Composite sleepers in railway infrastructure: development, standardization, challenges and perspectives

<jats:p>Composite sleepers are an innovative element in the construction of the railway superstructure, whose main purpose is to provide an alternative to wooden sleepers, which from an environmental point of view will have а limited application. Plastic, as the main material for the production of composite sleepers, is the closest to wood in terms of physical and mechanical properties, while being resistant to corrosion, moisture, and microorganisms, ensuring a service life of up to 50 years. As a raw material, the composite sleeper can use recycled plastic, and the sleeper itself is recyclable. Along with the advantages, there are also several limitations that hinder the widespread implementation of composite sleepers in railway tracks. The paper examines the types of composite sleepers in terms of the material used and the fiber reinforcement applied, as well as presents different types of sleepers in operation with their respective manufacturer. Furthermore, the main disadvantages of composite sleepers are discussed in detail. In addition, an analysis of the regulatory documents through which railway administrations are specifying sleeper’s production and operation is provided.</jats:p>