Development of SLEEPER STRATEGIES Focusing on Timber Sleeper Replacement Ernie McCombe Michael Ryan

Traditionally QR tracks timber sleepers Steel and concrete over last 20+ years Currently > 8M main line and ~ 9.5M total timber Substantial maintenance resleepering From 1.2M (mid 80s) to 250,000 (mid 90s) >400,000/a anticipated over next decade Average sleeper life approx 18 years

Timber Sleeper Issues High quality timber becoming scarcer Strong upward pressure on timber prices 2.7% > CPI for 1981 - 2000 3.4% > CPI for 1996 - 2000

Objectives To determine the timber sleeper replacement requirements within the QR network Identify future timber resource availability Quantity & geographic Review currently available and developing technologies for timber sleeper replacement Develop Maintenance Sleeper Strategy Options Logistics and economic model to compare replacement strategies Implementation plans Assess the regional social impacts of any adopted solutions

Resource Availability DPI Forestry Approx 9M round wood logs in state & private land Private - guesstimate only Approx 16 years supply of sleepers But local impacts could be felt much earlier

Available Technology QR performance criteria (maintenance sleeper) Suitable to be installed in QR sleeper track Suitable fastening system Capable of future rail size upgrade Long service life and low maintenance Options Alternative sleeper material technologies Extend new timber life - primarily treatment Extend existing sleeper life in-situ treatment, plugs & inserts, plating, dogscrews

Alternative Sleeper Technology Limited options available in Australia Low profile concrete Duo-block reinforced concrete Steel Composite Recycled plastic/rubber Benefits Long life, dimensions, similar performance to timber Limitations Costs - capital, unit rates, freight Early development stage

Regional Impacts Reduced timber cutters Loss of income for sleeper purchases Capital expenditure and income for sleeper manufacturers and employment (in some cases) Increased freight for QR and local carriers Reduction in demand on hardwood forests Additional performance benefits for QR

Logistics & Economic Model Input variable criteria Economic factors Material parameters and costs, installation costs, freight Material service life and delivery distances Input replacement strategy Define length and current sleeper distribution Replacement sleeper type and strategy Flexibility to simulate variety of actual conditions Assumption and simplifications Eg regional basis, fixed cycle, reuse rail, exclude GST

The Model

The Model

The Model

Economic Parameter Sensitivity A series of parameter sensitivity analysis was undertaken, including: Economic parameters Timber inflation Freight distance Timber sleeper life New construction

Discount Costs

Economic Comparisons - Queensland Average Average Timber Sleeper Life = 18 years.

Economic Comparisons

Future Directions Substantial alternative sleeper strategy needed RTCTR in short term Implement on progressive basis (interspersed or random) Limited treated timber in selected (targeted) areas Install alternative sleepers on priority basis Low timber sleeper life - regions and local Preference to heavier traffic lines Dogscrews and plating expected to extend timber life Spec and EOI for alternative sleepers (10 responses)

Future Directions QR cooperating with industry Fibre composite Low profile prestressed concrete Recycled HDPE/rubber products Treated sleeper specification Review strategies or model local strategies as required