Comparison and Analysis of Design Methods for Sleeper between China and North America

Research purposes: Based on the design methods of Chinese and American sleepers and according to the determined external dimensions and reinforcement, this paper takes a 1676 mm broad gauge sleeper as an example, compares and analyzes the differences between the structural design methods of Chinese and American sleepers, mainly including the design load, cross-section bearing capacity, cross-section fatigue bearing capacity and determination of crack resistance test under static load and fatigue test load. Research conclusions:(1) The design methods of sleepers in Chinese code and AREMA are based on their experience which can meet their transportation conditions and demand. (2) As the strength of concrete and design method is inconsistent in Chinese code and AREMA, the sleeper design load and the bending moment value of sleeper cross-section bearing capacity according the codes are quite different. (3) The load of sleeper static test is determined based on the concrete crack in both Chinese code and AREMA. (4) Under the same axle load, the bearing capacity of sleeper designed according to Chinese code can meet the requirement of AREMA. (5) The research result can provide reference for the design of sleepers used in overseas railways. © 2020, Editorial Department of Journal of Railway Engineering Society. All right reserved.