CCE-TRK-SPN-008, Version 1.

0 – Specification for Hollow Steel Sleepers for Use in Plain Track

Reference No. CCE-TRK-SPN-008

Version 1.0
Operative Date 14/12/10
Status LIVE
Prepared by Kieran O’Donnell /
Caroline Daly
Checked by Cathal Mangan
Approved by Éamonn Ballance

CCE DEPARTMENT

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

CCE-TRK-SPN-008
Specification for Hollow Steel Sleepers for Use in Plain
Track

This CCE Department Technical Specification sets out the requirements to be met by
suppliers for the provision of hollow steel sleepers to replace concrete sleepers in order to
convey and protect multiple cables across the track.

This CCE Department Technical Document is mandatory.

The principles in this Technical Specification are approved by the Head of Department and
therefore constitute mandatory standard practices, which apply throughout the CCE
Department.

Signed Chief Civil Engineer

This specification, along with all CCE Department Specifications, is available from the CCE
Website. Electronic copies of the documents are controlled and live. Holders of printed copies
of the documents are responsible themselves for ensuring that they have the most up to
date version as appropriate.

This is a Controlled Document, as presented on-line.

It is Uncontrolled if printed, unless endorsed on this page
with the approved and completed ‘Controlled Copy’ label/stamp.

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CCE-TRK-SPN-008, Version 1.0 – Specification for Hollow Steel Sleepers for Use in Plain Track

CONTENTS

1 Scope and Principles 3

1.1 Scope 3
1.2 Principles 3

2 Specification Details 4
2.1 Supply 4
2.2 Provision of Information 4
2.3 Technical Aspects 4

3 Revision History 6

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CCE-TRK-SPN-008, Version 1.0 – Specification for Hollow Steel Sleepers for Use in Plain Track

1 Scope and Principles

1.1 Scope
1.1.1 This specification relates to hollow steel sleepers for use in plain track only, i.e. not
part of a P&C assembly.
1.1.2 The specification sets out the requirements for hollow steel sleepers to replace
concrete sleepers or bearers in order to convey and protect multiple cables across the
track.

1.2 Principles
1.2.1 The hollow steel sleepers supplied must carry out the same function of track support
and the achievement of track geometry as the sleepers replaced.
1.2.2 This specification should be read with reference to the following European Standards:
1.2.2.1 EN13146 – 4 Railways applications – Track – Test methods for fastening systems
– Effect of repeated loading
1.2.2.2 EN13146 – 5 Railways applications – Track – Test methods for fastening systems
– Determination of electrical resistance
1.2.2.3 EN13481 – 4 Railways applications – Track – Performance requirements for
fastening systems – Fastening for steel sleepers
1.2.2.4 EN 13674 Railways applications – Track – Rail
1.2.3 Reference should also be made to I-PWY-1106 Track Construction Standards.
1.2.4 This specification replaces I-PWY-1135 which is now withdrawn.

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CCE-TRK-SPN-008, Version 1.0 – Specification for Hollow Steel Sleepers for Use in Plain Track

2 Specification Details

2.1 Supply
2.1.1 Supply of hollow steel sleepers must include:
2.1.1.1 Fastening system
2.1.1.2 Rail pads
2.1.1.3 Insulators
2.1.2 Delivery is to the Railway Depot, Knockmay Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois and/or to site
compounds located along the Iarnród Éireann railway network.

2.2 Provision of Information

2.2.1 The supplier must demonstrate the suitability of design and that the hollow steel
sleepers are fit for purpose, i.e. compatible for use with Iarnród Éireann track gauge.
2.2.2 The design must take into account the technical aspects outlined in Section 2.3 of this
specification. The supplier must provide design calculations and a drawing of the
proposed hollow steel sleepers.
2.2.3 The supplier must provide suitable installation and maintenance instructions for the
hollow steel sleepers in a timely manner and in advance of delivery of the sleepers.

2.3 Technical Aspects

2.3.1 Hollow steel sleepers are for use in plain track.
2.3.2 No more than 2 consecutive hollow steel sleepers should be installed together at a
site; sites must be separated by at least 6 regular sleepers/bearers. The lateral track
resistance must be demonstrated.
2.3.3 The sleepers must facilitate normal use of track maintenance machines – namely,
tampers, ballast regulators, ballast cleaners and dynamic track stabilisers. The setting
of tines on tampers should not require adjustment for tamping of hollow steel
sleepers.
2.3.4 The sleepers must be suitable for retrofitting to sites without the necessity of breaking
existing cable runs.
2.3.5 The sleepers must be delivered fully assembled with all fasteners and connections in
each sleeper tightened to full torque.
2.3.6 Cover plates on both end faces and on top of the hollow steel sleepers must be
designed to withstand aerodynamic effects.
2.3.7 The sleepers must be suitable for use in track with:
2.3.7.1 Maximum axle loads of 250 kN.
2.3.7.2 Maximum line speed of 200 km/h.
2.3.7.3 Both 54E1 and 60E1 rails as per EN 13674 – i.e. it must be relatively simple to
change the rail section, if required, without having to change the entire sleeper.
2.3.7.4 Track Gauge 1602 mm, with rails inclined at 1 in 40.
2.3.7.5 Vossloh fastening system SKL14 or an approved equivalent. Details of the
fastening system must be provided. In track circuit areas, the clip must be
insulated.
2.3.7.6 Rail pads either 6 mm or 7 mm thick.
2.3.7.7 Nominal sleeper spacing of 643 mm (minimum 600 mm & maximum of 700 mm).

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CCE-TRK-SPN-008, Version 1.0 – Specification for Hollow Steel Sleepers for Use in Plain Track

2.3.8 The approximate dimensions of the proposed hollow steel sleeper should be as
follows:
2.3.8.1 Length, L = 2600 mm
2.3.8.2 Width, W = 250 mm
2.3.8.3 Depth, D = 250 mm from rail seat to underside of sleeper
2.3.9 The supplier must specify the weight of the hollow steel sleepers, plus fittings.
2.3.10 The supplier must provide for a cable outlet for rail bonds etc. incorporated in the
sleeper design. Dimensions of the cable outlet must be provided. Where provided, the
outlet must be fitted with a cap to prevent the ingress of stone or water.
2.3.11 The sleepers must be suitable for use with rails carrying track circuits. The supplier
must confirm and demonstrate the suitability of the proposed hollow steel sleepers for
use in track circuit areas.
2.3.12 The sleepers must be suitable for use with rails carrying the return current of the
1500 Volts DC traction system. The supplier must confirm and demonstrate the
suitability of the proposed hollow steel sleepers for use with the 1500 Volts DC
traction system.
2.3.13 A description and details of the insulation of the rail from the steel sleepers must be
provided.
2.3.14 The electrical resistance test is to be performed to EN13146 – 5, with the acceptance
criterion that the minimum value measured in the test is 10k ohm.
2.3.15 Suitable drainage provision must be incorporated in the hollow steel sleepers, details
to be provided.
2.3.16 The hollow steel sleepers must be designed to provide protection against corrosion
due to changes in humidity, temperature, salt-laden atmospheres and electrolytic
action.

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CCE-TRK-SPN-008, Version 1.0 – Specification for Hollow Steel Sleepers for Use in Plain Track

3 Revision History

Version No and Date Section No and Reason for Change

1.0, 14/12/2010 First issue. This document replaces I-

PWY-1135 which is now withdrawn.

End of Specification

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