Sleepers and

Fastenings – Work
on Asset:

Specification

Issue 2.2 May 1998

Track Access

Authorised By:
Track Access
Sleepers and Fastenings – Work on Asset
Issue 2.2 May 1998

List of Amendments
Issue Date Clause Description of Amendment
2.1 30 Jan 98 Installation of New Track Clause written
2.1 30 Jan 98 Attachment 1 Concrete Sleeper and fastening details
provided
2.2 May 1998 All Specifications put into alphabetical
order
2.2 May 1998 All IMS Data Listed As Appropriate
2.2 May 1998 Interspersing of Sleeper Types Compatible depth dimension defined
and last paragraph added
2.2 May 1998 Regauging Timber Sleepers Last sentence added
2.2 May 1998 Regauging Timber Bearers Last sentence added
2.2 May 1998 Concrete Sleeper and Bearer Clause Wriiten
Manufacture

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Track Access
Sleepers and Fastenings – Work on Asset
Issue 2.2 May 1998

1. SCOPE

This document specifies requirements for the work to be carried out on and with sleepers and
their fastening assemblies.
It includes timber, steel and concrete sleepers and bearers, and timber bridge transoms,
together with their associated fastening assemblies between the sleeper and rail, the points
and crossings set and the bearer, and the transom and rail and transom and bridge girder.

2. SPECIFICATIONS

2.1 Bridge Transom Service

The timber transoms on a transom decked bridge shall be serviced by:
 Checking that the transom spacing is correct (refer to the relevant bridge
drawings for design spacing)
 Respace transoms when spacing is greater than 50mm from specified spacing
 Tighten transom to girder fastening system as required.
IMS Data
Base Data Only

2.2 Concrete Bearer Installation/Replacement

Where Concrete Bearers are removed, all fragments and fastening systems shall be removed
from the points and crossings before the insertion of new bearers.
The Contractor shall specify the method for Concrete bearer removal
Concrete Bearers shall be inserted into the points and crossing structure:
 in such a manner as to prevent physical damage and loss of life of the bearer
 at a sleeper spacing specified by Track Access prior to insertion
 at the perspective specified on the points and crossings drawings
 by fastening to the rails by the fastening system specified on the points and
crossings drawings.
The Contractor shall specify the method for Concrete bearer insertion.
IMS Data
Base Data
Bearer Type

2.3 Concrete Bearer Purchase

Concrete bearers shall be purchased in accordance with Points and Crossings – Design
and Rating – Design/Specification.
IMS Data
Base Data
Bearer Type

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Track Access
Sleepers and Fastenings – Work on Asset
Issue 2.2 May 1998

2.4 Concrete Sleeper and Bearer Manufacture

All concrete sleepers and bearers shall be manufactured in accordance with the relevant
Track Access specifications (refer Sleepers - Design and Rating).
All concrete sleepers and concrete bearers shall be of the prestressed concrete mono block
type.
Prior to production the:
 source, type and blend components of cement used in the manufacture of all
concrete sleepers and bearers shall be documented by the Contractor for
agreement with Track Access.
 production process to be used in the manufacture of the concrete sleepers or
bearers shall be documented by the Contractor for agreement with Track
Access.
Track Access reserves the right to receive test sleepers and bearers at any time during the
production run.
IMS Data
Nil

2.5 Concrete Sleeper Insertion

Concrete sleepers shall be inserted into the track
 in such a manner as to prevent physical damage and loss of life of the concrete
sleepers
 insert at 666 mm spacing with the exception of At Grade crossings when the
spacing of 550mm.
 normal to the running rails
 by fastening to the rails by the fastening system specified by Track Access
The Contractor shall specify the method for concrete sleeper insertion.
IMS Data
Base Data
Sleeper Type

2.6 Concrete Sleeper Loading and Unloading

To Be Written

2.7 Concrete Sleeper Purchase

Concrete sleepers shall be supplied by Track Access.
Where new sleepers significantly vary in dimension and weight compared to current designs,
agreement will be made on the transport and installation of these sleepers in relation to the
Contract Schedules.
IMS Data
Base Data
Sleeper Type

