A Brief On Railway Sleeper Cement

 

Railway sleeper cement, also known as rail tie cement, is a specialized type of cement that is used to secure railway sleepers, or ties, to the tracks. Railway sleepers, which are typically made of wood, concrete or a combination of both, are used to support the rails and distribute the weight of trains evenly over the tracks.

Railway sleeper cement is a specially formulated mixture of cement, water, and various additives. It is designed to be highly durable and resistant to the harsh conditions that railway tracks are exposed to, such as extreme temperatures, heavy loads, and exposure to moisture and various chemicals. The cement is also formulated to set and harden quickly, allowing for the rapid installation of railway sleepers.

The process of installing railway sleepers with cement involves preparing the track bed, placing the sleepers in position, and then pouring the cement around the base of the sleepers. The cement is then allowed to set and harden, effectively securing the sleepers to the tracks. This process is commonly known as ballasting.

One of the main advantages of railway sleeper cement is its ability to provide a strong and durable bond between the sleepers and the tracks. This helps to ensure the structural integrity of the tracks and reduce the risk of accidents caused by shifting or unstable sleepers. Additionally, railway sleeper cement is also resistant to the effects of weathering and erosion, which can further extend the lifespan of the tracks.

Another advantage of railway sleeper cement is its ability to resist the effects of temperature changes. This is particularly important in areas where the temperature fluctuates greatly between hot summers and cold winters. As the temperature changes, the concrete expands and contracts, and this can cause the sleeper to shift or become loose. However, railway sleeper cement can withstand this expansion and contraction, which helps to maintain the stability of the tracks.

Railway sleeper cement is also relatively easy to use and can be used in a variety of different applications. It is available in a range of different types and grades, and can be used in both new construction and repair projects. It can also be used in combination with other types of cement, such as pozzolanic and fly ash cements, to further enhance its performance.

In conclusion, railway sleeper cement is a specialized type of cement that is used to secure railway sleepers to the tracks. It is specially formulated to be highly durable and resistant to the harsh conditions that railway tracks are exposed to. It provides a strong and durable bond between the sleepers and the tracks, ensuring the structural integrity of the tracks, and it is also resistant to weathering and erosion. It is relatively easy to use and can be used in a variety of different applications, making it a popular choice for railway construction projects.

India Cements' Market Expansion Plans

India Cements To Concentrate On Speciality Cements 

While other cement companies are waiting for the Government to step in with infrastructure investment as a stimulus to to revive growth, Chennai-based cement major India Cements is planning at achieving better capacity utilisation by tapping the northern, eastern and western markets during the current financial year.

At the company’s 71st AGM, Mr. N.Srinivasan, vice-chairman & managing director stated that India Cements was taking steps to diversify product portfolio to improve capacity utilisation. The company is already producing oil well cement and has plans to bid for tenders for supplying sleeper cement. It would also continue the export of cement to Sri Lanka under the company’s brand name which is well established there. He also stated the the company would focus on reducing debt, introduce speciality cements and boost exports, in line with the company’s plans to turn the focus back on core businesses and exit non-core businesses.

He further stated that the cement industry was facing a situation of excess capacity, with south India in particular facing maximum surplus capacity. While there was sporadic growth in non-southern states, he added, not all regions have seen growth at a reasonable level. However, now that prices had stabilised, there was a distinct possibility of improvement in cement demand all over India. This, along with various schemes and projects taken up for implementation by the Centre and states, and an long expected expansionary Union Budget, could improve capacity utilisation.

Mr. N.Srinivasan also pointed out that due to the increasing cost of inputs, cement companies were facing. Mergers and Acquisitions by bigger players were also likely to gain pace, though on a smaller than expected scale and with focus on gaining strategic and operational competitive advantages. He added that Financially stressed companies were selling assets. And in some cases, regulations imposed by the Competition Commission of India had forced cement companies to sell their assets.