GB2436842A

GB2436842A - Concrete sleeper unit

Info

Publication number: GB2436842A
Application number: GB0606983A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Docherty
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-07
Filing date: 2006-04-07
Publication date: 2007-10-10
Also published as: GB0606983D0

Abstract

The unit is formed with two concrete beams running lengthways and four concrete cross sleepers, strengthened throughout using steel reinforcement. The cribs between the sleepers will be filled with ballast for drainage and stability. The unit incorporates a plastic pipe within the concrete to house an S and T Bond (wire), preventing hazards from tripping and breakages by OTM and reducing the frequency of replacement of the S and T Bond. Being one heavy piece the unit will not move with a rail switchblade of an expansion joint and will have a longer lifespan than the existing support system.

Description

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BACKGROUND

Fixed lengths of rails do not allow for expansion & contraction - adjustment switches allow rails to expand or contract to compensate for extremes in temperature.

It is essential the switches are held securely in place as there are major safety implications if they are not.

The switches are fixed onto sleepers to support them and hold them in place. However, when the switches move the sleepers under them move too.

To stop this happening two strap rails are screwed down in the fourfoot on four adjustment switch timbers (sleepers) to maintain the gap but this does not prevent the timbers from moving.

At present the S&T Bond (wires which carry the circuit from one rail to the other) attach on the outside of one adjustment switch blade (rail), then runs under it & attaches on the inside of adjoining switch blade. This presents a tripping hazard. The S&T Bonds suffer form frequent breakages due to damage from trips & on track machines (OTM).

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STATEMENT OF INVENTION

To overcome this the present invention proposes:-

The CSU is manufactured as one heavy piece, meaning it will not move with the switchblade (rail).

As the CSU does not require strap rails, it will not be an obstacle for a ballast regulator or a tripping hazard.

The CSU does not need timbers (sleepers), as such split or worn timbers will not need replaced.

As the adjustment switches are supported throughout the length of the CSU the unit is more stable.

The plastic pipe incorporated in the CSU to house the S&T Bond will remove a tripping hazard, prevent damage to the S&T Bond from OTMs and significantly reduce the frequency of replacement of S&T Bonds.

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ADVANTAGES

1 Being one heavy piece the CSU will not move with the switchblade (rail).

2 As the CSU does not require strap rails, it does not represent an obstacle for a ballast regulator or a tripping hazard.

3 The CSU does not incorporate timbers (sleepers), as such split or worn timbers will not need replaced.

4 More stability as the adjustment switches are supported throughout the length of the CSU (the current system only gives support at the sleepers).

5 Less maintenance and less possession time - no wooden sleepers to renew (reduction in transport costs and labour times), reduction in frequency of replacement of S&T bond resulting in reduction of costs.

6 The plastic pipe incorporated in the CSU to house the S&T Bond will eliminate a tripping hazard, prevent damage to the S&T Bond from OTMs and significantly reduce the frequency of replacement of S&T Bonds.

7 Savings as a result of fewer components needed in CSU - no wood screws or strap rails, four less base plates & screws to secure them are required per CSU.

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8 The CSU will have a longer a longer lifespan than the existing support system.

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INTRODUCTION TO DRAWINGS

Figure 1 (1 of 2) - Shows a detailed drawing of the concrete sleeper unit (CSU) for adjustment switches.

Figure 2 (2 of 2) - Shows the current general arrangement of adjustment switches.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention proposes replacing the current supports for the adjustment switches with a concrete sleeper unit (CSU) set to the appropriate gauge.

The concrete sleeper unit (CSU) would be formed just like a ladder with two concrete beams running lengthways and four concrete sleepers, strengthened throughout using steel reinforcement.

The cribs between the sleepers will be filled with ballast for drainage and stability.

The concrete beams will include pandrol clip housings on the two outside sleepers, these are used to secure the secure the adjustment switches to the CSU.

On the two middle sleepers are the bolt holes for the rail fastening assemblies (baseplates & clamps) which are used to secure the adjustment switches to the CSU.

To avoid short circuiting and to minimise chance of track failure the steel reinforcing and bolt holes will be insulated.

The CSU will incorporate a plastic pipe within the concrete to house the S&T Bond (wire), preventing hazards from tripping & breakages by OTM.

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A rubber pad will be inserted between the CSU and adjustment switches to reduce wear & tear to the concrete CSU unit.

KEY

CONCRETE SLEEPER UNIT (CSU) FOR ADJUSTMENT SWITCHES

1 & 5 PANDROL CLIP HOUSINGS

2 PLASTIC PIPE ENCASED IN CONCRETE TO TAKE S&T BOND

3 & 4 INSULATED BASEPLATE HOLES

THE CSU IS STRENGTHENED THROUGHOUT USING INSULATED STEEL REINFORCEMENT

FIGURE 1 (1 of 2)

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Claims

1 This unit will not move with thermal forces and it will last longer than wood.

2 The increased lifespan of the CSU will reduce possession times. Savings will be made on the cost of sleepers, strap rails, transport to site and manpower installing them.

3 The switchblades are supported along their length by the concrete beams making for more stability.

4 The CSU is designed with the knowledge that thermal effects and the passage of trains will have no adverse effect on its safe and efficient working.