Some problems with prestressed concrete sleepers durability

The paper presents the hazards of concrete sleepers linked with delayed ettringite formation (DEF) as well as the need to maintain low alkalis content in cement. The authors also discussed the advantages of mechanical anchorage in sleepers, applied in the BBRV technology. This method is based on the system of smooth bars anchorage, on the ends of the strings with higher dimensions and is realized with the anchorage plates. It prevents of microcracks formation after tension release.