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Track Access
Sleepers and Fastenings – Work on Asset
Issue 2.2 May 1998

2.8 Concrete Sleeper Removal

Concrete sleepers, complete including fragments and fastening systems, shall be removed
from the track before the insertion of new sleepers.
The Contractor shall specify the method for concrete sleeper removal
IMS Data
Nil

2.9 Concrete Sleeper Stocktake

The Contractor shall
 Undertake a six monthly stocktake detailing
 Type
 Number
 location
 Report sleeper usage used including type, location and number.
IMS Data
Update IMS Stockpile Records

2.10 Fastening Installation/Replacement

Sleeper fastenings (including baseplates and rail anchors) shall be inserted into the track
 In such a manner as to prevent physical damage and loss of life of the
fastening, sleeper or rail.
 Installed to the assembly specification.
The Contractor shall specify the method for fastening application.
IMS Data
Base Data
Fastening Type

2.11 Fastening Purchase

Where sleeper fastenings need to be purchased for the replacement of existing fastenings,
these shall be in accordance with Attachment 1, or equivalent, or where not specified the
currently available equivalent.
IMS Data
Base Data
Fastening Type

2.12 Installation of New Track

2.12.1 General
The installation of new track (including the reinstatement of track on existing formation) shall
be to one of the following classes:
 Concrete sleepered track (main line or crossing loop)
 Timber sleepered track (crossing loops or other sidings)

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Track Access
Sleepers and Fastenings – Work on Asset
Issue 2.2 May 1998
The class of track to be constructed shall be as directed by Track Access.
The Contractor shall provide details of the procedures to be used in the installation of new
tracks of both the above types, including the following:
 Method(s) of handling and placing sleepers.
 Method(s) of laying ballast.
 Method(s) of handling and placing rail
 Method(s) of applying fastenings, including specialist equipment to be used.
 Method(s) of tamping track, including equipment to be used.
 Specialised track laying plant (if any) to be employed.
Such procedures must meet the requirements below and be approved by Track Access prior
to commencement of work.

2.12.2 Drainage
Drainage systems for new installation sites shall be specified by the Contractor and approved
by Track Access prior to commencement of work.
Surface runoff shall be directed away from the new and any adjacent track structure.
Where free drainage of the ballast can not be achieved (for example through geometric
restrictions), the drainage shall be assisted through the use of pipe drains designed and
installed in accordance with Waterways and Drainage – Work on Asset.

2.12.3 Formation
Where required, the formation shall be constructed or overhauled in accordance with
Earthworks – Work on Asset – Construct Formation and Earthworks – Work on Asset –
Overhaul Track Formation.

2.12.4 Ballast
Ballast used for this activity shall comply with Ballast – Work on Asset - Supply.
Ballast profiles for the track shall be in accordance with Ballast – Design and Rating- Profile
and Ballast – Design and Rating- Depth.

2.12.5 Sleepers and Fastenings

Sleepers and fastenings shall be installed in accordance with Sleepers and Fastenings –
Work on Asset.

2.12.6 Tamping
Tamping shall be installed in accordance with Track Geometry – Work on Asset.

2.12.7 Rail
Rail shall be installed in accordance with the following:
Rail – Design and Rating - Acceptance of New rail
Rail – Design and Rating - Acceptance of Part worn rail
Rail – Design and Rating - Locations and Types of Mechanical Joints
Rail – Design and Rating - Rail Size
Rail – Design and Rating - Insulated Joints
Rail – Design and Rating - Temporary joints
Rail - Work on Asset - Bonding of Mechanical Joints for Track Circuits
Rail - Work on Asset - Closure Rail Selection

