Maintenance Guidelines for Railway Concrete Sleepers
Proper maintenance is critical to extending the life of any product, including railway concrete sleepers. But there are also certain maintenance restrictions that need to be followed. If you're not familiar with them, don't worry. We GNEE rail will guide you through the key maintenance precautions for concrete railway sleepers.
- Avoid Impure Aggregates
If the sand and gravel used as aggregates in cement or mortar contain dust, clay, or other organic impurities, it can affect the bond strength between the cement and the aggregates, ultimately reducing the compressive strength of railway concrete sleepers. Therefore, if the impurity content exceeds the standard, the materials must be cleaned before use.
2. Avoid Freezing in Low Temperatures
If railway concrete sleepers freeze after curing, the cement will not undergo proper hydration. Additionally, the expansion of frozen moisture can cause gradual surface and internal damage, leading to spalling. To prevent this, construction must strictly follow the "Winter Construction Regulations" for building projects.
3. Avoid High Temperature Exposure
In areas with prolonged high temperatures, refractory bricks should be used to protect the mortar. For even higher temperatures, heat-resistant cement should be used, or a standard amount of finely ground heat-resistant materials can be mixed in.
4. Avoid Damp and Hardened Cement
Railway concrete sleepers that have become damp or hardened into lumps must be sieved before use. The separated lumps should be crushed or ground into fine particles and can be used for secondary applications, such as masonry or plastering mortar. Cement lumps that easily break apart can be used at a lower strength grade.
5. Avoid Sun Exposure and Rapid Drying
Exposing railway concrete sleepers to direct sunlight after processing can cause moisture to evaporate too quickly, reducing their strength or even causing it to be lost entirely. To prevent this, ensure the base is thoroughly cleaned and adequately moistened before construction begins. Afterward, the sleepers should be properly covered and watered according to the specified standards.
6. Avoid Dirty and Soft Base Layer
Before construction on a smooth substrate, the surface must be roughened by chiseling or brushing to ensure strong adhesion of the railway concrete sleeper. All dirt, grease, or acidic/alkaline substances must be thoroughly removed. After cleaning, apply a coat of plain cement slurry before laying mortar or pouring cement. Avoid using wood, slag, or soil-based layers as the base material.