Technical Field

The present inventions relates to a base structure for supporting a rail member, and particularly, although not exclusively, to a base structure for supporting rail tracks over underlying track ballast.

Background

The construction and maintenance of a railway track is a complex and difficult task. There are various reasons for this complexity and difficulty. Some reasons include, without limitation:

1. A railway track must always remain in a

pre-determined position to ensure that the operating space of the track does not change. Should a track sway or shift in position over a surface, an operating locomotive may be at risk of collision or derailment;

2. The rails must remain at a constant and correct gauge . Any changes in the gauge may affect the performance of a locomotive, or in some cases cause a derailment of the locomotive; and

3. As the track comprises large metal rails, the metals used therein may be subject to expansion or contraction depending on the temperature of the surrounding environment. These changes in the properties of the metal rails may cause a rail track to become buckled, misaligned or disconnected if the expansion or contraction of the rails is not adequately managed. These difficulties are further increased due to the heavy loads of an operating locomotive and the

uncontrolled temperature of the surrounding environment. It is not uncommon for locomotives to be operated at slower speed limits during adverse weather conditions, as the risk of accidents are increased due to the changing physical properties of the rail tracks in these

conditions .

During the construction of a track, engineers may use a railway tie or sleeper to support the rail. The sleeper is arranged to be placed regularly under a length of rail to allow the rail to rest on the surface. Track ballast, such as crushed stones, sometimes referred to as " lue metal", may be placed and packed around each sleeper such that the sleepers distribute the force of the rail onto the ballast whilst also allowing adequate drainage of water or other fluids from the track through the gaps within the ballast. In construction, each sleeper is only able to distribute a limited amount of force onto the ballast. As such, numerous sleepers are required to support the rail track over small intervals, resulting in a large number of sleepers being required for a given length of railway track in order to ensure that the load of a running locomotive can be adequately distributed onto the ballast. In some instances, a 1000 kilometre track may require up to 2 million sleepers, depending on the terrain or the size of the operating locomotive.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base structure for

supporting at least one rail member comprising: a member having at least one engaging means arranged to engage the at least one rail; and

at least one anchoring arrangement utilizable to anchor the member to a surface.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the anchoring arrangement is disposed on at least one portion of the external face of the member.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the anchoring arrangement provides a serrated profile on at least one external face of the member.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the anchoring arrangement comprises at least one indentation arranged to engage the structure with the surface.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one indentation includes a plurality of corrugated

grooves .

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one indentation includes a plurality of saw toothed slots.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one indentation includes a plurality of square toothed slots .

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one indentation includes a plurality of half cylindrical slots.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one indentation is disposed vertically on the structure.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one indentation is disposed horizontally on the structure.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the surface comprises track ballast.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the anchoring arrangement anchors the member to the surface by

interlocking the at least one indentation with the track ballast .

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the member further includes at least one engagement means arranged to receive the at least one rail member.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the engagement means includes at least one of a spike, chair or clip.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a railway sleeper comprising: an elongated base arranged to support a rail member over a layer of track ballast;

wherein the elongated base has at least one serrated external face arranged to engage with the layer of track ballast .

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the at least one serrated external face is defined by a plurality of indentations.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the plurality of indentation is defined by a plurality of corrugated grooves, a plurality of saw toothed slots,. a plurality of square tooth slots, a plurality of half cylindrical slots or a combination thereof.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a railway track comprising at least one base structure in accordance the first aspect.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a railway track comprising at least one railway sleeper in accordance with the second aspect .

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the base structure comprising the steps of:

pouring materials arranged to set into a cast arranged to shape the materials poured within to set into a base structure in accordance with the first aspect; and removing the cast from the base structure.

In an embodiment of the fifth aspect, the materials comprise a concrete mixture.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a railway sleeper comprising the steps of :

pouring materials arranged to set into a cast arranged to shape the materials poured within to set into a railway sleeper in accordance with the second aspect; and

removing the cast from the railway sleeper.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base structure for

supporting at last one structural member comprising a member arranged to receive the at least one structure member, wherein the member has at least one anchoring arrangement utilizable to anchor the member to a surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a base structure for supporting a rail member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top, front and side view of the structure of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of a base structure for supporting a rail member in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is an isometric view of a base structure for supporting a rail member in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is an isometric view of a base structure for supporting a rail member in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is an isometric view of a base structure for supporting a rail member in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 7 is an isometric view of a base structure for supporting a rail member in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring to Figure 1, there is provided a base structure 100 for supporting at least one rail member comprising: a member 102 arranged to receive the at least one rail member; wherein the member has at least one anchoring arrangement 104 utilizable to anchor the member to a surface.

