Many people in discussions about railway facilities may hear the word "turnout sleeper" and conjure up a somewhat comical image in their minds: a sleeper naively forking on the track. But in fact, the turnout pillow does not have such an exaggerated form. The turnout sleeper is not a forked sleeper, but a simplified term for turnout sleeper, and its difference from ordinary sleepers lies in its function and length.
Turnouts refer to the branching points of railway lines. In order to ensure that trains can smoothly and safely pass through complex track intersections, turnouts require special sleepers to support and fix them, which is what we call turnout sleepers. Ordinary sleepers are laid on straight sections to stabilize the position of railway tracks.
There are significant differences in size and structure between turnout sleepers and ordinary sleepers. Ordinary sleepers usually have the same length and standardized cross-section, and their important responsibility is to evenly bear the weight of the track and train. Due to the need to support complex turnout structures, the length and shape of turnout sleepers vary to adapt to different turnout configurations. For example, at the bifurcation point on a railway, the distance between different tracks may vary, which requires the size of the turnout sleepers to also change accordingly to ensure the stability of the tracks.
In addition, turnout sleepers also need to cope with special stresses at the turnout. When a train enters a branch track from a straight turnout, the turning and intersection points of the track generate significant lateral and longitudinal forces. Ordinary sleepers do not withstand this complex stress on straight road sections, so not only are the size of turnout sleepers larger than ordinary sleepers, but the requirements for strength and durability are also much higher.
In terms of anti-corrosion treatment, turnout sleepers and ordinary sleepers are also distinguished due to material and environmental factors. Ordinary sleepers are often subjected to conventional anti-corrosion treatment to resist the invasion of moisture, insects, and fungi. Due to its complex stress and application environment, turnout sleepers often require stricter anti-corrosion processes or the selection of materials with better corrosion resistance. Various trees, such as pine, hemlock, etc., are widely used to make anti-corrosion sleepers, and in switch positions, corrosion-resistant materials with longer service life seem more suitable.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the layout of turnout sleepers in railway systems is different from that of ordinary sleepers. Ordinary sleepers are evenly arranged below the track, each bearing and distributing the weight of the train. And the turnout sleepers bear the key structural components of the turnout system, such as the switch machine, switch rails, stock rails, and other positions. The spacing and layout method may also vary to meet the requirements of structural stability.
Overall, turnout sleepers, also known as turnout sleepers, are not just forked sleepers. Their exquisite design and application experience highlight the complexity and technical depth of railway engineering, and are an important part of ensuring railway traffic safety and efficiency. Both turnout sleepers and ordinary sleepers show significant differences in length, design, materials, and excellent anti-corrosion treatment, providing reliable support for the stable operation of the railway system. Understanding these differences not only helps to enhance our understanding of railway systems, but also allows us to have a deeper understanding of the crucial role of science and technology in the construction of modern transportation systems.
