Paper Key : IRJ************654
Author: Amruth R Naik,Akashbabu L A,Sadath Ali Khan Zai
Date Published: 06 Nov 2024
Abstract
This experimental investigation evaluates the flexural behavior of prestressed geopolymer sleepers in comparison to conventional prestressed concrete (PSC) sleepers, adhering to RDSO and IRS T-39 standards. Four sleeper specimens were analyzed: M-60 (control mix), M-60+GF (M-60 with glass fiber), GPC-16M (16 Molarity geopolymer concrete), and GPC-16M+GF (GPC-16M with glass fiber). Key parameters studied included static load at the center top, moment of resistance at the rail seat bottom, and full-scale static bending tests. Results indicated that GPC-16M+GF outperformed the other specimens, exhibiting a 25.47% increase in 28-day compressive strength and a 65.8% increase in flexural strength compared to M-60. Static bending tests revealed a 63.71% increase in center top load and an 8.24% increase in moment of resistance for GPC-16M+GF. Additionally, this specimen demonstrated superior ductility and toughness, with a 47.46% enhancement in energy absorption capacity. The findings suggest that the integration of glass fiber and geopolymer concrete significantly improves the mechanical properties and durability of PSC railway sleepers, enhancing their performance under static loads and extending track life.