scope:

INTRODUCTION

This specification gives technical requirements to be met by newly-manufactured concrete sleepers, bearers and related items procured for use in Network Rail's permanent way. The specification should be read in association with the appropriate Network Rail standard drawings (RE/PW/XXX) for the particular sleeper or bearer design or with the manufacturer's accepted alternative designs.

The specification is intended to be used with the EN standards:

EN 13230-1 : General requirements

EN 13230-2 : Prestressed monoblock sleepers

EN 13230-3 : Twin-block reinforced sleepers

EN 13230-4 : Prestressed concrete bearers for switches and crossings

EN 13230-5 : Special elements.

Changes or additions to EN 13230 are explained in the text.

Concrete sleepers and bearers are safety-critical components for railway applications. They are not covered by any other standards.

References to purchaser in EN 13230 shall be read as references to Network Rail.