Sleeper geometry investigations using discrete element modelling and the box test apparatus

Abstract

This paper evaluates the performance of two types of railway sleeper in a box test apparatus. A laboratory investigation and discrete element modelling (DEM) of the box tests were conducted to ascertain the impact of using a rectangular section and an inverted U-shaped section as railway sleepers on track settlement and ballast-sleeper interaction. Outputs from the modelling and experimental approaches have been found to be comparable and consistent