What is BS EN 13230‑4 about?
BS EN 13230‑4 is the fourth part in the multi-series of the document that is applicable to concrete sleepers and bearers.
BS EN 13230‑4 defines additional technical criteria and control procedures as well as specific tolerance limits related to manufacturing and testing prestressed bearers for switches and crossings with a maximum length of 8,5 m. Bearers longer than 8,5 m are considered as special elements and are covered by EN 13230-5:2016.
Who is BS EN 13230‑4 for?
BS EN 13230‑4 on prestressed concrete sleepers and bearers is relevant to:
- Manufacturers and designers of prestressed bearers
- Designer and producers of rail equipment
- Railway management authorities
- Infrastructure managers
- Site supervisors
- Inspection and testing department in railways
- Train operator companies (TOCs)
Why should you use BS EN 13230‑4?
Prestressed concrete sleepers and bearers are safety-critical elements in the railway infrastructure system that enable efficient transfer of wheel loads from rails to the track foundation. The analysis and structural design of the concrete sleeper is based upon the derivation of bending moments at least at the rail seat section and at the sleeper centre. The calculation of bending moments due to traffic loads under normal service conditions is based on the elastic behaviour of the track.
BS EN 13230-4 specifies the test arrangements, the test procedures and the corresponding acceptance criteria. The design approval tests to be performed on the bearer and concrete include the tests already mandated by BS EN 13230-6.
BS EN 13230-4 helps identify any variations in the quality of the concrete element that could lead to an unacceptable quality level. This can assist you in maintaining a safe and efficient track for both freight and passenger trains.
Thus, compliance with BS EN 13230-4 can ensure safety and reliability in the operational efficiency of overall railway infrastructure, thus improving service-life for track systems.