Report on Provision of PSC/Composite sleeper to reduce sleeper spacing at the

ends of bridge.

Howrah-Kharagpur section is classified as Group ‘A’ route covering more than 280 Nos. Of Train per day super Fast/Mail Express train with CC+8+2 heavy axle load wagons. There are number of Girder bridges in this section.

Running on girder bridges, especially in bridge approaches are in-general not satisfactory due to various reasons like alignment mismatch, level difference in abutment and pier, presence of SEJ, Joints , large sleeper spacing due to presence of ballast wall etc.

One attempt to reduce the spacing of approach sleeper is taken up at Bridge 57 DN, MID and UP line.

Details of the scheme of work:-

1. Bridge 57 DN Line : Provision of PSC Sleeper in approach

Bridge 57 DN is an “important” through and under slung girder bridge (2x100’ U/S+7x300’+2x100’U/S) with 60 kg rails (two rail panels) laid on galvanized channel sleepers. Existing Sleeper spacing in both approach was 900mm (C/C) due to only 150 mm clearance between rail foot and ballast wall (PCC).

Procedure:-

First Ballast wall (PCC) was demolished up to a depth of 261mm from its present level in order to accommodate PSC Sleeper (225mm) + M20 Concrete (150mm) +GR Pad (20mm) + M.S.Plate (6mm) + GR Pad (10mm), and debris materials disposed at suitable location. 150mm cement concrete (M20 grade) was then provided and laid as per drawing. Epoxy was used between M20 cement Concrete and ballast wall.

After getting it properly cured, 10 mm GR Pad of length & width as required at site was provided. Then One MS plate, 6mm thick and 375mm in width, welded in built up section with other two MS plate of same thickness as per drawing. After this, 20 mm GR Pad of length & width as required at site was thus then provided and finally PSC Sleeper was inserted and re-spacing of sleeper work completed.

BR.57 DN Line (KGP End)

Spacing after insertion of PSC sleeper in approach is 450mm (C/C). Running in approach is quite satisfactory after insertion of sleeper.

Estimated Cost for providing each PSC Sleeper to reduce sleeper spacing at the ends of bridge.

2. Bridge 57 UP Line: Provision of composite sleeper in approach

Bridge 57 UP is an “important” through girder bridge (2x100’ +7x300’+2x100’) with 60 kg rails (two rail panels) laid on galvanized channel sleepers. Existing Sleeper spacing in both approach was 700mm (C/C) due to only 135 mm clearance between rail foot and ballast wall (Concrete).

Procedure:-

First Ballast wall (PCC) was demolished up to depth of 150mm from its present level in order to accommodate Composite Sleeper (180mm) + Canted bearing Plate (20mm) +Tolerance (5-10mm) +M20 (75mm), and debris materials disposed at suitable location. 75mm cement concrete (M20 grade) was then provided and laid as per drawing. Epoxy was used between M20 cement Concrete and ballast wall.

After getting it properly cured, Composite Sleeper was inserted and re-spacing of sleeper work completed.

Estimated Cost for providing each Composite Sleeper to reduce sleeper spacing at the ends of bridge.

Spacing after insertion of Composite sleeper in approach is 350mm (C/C). Running in approach is quite satisfactory after insertion of sleeper.

BR. No.-57UP Line (HWH End)

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