In railway track construction, sleepers are horizontal structures installed at the bottom of the track to support and secure the tracks. Plain sleepers refer to sleepers made from raw wood that has not undergone anti-corrosion treatment. Compared to sleepers that have undergone chemical anti-corrosion treatment, plain sleepers have some characteristics.
Firstly, plain sleepers are generally made from natural wood as raw materials, including hardwood and cork, such as oak, pine, cypress, etc. These natural woods have a certain degree of toughness and strength, and can withstand the weight and vibration of trains traveling on the track.
Secondly, plain sleepers still have certain applicability under certain specific conditions. Although chemically treated sleepers are commonly used in some regions, in some cases, such as for short-term temporary tracks or lighter load branch lines, using plain sleepers may be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
In general, plain sleepers are raw wood that has not undergone chemical anti-corrosion treatment and has certain strength and applicability. However, in practical use, maintenance and upkeep work should be done according to their susceptibility to natural environment and biological damage. At the same time, it is also necessary to carefully consider various factors when selecting railway track materials, including considerations of usage environment, cost, and sustainability.