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Track Access
Sleepers and Fastenings – Work on Asset
Issue 2.2 May 1998
Rail - Work on Asset - Cutting of Rail
Rail - Work on Asset - Drilling holes in rail
Rail - Work on Asset - Flashbutt Welding
Rail - Work on Asset - Grinding in High Fire Risk Areas
Rail - Work on Asset - Installation of Insulated Joints
Rail - Work on Asset - Installation of Mechanical Joint Components
Rail - Work on Asset - Installation of Temporary Joints
Rail - Work on Asset - Lifting and Handling of rail
Rail - Work on Asset - Locations of Restricted Grinding
Rail - Work on Asset - Other Rail and Track Mounted Equipment
Rail - Work on Asset - Part Worn Rail Use
Rail - Work on Asset - Post Weld Grinding
Rail - Work on Asset - Rail Insertion into track
Rail - Work on Asset - Rail Rake Loading and Unloading
Rail - Work on Asset - Releasing rail from Fastenings
Rail - Work on Asset - Stress Adjustment Maintenance whilst installing
inserts
Rail <14m
- Work on Asset - Stress Adjustment on Continuously Welded Rail
Rail - Work on Asset - Stress Adjustment on Long Welded Rail
Rail - Work on Asset - Stress Adjustment on Short Jointed Rail
Rail - Work on Asset - Track Circuit Bond Welding
Rail - Work on Asset - Weld Types
Rail - Work on Asset - Welding of New Rail in Track
Rail - Work on Asset - Welding Part worn Rails
IMS Data
Base Data
Track Structure Description

2.13 Interspersing of Sleeper Types

Except in the case of emergency repairs, the interspersion of different sleeper types (for
example timber with steel or concrete) is not permitted.
Concrete sleeper designs may be mixed in track provided the gauge, and depth dimensions
are within 10mm from rail seat to sleeper soffit of the sleepers in track.
The contractor shall take care when regulating track to ensure damage is not caused to the
top of sleepers where interspersing of sleeper types occur.
IMS Data
Nil

2.14 Lifting, Handling, and Removal of Sleepers and Fastenings from

Track
Sleepers, bearers and transoms shall be stored, loaded, transported and unloaded in such a
manner as to prevent physical damage and/or loss of life. Damage is defined in Sleepers and
Fastenings – Inspection and Assessment – General Inspection.
The Contractor shall specify the method for sleeper
 loading and unloading
 transportation
 storage in such a manner as to prevent deterioration and allow ease of loading
and accounting
IMS Data

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Track Access
Sleepers and Fastenings – Work on Asset
Issue 2.2 May 1998
Nil

2.15 Pad Purchase

Where sleeper pads need to be purchased for the replacement of existing sleeper pads,
these pads shall be in accordance with Attachment 1, or equivalent, or where not specified
the currently available equivalent.
In general, the following shall apply
 Pandrol 10 mm Studded Rubber Resilient Rail Pad, or Track Access approved
equivalent on all concrete sleeper except CR-1 and CR-2 type sleepers.
 Pandrol 8 mm Studded Rubber Resilient Rail Pad, or Track Access approved
equivalent on all CR-1 and CR-2 type concrete sleepers.
 Heavy duty pads on curved track below 500 metre radius.
 All pads shall be suitable for insulation in track circuited areas
IMS Data
Base Data
Pad Type

2.16 Rail Spacer Installation/Replacement

Sleeper spacers shall be inserted into the track
 In such a manner as to prevent physical damage and loss of life of the spacer
 Installed to the assembly specification.
The Contractor shall specify the method for spacer insertion.
IMS Data
Base Data
Spacer Type

2.17 Regauging Timber Bearers:

The regauging of existing timber bearers by boring new holes into sound timber and
respiking, shall be permitted.
Timber bearers that have previously been regauged shall not be again regauged. Sliding the
sleeper approximately 70mm under the rail to avoid spike-killing may be carried out in
turnouts where agreed with Track Access.
IMS Data
Base Data Only

