The new polymer sleeper for local rail services – STRAILway 30
Rail transport plays a crucial role in urban transportation. The demands placed on track systems are high, and conventional materials such as concrete sleepers often reach their limits. Drawing on its expertise in rubber and polymer solutions for railway infrastructure, KRAIBURG STRAIL has developed a new, optimized polymer sleeper designed specifically for local rail services: the STRAILway 30.
Advantages and properties
The STRAILway 30 was specifically engineered for axle loads of up to 16 tonnes and speeds of up to 120 km/h. It is available not only for standard tracks but also for turnouts. The sleeper is made from a blend of fibre-reinforced polyolefin recycled compounds, making it an exceptionally environmentally friendly solution.
Practical examples and areas of application
The STRAILway 30 has been approved by the German Federal Railway Authority for operational testing in local rail services. In the Czech Republic, the sleeper has already been used in a turnout installation, where the construction company was impressed by the ease and speed of installation. Additional installations have been carried out in Germany, Italy, and across Asia.
- Durability: With a service life of up to 50 years, the STRAILway 30 is a long-lasting and cost-effective investment.
- Sustainability: The sleepers are made from secondary raw materials and are 100% recyclable, which improves their carbon footprint.
- Resistance: In contrast to concrete sleepers, which can develop microcracks during derailments, polymer sleepers are only sustain superficial scratches and can be reused afterwards.
- Easy handling: The sleepers are lighter than concrete sleepers and can be machined using standard tools – whether sawing, planing or drilling. They can be manufactured in lengths of up to 13 meters in one piece and supplied with individual drill holes.