In this embodiment, the base structure 100 is defined by an elongated member 102 arranged to be positioned between a rail member and a surface on which the track is to be laid. Depending on the track and the underlying surface, a plurality of base structures 100 may be placed in suitable positions on a surface after which one or more rail members may be engaged to each of the base structures 100 to create a rail track. Track ballast, such as crushed stones or "blue metal" may be placed and packed around the base structure 100 such that the base structure 100 becomes surrounded by the ballast. As the person skilled in the art would appreciate, in some examples, a first layer of ballast may have already been placed on the surface before the base structure 100 is placed on to the surface .

The member 102 may have a plurality of engaging means 106 arranged to engage and hold the rail member which the base structure 100 is to support. Depending on the type of rail member which the base structure 100 is to support, a suitable engaging means 106 is used to engage the rail member to the base structure 100. Examples of these engaging means may include, without limitation, rail spikes (e.g. dogspikes) , chairs (e.g. cast iron chairs) or resilient clips (e.g. Pandrol clips) .

The base structure 100 may include at least one anchoring arrangement 104 arranged to anchor the structure to the ballast. In this embodiment, the anchoring

arrangement 104 may include a plurality of indentations defined by a plurality of grooves or slots disposed on at least one of the external faces of the base structure 100. The grooves 108 may include different types of patterns, each arranged to engage and interlock with the track ballast. As shown in this embodiment, the grooves 108 are uniformly laid out and comprise a plurality of vertically corrugated grooves.

In this example, the grooves 108 are arranged to contact the track ballast such that the grooves 108 and the crushed stone, dirt or other portions of the track ballast may inter engage and form an interlocking bond with the grooves. This engagement thereby assists in securely anchoring the base structure 100 to the track surface .

In one specific example, where the ballast comprises crushed stones of approximately 28mm to 50mm in diameter, the grooves or, slots may be sized accordingly to allow an optimal interlocking arrangement between the crushed stones. As an example, the grooves or slots may have a width, diameter or depth of approximately 28mm to 50mm, although other dimensions are possible depending on the track ballast or the conditions in which the base

structure is used. Preferably, the track ballast is comprised of sharp edged stones which assist in

interlocking by forming a plurality of rough and serrated edges around the base structure 100. As the indentations of the anchoring arrangement 104 also form a serrated profile, the base structure 100 may thereby form an interlocking engagement with the surrounding ballast.

The anchoring arrangement 104 serves to increase the surface area of the external face of the base structure 100. This larger surface area allows a greater area of the base structure to contact and engage the surrounding ballast .

With reference to Figure 3, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a base structure 300 for

supporting at least one rail member. In this embodiment, the base structure 300 comprises an elongated member 302 which may include a slight depression towards the centre 308 of the structure such that a gentle incline is created between the centre 308 and the distal ends 302A & 302B of the base structure 300.

The base structure 300 may also include anchoring arrangements 304 disposed on portions of at least one external face of the structure, which in this example, comprises a plurality of indentations incorporating a plurality of corrugated grooves 310 arranged to form an interlocking engagement with the underlying track ballast.

This embodiment is advantageous in that certain types of rail track (suitable for trains operating with a specific camber angle) may be constructed by allowing the rails engaged to the structure to be inclined towards the centre .

With reference to Figure 4, there is illustrated another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the base structure 400 includes an elongated member 402 having an elevated portion in the centre 408 which declines slightly from the distal ends 402A and 402B of the base structure 400 to the centre 408. This embodiment is particularly suitable for use in railway tracks which require a particular elevation to control the incline or decline of the rail track.

With reference to Figure 5, there is shown yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the base structure 500 comprises an elongated member 502 having an anchoring arrangement 504 which includes a plurality of indentations formed by vertical slots 506. The slots 506 may be uniformly spaced in a. square tooth formation. Once the base structure 500 is laid onto a track and surrounded by ballast, the · crushed stones of the ballast engage together with the slots 506 and provide an anchoring effect between the ballast and the base structure.

