PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY
Lankhorst expands KLP Hybrid Polymer Sleeper success into Australasia Dutch company Lankhorst recently made its local entry with a significant order for its KLP steel-reinforced Hybrid Polymer Sleepers to the Australasian region.
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HE INCREASINGLY SCARCITY OF hardwood and the ban on creosote-treated wood for sleepers have created challenges in the maintenance of timber infrastructure. Lifespan of timber sleepers is dropping and the replacement of timber with stiffer or weaker materials creates new problems. Lankhorst, a global firm whose Dutch origin began in 1803, has developed its modern Hybrid Polymer Sleeper to mimic the dynamic behaviour of a traditional wooden sleeper with an extended life span. First installed on the Dutch rail network in 2006,
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ISSUE 9 2019 | RAIL EXPRESS
KLP Hybrid Polymer Sleepers consist of highly ductile recycled polymer, reinforced with steel rebar. Lankorst says the steel reinforcement is located where it is most effective, and does not interfere with the installation of fastening systems. This helps it achieve longitudinal and lateral stiffness to maintain track gauge under all load and climate conditions, while the recycled polymer simultaneously acts as an effective impact absorber and sound damper, resulting in a reduced noise and longer lasting infrastructure. Gerhard Klooster, business development director of Brisbane-based Link Asia Pacific (LinkAP) – which
KLP Bridge Transoms benefit most from their hybrid design.
Testing has proven noncatastrophic failure in extreme overload conditions.
Lankhorst’s KLP Hybrid Polymer Sleepers are designed as a viable replacement for traditional timber sleepers.
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