FFU Synthetic Wood

 

Technical characteristics of FFU synthetic wood

Investigations by Munich Technical University in 2008

In 2008 Munich Technical University carried out the latest technical examination of the FFU synthetic wood material. FFU was tested based on applicable European standards. The FFU synthetic wood sleepers tested had to partly meet the requirements imposed on concrete sleepers. Fortunately, FFU synthetic wood was able to meet all of the requirements imposed.
The report by the Technical University turned out extremely positive for FFU in all areas.

Based on these favourable results, the German Federal Railway Authority was able to grant approval in 2009 for the safe use of FFU synthetic wood railway sleepers on the rail infrastructure of Germany.

Tests carried out on FFU synthetic wood

The following tests were carried out by Munich Technical University:

  • Effect of repeated loading test
  • Tensile force in sleeper screw
  • Sleeper screw extraction test
  • Impact test
  • Electrical resistance
  • Static testing in centre of sleeper
  • Fatigue testing in centre of sleeper
  • Static compressive test
  • Static deflection at low temperature R = RT and R = -10°C

Test results

The impact test intended to simulate derailing was carried out using a shock load of a 500 kg mass dropped from a height. After two tests at the same spot, FFU synthetic wood showed merely the image of a "wheel flange".
Even after this derailment simulation the FFU sleeper remained dimensionally stable, which guarantees that the track gauge is maintained if a derailment occurs.

To analyse behaviour at low temperatures, FFU sleepers were put into storage at -20°C. The ensuing test showed that, even at extremely low temperatures, the fibres of FFU synthetic wood remain free of brittleness.

Sleeper screw extraction force

Wood FFU
35 kN 61 kN

Electrical resistance R33

DIN EN 13146-5 FFU
≥ 5 kΩ 71,9 kΩ

Static load in centre of sleeper

Wood FFU
80 kN 240 kN

Downloads

Test report Munich Technical University