Switch in Clermont Ferrand

FACTS

  • Client: TECHNICENTRE SNCF AUVERGNE-NIVERNAIS
  • Location: Clermont-Ferrand
  • Switch: Model TG 0.13 Sym Court – BS891
  • Products: More than 150 metres STRAILway 260×160 mm und 300×150 mm, length between 2.30 m and 4.10 m
  • Speed: max. 30 km/h
  • Axle load: max. 22.5 tons
  • Period: August 2022

 

ADVANTAGES

  • Service life > 50 years
  • Special milling work and drilling on site possible
  • Unrestricted and non-hazardous processing of the sleepers
  • Mould resistant
  • Excellent price/performance ratio
  • End-of-life recycling without additional costs (except for return
    transport)

 

AT A GLANCE

Infrapôle, a division of SNCF AUVERGNE-NIVERNAIS, in collaboration with STRAIL France, investigated the possibility of replacing the complete wooden sleepers of switch No. 891 in Clermont-Ferrand.

Every year, SNCF had to carry out costly maintenance work on damaged wooden sleepers or replace sleepers directly, as the switch is located in a humid environment. In addition, there are tall trees close to the track, whose leaves fall on the track and promote rapid rotting of the wooden sleepers.

The investigation showed that an investment in STRAILway polymer sleepers is a profitable solution, as they are particularly low-maintenance.

Therefore, the EIV in Bretenoux received 150 running metres of STRAILway polymer sleepers for milling work and drilling. The length of the sleepers was between 2.30 m and 4.10 m with perfect evenness.

The individual adjustment of each sleeper was carried out with an automatic machine, according to the model of the switch,
including the holes. The same machine was used for this as is used for work on wooden sleepers.

On the construction site, the renewal of the switch was carried out by the specialised railway construction company ETF within one week (with train traffic closed). The wooden sleepers were replaced, as were the ballast and the fastening systems. ETF drilled more than 100 holes on site using a conical sleeper drill. A special tamping machine was then used to tamp the holes. The implementation went smoothly.

Einbau der Weiche mit STRAILway

Picture 1: Switch with STRAILway.

Einsetzen der STRAILway Kunststoffschwellen.

Picture 2: Installation of STRAILway polymer sleepers.

Installation des Befestigungssystems.

Picture 3: Installation of the fastening system.