Development of SLEEPER STRATEGIES Focusing on Timber Sleeper
Development of SLEEPER STRATEGIES Focusing on Timber Sleeper Replacement Ernie Mc. Combe Michael Ryan Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 1
Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 2
Timber Sleeper Issues FHigh quality timber becoming scarcer FStrong upward pressure on timber prices 2. 7% > CPI for 1981 - 2000 3. 4% > CPI for 1996 - 2000 Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 3
Objectives F To determine the timber sleeper replacement requirements within the QR network F Identify future timber resource availability Quantity & geographic F Review currently available and developing technologies for timber sleeper replacement F Develop Maintenance Sleeper Strategy Options Logistics and economic model to compare replacement strategies Implementation plans F Assess the regional social impacts of any adopted solutions Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 4
Resource Availability FDPI Forestry FApprox 9 M round wood logs in state & private land Private - guesstimate only FApprox 16 years supply of sleepers FBut local impacts could be felt much earlier Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 5
Available Technology FQR 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 FOptions Alternative sleeper material technologies Extend new timber life - primarily treatment Extend existing sleeper life w in-situ treatment, plugs & inserts, plating, dogscrews Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 6
Alternative Sleeper Technology FLimited options available in Australia w w w Low profile concrete Duo-block reinforced concrete Steel Composite Recycled plastic/rubber FBenefits w Long life, dimensions, similar performance to timber FLimitations w Costs - capital, unit rates, freight w Early development stage Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 7
Regional Impacts FReduced timber cutters FLoss of income for sleeper purchases FCapital expenditure and income for sleeper manufacturers and employment (in some cases) FIncreased freight for QR and local carriers FReduction in demand on hardwood forests FAdditional performance benefits for QR Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 8
Logistics & Economic Model FInput variable criteria Economic factors Material parameters and costs, installation costs, freight Material service life and delivery distances FInput replacement strategy Define length and current sleeper distribution Replacement sleeper type and strategy Flexibility to simulate variety of actual conditions Assumption and simplifications w Eg regional basis, fixed cycle, reuse rail, exclude GST Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 9
The Model Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 10
The Model Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 11
The Model Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 12
Economic Parameter Sensitivity FA series of parameter sensitivity analysis was undertaken, including: Economic parameters Timber inflation Freight distance Timber sleeper life New construction Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 13
Discount Costs Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 14
Economic Comparisons Queensland Average Timber Sleeper Life = 18 years. Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 15
Economic Comparisons Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 16
Future Directions FSubstantial alternative sleeper strategy needed RTCTR in short term Implement on progressive basis (interspersed or random) Limited treated timber in selected (targeted) areas FInstall alternative sleepers on priority basis Low timber sleeper life - regions and local Preference to heavier traffic lines FDogscrews and plating expected to extend timber life FSpec and EOI for alternative sleepers (10 responses) Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 17
Future Directions FQR cooperating with industry Fibre composite Low profile prestressed concrete Recycled HDPE/rubber products FTreated sleeper specification FReview strategies or model local strategies as required Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 18
Aus. RAIL Plus 2003 - Development of Sleeper Strategies 19
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