2.18 Regauging Timber Sleepers

The regauging of existing timber sleepers by boring new holes into sound timber and
respiking, shall be permitted.
Timber sleepers that have previously been regauged shall not be again regauged. Sliding the
sleeper approximately 70mm under the rail to avoid spike-killing may be carried out in curves
where agreed with Track Access.
IMS Data
Base Data Only

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Track Access
Sleepers and Fastenings – Work on Asset
Issue 2.2 May 1998

2.19 Regauging Timber transoms

The regauging of existing timber transoms by boring new holes into sound timber and
respiking, shall be permitted.
Timber transoms that have previously been regauged shall not be again regauged.
IMS Data
Base Data Only

2.20 Repair of Concrete Sleepers

The Contractor shall not repair concrete sleepers unless approved by Track Access.
IMS Data
Base Data
Description of Method of Repair

2.21 Resilient Fastening Installation on Timber Sleepers

The substitution in timber sleepers, bearers or transoms of approved resilient fastening
systems instead of ordinary dog spikes shall be permitted.
The substitution in timber sleepers, bearers or transoms of ordinary dog spikes instead of
existing resilient fastening systems shall not be permitted.
IMS Data
Base Data
Fastening Type

2.22 Shimming of Timber Sleepers, Bearers and Transoms

Where a sound timber sleeper fails to hold a dog spike, the use of shims, as specified in
appropriate Track Access drawings to allow respiking in sound timber of the original hole shall
be permitted.
IMS Data
Base Data Only

2.23 Sleeper Pad Installation/Replacement

Sleeper Pads shall be inserted into the track
 In such a manner as to prevent physical damage and loss of life of the pad
 Installed to the assembly specification.
 Clean rail seat and underside of rail before insertion
The Contractor shall specify the method for pad insertion.
IMS Data
Base Data
Pad Type

2.24 Spacer Purchase

Where sleeper spacers need to be purchased for the replacement of existing sleeper spacers,
these shall be in accordance with Attachment 1, or equivalent, or where not specified the
currently available equivalent.

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Track Access
Sleepers and Fastenings – Work on Asset
Issue 2.2 May 1998
In general, the following shall apply
 Design Life of a minimum of 25 years or 400 million gross tonnes under present
and projected traffic and environmental conditions.
 Dimensions to ensure the efficient and effective holding of the specified track
gauge
 Compatibility with the existing fastening assembly system
 Compatibility with adjacent sleeper spacer systems
 Where required for electrical insulation with a minimum electrical resistivity of
107 ohm m.
IMS Data
Base Data
Spacer Type

2.25 Steel Sleeper Insertion

Steel sleepers shall be inserted into the track:
 in such a manner as to prevent physical damage and loss of life of the steel
sleepers
 at the sleeper spacing specified by Track Access prior to insertion
 Normal to the running rails
 by fastening to the rails by the fastening system specified by Track Access
The Contractor shall specify the method for steel sleeper insertion.
IMS Data
Base Data
Sleeper Type

2.26 Steel Sleeper Purchase

Where steel sleepers need to be purchased for the replacement of existing steel sleepers,
these shall be in accordance with Attachment 1, or equivalent, or where not specified the
currently available equivalent.
IMS Data
Base Data
Sleeper Type

2.27 Steel Sleeper Removal

Steel sleepers, complete including fragments and fastening systems, shall be removed from
the track before the insertion of new sleepers.
The Contractor shall specify the method for steel sleeper removal
IMS Data
Nil

2.28 Storage of Concrete Sleepers and Bearers

To Be Written
IMS Data

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Track Access
Sleepers and Fastenings – Work on Asset
Issue 2.2 May 1998
Nil

2.29 Timber Bearer Installation/Replacement

Where Timber Bearers are removed, all fragments and fastening systems shall be removed
from the points and crossings before the insertion of new bearers.
The Contractor shall specify the method for timber bearer removal
Timber Bearer shall be inserted into the points and crossings
 in such a manner as to prevent physical damage and loss of life of the bearer
 at the sleeper spacing specified by Track Access prior to insertion.
 at the perspective specified on the points and crossings drawings
 by fastening to the rails by the fastening system specified by Track Access
The Contractor shall specify the method for timber bearer insertion.
IMS Data
Base Data
Bearer Type

