Nonlinear Finite Element Modelling of Prestressed Concrete Railway Sleeper Using ABAQUS

Railway sleepers are essential components of railway tracks that support the rails, maintain their position, and transfer weights to the track ballast. Nowadays, prestressed concrete sleepers are commonly used due to their improved endurance during high-cycle fatigue, which increases their durability. However, the accumulation of damage to a concrete sleeper over its service life can result in failure, especially from rail loads that have the potential to cause cracking in the sleepers. To study this failure pattern, a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of prestressed concrete railway sleepers is developed using Abaqus software, based on the geometry of the Mainline Broad-Gauge sleeper (RDSO/T-2496). The model incorporates a concrete damage plasticity model to simulate the behaviour of high-strength concrete, with solid elements used to model the prestressing strands. The static analysis was performed according to IRS-T39 to estimate the moment of resistance and fracture. This study provides a comprehensive and realistic model for the analysis of prestressed concrete railway sleepers undergoing fatigue. The results of this study will help in the design and maintenance of railway tracks, leading to improved durability and reduced maintenance costs.