TerraRail research group tested Sekisui FFU sleepers at such low temperatures that may appear in Finland. Initial temperature target was minimum -40 Celsius degrees, but the cooling arrangement led to even lower temperatures. The tests showed that FFU composite sleepers are very strong and flexible at the same time. The FFU sleepers are able to carry the loadings caused by the rolling stock operating on Finnish railways. Very cold temperature makes the sleeper slightly stiffer. Low temperature did not affect the strength of the sleeper.
More information: Doctoral Researcher Tommi Rantala