2.30 Timber Bearer Purchase

Timber bearers shall be purchased with the following specifications
 Of length as the existing bearer
 Cross section of 260 X 130 mm
 Grade and performance requirements shall be in accordance with
 bearers to AS O11 – 1948, Jarrah, Karri and Wandoo Railway Sleepers
or AS O10 – 1948, Jarrah Railway Crossing Timbers.
IMS Data
Base Data
Bearer Type (including Species, Grade and Dimensions)

2.31 Timber Sleeper Insertion

Timber sleepers shall be inserted into the track:
 in such a manner as to prevent physical damage and loss of life of the timber
sleepers
 at current sleeper spacing unless specified by Track Access
 normal to the running rails
 by fastening to the rails by the fastening system specified by Track Access
The Contractor shall specify the method for timber sleeper insertion.
IMS Data
Base Data
Sleeper Type

2.32 Timber Sleeper Purchase

Timber sleeper shall be purchased with the following specifications

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Track Access
Sleepers and Fastenings – Work on Asset
Issue 2.2 May 1998
 For standard gauge tracks Sawn timber of dimensions of 2,450 X 230 X 115
mm
 For broad and mixed gauge tracks, Sawn timber of dimensions of 2,600 X 260 X
125 mm
 Grade and performance requirements shall be in accordance with
 Redgum sleepers to AS O97-1963 Rail Track Sleepers, Lead or Crossing
Timbers, Bridge Transoms, Grade 1
 Sleepers to AS O10 – 1948, Jarrah, Karri and Wandoo Railway Sleepers.
IMS Data
Base Data
Sleeper Type (including Species, Grade and Dimensions)

2.33 Timber Sleeper Removal

Timber sleepers, complete including fragments and fastening systems, shall be removed from
the track before the insertion of new sleepers.
The Contractor shall specify the method for timber sleeper removal
IMS Data
Nil

2.34 Timber Transom Purchase

Where timber transoms need to be purchased for the replacement of existing timber transoms
these shall be on a like for like basis.
In general, the following shall apply
 Dimensions as per existing transoms or as directed by Track Access.
 Grade and performance requirements shall be in accordance with
 Transoms to AS O10 – 1948, Jarrah, Karri and Wandoo Railway Sleepers
or AS O10 – 1948, Jarrah Railway Crossing Timbers
IMS Data
Base Data
Transom Type (including Species, Grade and Dimensions)

2.35 Timber Transom Installation/Replacement

Timber Transoms, complete including fragments and fastening systems shall be removed
from the bridge before the insertion of new transoms.
The Contractor shall specify the method for timber transoms removal
Timber Transoms shall be inserted into the bridge
 in such a manner as to prevent physical damage and loss of life of the transoms
 at current transom spacing unless specified by Track Access
 normal to the running rails
 fastened to the bridge girders by a fastening system in accordance with the
Designer/Manufacturer recommendation.
The Contractor shall specify the method for timber transom insertion.
IMS Data

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Track Access
Sleepers and Fastenings – Work on Asset
Issue 2.2 May 1998
Base Data
Transom Type

2.36 Transom to Girder Fastening Purchase

Where Transom to Girder fastenings need to be purchased for the replacement of existing
fastenings, these shall be the currently available equivalent, or where alternatives are
proposed these shall be agreed with Track Access.
IMS Data
Base Data
Fastening Type

2.37 Use of Part-Worn Materials

Unless specifically approved in advance by Track Access, the installation of part-worn or
second hand sleepers, fastenings and their component parts and assemblies shall not be
used in mainline tracks, but are permitted in crossing loops and sidings where agreed with
Track Access.
IMS Data
Nil

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Track Access
Sleepers and Fastenings – Work on Asset
Issue 2.2 May 1998

Attachment 1
Table of Sleeper and Fastening Components
To be completed

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