Abstract
The Ladder Sleeper, a kind of longitudinal sleeper developed by Railway Technical Research Institute in Japan, is a next generation rail-support component. It has a “ladder” shape, in which both parallel longitudinal concrete beams are connected to each other with steel pipe connectors. The longitudinal concrete beam supports and holds a rail continuously, resulting in a new “composite rail” which has a superior load carrying capacity and a high lateral track stability. It is expected that the ballasted Ladder Track will have much less deterioration caused by ballast-wear. Floating Ladder Tracks could be a breakthrough for non-ballasted tracks, replacing slab tracks. Using floating Ladder Tracks results in economical, environmentally friendly and earthquake-resistant viaducts. The safety, environment, maintenance, and cost improvements that will come with switching to Ladder Track System, promise major progress in railway structure and railway management.
