EN 13230-1:2009

This part of EN 13230 defines technical criteria and control procedures which have to be satisfied by theconstituent materials and the finished concrete sleepers and bearers, i.e.: precast concrete sleepers, bearersfor switches and crossings, and special elements for railway tracks.The main requirement of concrete sleepers and bearers is the transmission of vertical, lateral and longitudinalloads from the rails to the ballast or other support. In use they are also exposed to frost damage and tomoisture, which can result in detrimental chemical reactions within the sleeper.In this standard mechanical tests are defined which provide assurance of the capability of sleepers or bearersto resist repetitive loading and provide sufficient durability. In addition controls are placed on manufacturingprocesses and tests to ensure that the concrete will not suffer degradation in service through chemicalreaction and frost damage.