With reference to Figure 6, there is illustrated further alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the base structure 600 comprises an elongated member having an anchoring arrangement 604 which includes plurality of indentations provided by a plurality of vertical slots 606. . In this example, the slots 606 may be uniformly spaced in a saw tooth arrangement. Once the base structure 600 is laid onto a track and surrounded by ballast material, the crushed stones of the ballast engage with the slots 606 and provide an anchoring effect between the ballast and the base structure 600.

With reference to Figure 7, there is illustrated yet a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the base structure 700 comprises an elongated member having an anchoring arrangement 704 which includes a plurality of indentations provided by a

plurality of vertical slots 706. In this example, the slots 706 may comprise a number of uniformly spaced slots in a half cylindrical shape. Once the base structure 700 is laid onto a track and surround by ballast, the crushed stones of the ballast engage with the slots 706 and provide an anchoring effect between the ballast and the base structure 700.

In one embodiment, each of the base structures may be made of concrete, although timber, plastic composites or other suitable materials may be used. In examples where the base structure is made out of concrete or other materials which may be cast or mould, a cast or mould is created to allow liquid concrete or material to be poured into the cast. The concrete or material is allowed to set, after which, the cast or mould may be removed to create the base structure.

Preferably, where concrete is the material used to manufacture the base structure, a pre-stressed steel frame is placed into the cast. The frame may be heated to a temperature which causes the steel frame to expand such that once the frame returns to room temperature, the steel contracts .

Once the steel frame is in the cast, a suitable mixture of concrete is poured into the cast. When the concrete mixture sets, the cast is lifted or dismantled from the set concrete mixture, to reveal a base structure with the appropriate anchoring arrangement defined by the cast. As the steel frame contracts due to the difference in temperature, the additional tension from the frame further strengthens the concrete of the base structure.

In alternative embodiments, the materials used to create the base structure may include the use of lighter and more environmentally friendly materials such as plastic composites or aerated concrete. These lighter materials may be used as the shape of the base structure provides a superior engagement with the underlying ballast due to the anchoring arrangement, such that the base structure does not need to rely on weight due above to supply an anchoring formation.

In another embodiment, the invention may be used in rail crossing arrangements such as at cross overs, crossings, turn outs or railway switches, etc. In these embodiments, an example of the base structure may be used to support the rail members over the surface. As crossing points may be prone to large loads due to the change of direction of a locomotive, embodiments of the present invention are particularly advantageous in such

applications because the base structure includes an anchoring arrangement which provides superior engagement with the underlying ballast.

In other words, embodiments of the present invention are advantageous because the base structure provides an anchoring arrangement which is capable of providing a superior interlocking engagement with the underlying track ballast. This superior engagement ensures the rail on the track remains aligned and in the correct position during operation.

As the base structure provides a superior

interlocking engagement, the number of base structures required for a length of rail track can potentially reduce (depending on the particular rail application) . This in turn offers a substantial reduction in cost during construction of a rail track. Other advantages include superior reliability due to a reduction in the risk of buckling in adverse weather conditions. As a corollary, a reduced risk of buckling allows locomotives to operate at normal speed and capacity even during adverse weather conditions .

In yet another advantage of the present invention, lighter materials can be used to create the base structure when compared with other forms of railway sleepers . The inclusion of the anchoring arrangements allows a lighter base structure to be used whilst offering the same, if not a superior, level of support for the rail track. Lighter structures clearly offer a reduction in material handling issues as well as transportation costs. It follows that the anchoring arrangements in accordance with an

embodiment of the present invention also provide an advantage in that the amount of ballast needed may be reduced.

In yet a further embodiment, the present invention may also be used in construction of other buildings and infrastructure where a structure is required to be anchored into the ground where the construction of a deep foundation is not viable or possible. For examples, the constructions of wharfs, jetties or other structures over bodies of water may render it difficult or costly to establish a deep foundation. n these embodiments, the base structure may be placed in a seabed to engage the seabed and provide a strong and suitable base for the attachment of a load bearing column of the wharf, jetty or structure. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shovm in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the

invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Any reference to prior art contained herein is not to be taken as an admission that the information is common general knowledge, unless otherwise indicated.