1. Development of SLEEPER STRATEGIES
Focusing on Timber Sleeper Replacement
Ernie McCombe
Michael Ryan

2. Traditionally QR tracks timber sleepers
Steel and concrete over last 20+ years
Currently > 8M main line and ~ 9.5M total timber
Substantial maintenance resleepering
From 1.2M (mid 80s) to 250,000 (mid 90s)
>400,000/a anticipated over next decade
Average sleeper life approx 18 years

3. Timber Sleeper Issues High quality timber becoming scarcer
Strong upward pressure on timber prices
2.7% > CPI for
3.4% > CPI for

4. Objectives
To determine the timber sleeper replacement requirements within the QR network
Identify future timber resource availability
Quantity & geographic
Review currently available and developing technologies for timber sleeper replacement
Develop Maintenance Sleeper Strategy Options
Logistics and economic model to compare replacement strategies
Implementation plans
Assess the regional social impacts of any adopted solutions

5. Resource Availability
DPI Forestry
Approx 9M round wood logs in state & private land
Private - guesstimate only
Approx 16 years supply of sleepers
But local impacts could be felt much earlier

6. Available Technology QR performance criteria (maintenance sleeper)
Suitable to be installed in QR sleeper track
Suitable fastening system
Capable of future rail size upgrade
Long service life and low maintenance
Options
Alternative sleeper material technologies
Extend new timber life - primarily treatment
Extend existing sleeper life
in-situ treatment, plugs & inserts, plating, dogscrews

7. Alternative Sleeper Technology
Limited options available in Australia
Low profile concrete
Duo-block reinforced concrete
Steel
Composite
Recycled plastic/rubber
Benefits
Long life, dimensions, similar performance to timber
Limitations
Costs - capital, unit rates, freight
Early development stage

8. Regional Impacts Reduced timber cutters
Loss of income for sleeper purchases
Capital expenditure and income for sleeper manufacturers and employment (in some cases)
Increased freight for QR and local carriers
Reduction in demand on hardwood forests
Additional performance benefits for QR

9. Logistics & Economic Model
Input variable criteria
Economic factors
Material parameters and costs, installation costs, freight
Material service life and delivery distances
Input replacement strategy
Define length and current sleeper distribution
Replacement sleeper type and strategy
Flexibility to simulate variety of actual conditions
Assumption and simplifications
Eg regional basis, fixed cycle, reuse rail, exclude GST

10. The Model

11. The Model

12. The Model

13. Economic Parameter Sensitivity
A series of parameter sensitivity analysis was undertaken, including:
Economic parameters
Timber inflation
Freight distance
Timber sleeper life
New construction

14. Discount Costs

15. Economic Comparisons - Queensland Average
Average Timber Sleeper Life = 18 years.

16. Economic Comparisons

17. Future Directions Substantial alternative sleeper strategy needed
RTCTR in short term
Implement on progressive basis (interspersed or random)
Limited treated timber in selected (targeted) areas
Install alternative sleepers on priority basis
Low timber sleeper life - regions and local
Preference to heavier traffic lines
Dogscrews and plating expected to extend timber life
Spec and EOI for alternative sleepers (10 responses)

18. Future Directions QR cooperating with industry
Fibre composite
Low profile prestressed concrete
Recycled HDPE/rubber products
Treated sleeper specification
Review strategies or model local strategies as required