Flexural behaviour of alternate transom using composite fibre pultruded sections

This paper presents a theoretical panel design solution using Wagners Composite Fibre Technology (CFT) pultruded hollow sections to cater for applied rail loads. Two composite fibre panels were fabricated and assembled using AJAX ONESIDE blind bolts and LINDAPTER blind bolts, and experimentally tested to investigate the panel's response to static railway design loads. The two blind bolts and the static experimental methodology were chosen to replicate previous experiments investigating composite steel-concrete panels for use as transoms. The composite fibre panel design successfully resisted a maximum load of 900kN and deflected less than the serviceability deflection limit. The results from experimental proved the flexural behaviour and deflection of the composite panel design is suitable for use as a railway transom under static loading. Further studies into the composite fibre panel such as impact testing and fatigue testing are required to make a supported conclusion regarding the feasibility of the composite fibre panel for use as a transom in the railway industry.