Title:
Shear Strength of Precast Concrete Sleepers Prestressed with BFRP Rods Using NSCC and FSCC (Prepublished)
Author(s):
Abdelazim Mohamed, Shehab Mehany, Abdoulaye S. Bakouregui, Hamdy M. Mohamed, and Brahim Benmokrane
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
analytical studies; AREMA guidelines; BFRP rods; concrete sleepers prestressed with FRP; cracking load; design codes; fiber-reinforced self-consolidating concrete (FSCC); normal self-consolidating concrete (NSCC); precast concrete railway ties; shear stre
DOI:
10.14359/51749263
Date:
10/15/2025
Abstract:
The challenges of deterioration and increasing maintenance costs in steel-reinforced concrete railway sleepers emphasize the urgent need for innovative, durable, and sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the shear strength of precast concrete sleepers prestressed with basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) rods, using normal self-consolidating concrete (NSCC) and fiber-reinforced self-consolidating concrete (FSCC). Seven full-scale specimens, each 2590 mm (8 ft, 6 in.) in length and prestressed to 30% of the tensile strength of BFRP rods in accordance with the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC), were tested to assess cracking loads, ultimate strength, bond behavior, and failure mechanisms. All tests were conducted in accordance with the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) guidelines. The results indicate that all specimens met AREMA design load requirements without visible cracks or slippage based on a train speed of 64 km/h (40 mph), annual traffic of 40 MGT (million gross tons), and sleeper spacing of 610 mm (24 in.). Comparative analysis using CSA S806-12 (R2021) design standard and ACI 440.4R-04 (R2011) design guide revealed that predictions based on CSA S806-12 (R2021) were less conservative than those from ACI 440.4R-04 (R2011) for the shear strength of BFRP prestressed sleepers. The BFRP rods exhibited excellent tensile performance, with minimal prestress losses, and their sand-coated surface ensured efficient load transfer by preventing slippage and enhancing the bond strength. FSCC specimens demonstrated delayed cracking, enhanced crack control, and ductility compared to NSCC specimens. These findings highlight the potential of BFRP prestressed concrete sleepers, particularly when combined with FSCC, as a sustainable solution for railway infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a design code refinement for BFRP applications.