleeper
Chapter/Paragraph
Stiffness at the centre section M M M M  M
Fatigue test and ultimate load
at the centre section for M M M M  M
negative bending moments
Permanent deformation test at
the centre section for negative O O O O  O
bending moments
Fatigue test at the centre
section for positive bending O O O O  O
moments
Stiffness at the rail seat M M M M O O O
Fatigue test at the rail seat M M M M O O O
Strength at the rail seat M M M M O O O
Stiffness with GBP at rail seat O O
Stiffness with FP at rail seat   O O O O O
Thermal expansion M O M O M M O
Permanent deformation of
screw/insert in function of M O M O M M O
temperature
Interface with the rail fastening
M M M M M M M
system
Fire  M  M   M
7.2.2 Bending resistance
7.2.2.1 Tests at the centre section for the negative bending moments
7.2.2.1.1 Stiffness in the centre section
The stiffness test at the centre section for design approval is conducted by applying a load and
measuring the deformation of the sleeper.
Plain track
and S&C
Tunnel
Plain track,
S&C and
Bridge
Tunnel
Plain track
and S&C
Bridge
Tunnel
The test method is in accordance with 4.2.3.1 of Part 2.
Design approval tests:
The test method shall be applied to plastic sleepers or bearers tested for fatigue test at the centre
section.
The purchaser shall define the acceptance criteria within the list:
— purchaser minimum value ≤ k ≤ purchaser maximum value (average or / and individual
cn,stat1
value);
— purchaser minimum value ≤ k ≤ purchaser maximum value (average or / and individual
cn,stat2
value);
— purchaser minimum value ≤ k ≤ purchaser maximum value (average or / and individual
cn,dyn1
value);
— purchaser minimum value ≤ k ≤ purchaser maximum value (average or / and individual value).
cn,dyn2
The supplier shall provide a reference value of stiffness for routine tests within the range of values
acceptable to the purchaser.
7.2.2.1.2 Fatigue test at the centre section for negative bending moments
Settlement of ballast due to repeated loading may lead to sleepers riding on the ballast at the sleeper
centre. This test is intended to prove satisfying fatigue strength for this loading scenario.
The test method is in accordance with 4.2.3.2 of Part 2.
Design approval tests:
The test method shall be applied on 1 plastic sleeper or bearer.
The purchaser shall define the acceptance criteria within the list:
— Δk ≤ purchaser maximum value;
cn,stat1
— Δk ≤ purchaser maximum value;
cn,stat2
— Δk ≤ purchaser maximum value;
cn,dyn1
— Δk ≤ purchaser maximum value.
cn,dyn2
— Visual inspection shall be according to the purchaser's criteria.
7.2.2.1.3 Permanent deformation test at the centre sect
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