FABRIKAM, INC.

CONNECTING THE WORLD

INDUSTRY
EXCELLENCE
For 75 years, Fabrikam, Inc. has set
the standard for excellence
throughout the rail industry. But as
valuable as past experience may be,
we are constantly looking to the
future.

This forward-thinking approach has

directed our company for three-
quarters of a century. It is also why
we have the reputation as the most
dependable rail product supplier in
North America.

As technology allows for more cost-

effective manufacturing and society
increases its awareness
environmentally, Fabrikam is shifting
its product emphasis to meet these
market changes.

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CRS PILOT PROJECT
FABRIKAM COMPOSITE RAILWAY SLEEPERS IN
NON-TRADITIONAL MARKET SEGMENTS

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PURPOSE
The CRS pilot project was
conducted to evaluate the use of
Fabrikam composite railway
sleepers in non-traditional market
segments such as underground
mines, trestlework and bridges and
areas with environmental
sensitivity.
Key outcomes of Pilot
1) Updated feasibility results
2) Marketing plan
3) Metrics for implementation
benefits
4) Updated resource
requirements

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 Field Test Results

FEASIBILITY
Pilot Site Static Load Derailment Aging Test Retention Moisture
Test Test Test Test
Site 1 1.62 mm 59 mm 94% 6 mm 0.50%

Site 2 1.91 mm 42 mm 93% 7 mm 2.50%

Performance of CRS
sleepers in pilot field tests Site 3 1.74 mm 46 mm 99% 5 mm 1.75%

met or exceeded Site 4 1.66 mm 57 mm 94% 6 mm 0.50%

acceptable ranges in all but Site 5 1.71 mm 53 mm 96% 6 mm 1.25%
one instance. The Site 2
static load test variance has
Test Note 50 tonnes at Groove size Retention of Initial gauge at Degradation of
been attributed to extreme rail seat strength -3 mm material
temperature ranges (below Acceptable 1.58 - 1.88 mm 42 - 60 mm 92 - 98% Up to 7 mm 0.25 - 3.00%
-2° C to above 38 ° C) and Range
adjustments have been Timber 2.31 mm 40 mm 74% 9 mm 3.50%
made. Other sites with Concrete 1.59 mm 58 mm 83% 4 mm 2.75%
similar conditions (3 and 5)
demonstrate successful
performance.

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MARKETING POINTS
4x greater service life than timber sleepers

Water resistant and impervious to rot and insect attack

Will not rust, rot, splinter or crumble

Removes risk of leaching toxic chemicals (creosote)

Reduces greenhouse gas and CO2 emissions

Provides a solution to the plastic waste problem

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BENEFITS
Average cost savings of 43%
Cost Savings per Site
Initial Costs 60%
◦ Components (material)
◦ Installation 50%

40%
Lifecycle costs (includes
maintenance and operating costs, 30%
derailment risk, etc.) 20%
◦ Component replacement
◦ Basic labor 10%
◦ Gaging and anchor adjustment
0%
◦ Derailment maintenance PERCENTAGE
◦ Disposal and salvage
Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5

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SUCCESS STORY
“In wet conditions, CRS is the best
Due to high water and humidity sleeper on the market.”
levels underground, Contoso, Ltd.,
an Australian company, Stuart Glasson, President
Contoso, Ltd
experienced significant
maintenance costs associated with
timber and concrete sleepers.
As part of the CRS Pilot Project,
Contoso used composite sleepers
in two of its underground mining
operations and saw an increased
cost savings of 49%.