| Popis: |
This paper discussed the potential of glued laminated timber (glulam) sleepers made from Malaysian tropical heavy hardwood. First, the prospect of using timber as railway sleepers is discussed. Technical, environmental and economical perspectives are also discussed. Challenges and shortcomings due to serviceability life span, cost, timber supply and preservative treatment for non-durable species are explained. Next, the alternative solution of using glulam to replace solid timber sleepers is explored. The advantages of using glulam as sleepers are highlighted. Although studies on glulam sleeper made from softwood and hardwood in temperate country show promising results, the performance of glulam made from tropical timber especially heavy hardwood is still less known. Thus, it is important to discuss the development of glulam sleeper prototype made of Malaysian heavy hardwood, namely Kekatong. Standard sized railway sleepers are manufactured according to MS758. Compliance test was conducted according to American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA). Finally, the strength performance and behaviour of Kekatong glulam sleeper assessed through laboratory and field study are discussed. According to the observation and previous studies by the authors, it can be concluded that Kekatong glulam sleepers display promising potential as the alternative solution for the conventional solid timber sleeper. |
