Abstract
M.Ing.
The technical as well as the economical aspects were taken into account during the evaluation process of the anchor plates. The origin of the sleepers as well as the origin of the anchor plates used in the "thosti" production process is briefly explained. It is essential that a better understanding regarding the manufacturing process is created, for any aspect during the production could influence the outcome of the evaluation.
Three basic sleepers are used in the modem tracks today namely: Timber; Steel and Concrete. Concrete sleepers were introduced as a substitute for timber sleepers. Two types of concrete sleepers are explained namely: Reinforced twinblock sleeper;
Prestressed monoblock sleeper. The prestressed concrete sleepers are manufactured in the "thosti" process as will be explained, and a long-line process. The anchor plates used for the evaluation are used in the "thosti" production process. The anchor plate is used to transfer the compressive stress induced by the prestressing to the surrounding concrete.
The anchor plates were evaluated by means of laboratory tests as well as production tests. The economic evaluation was only done after the tests have been done and proven
successfully. During the economic evaluation the following aspects were recognizable:
Material costs; Labour costs; Maintenance costs; Tooling costs. The next step would be to implement the proposal.