PRESERVING TIMBER SLEEPERS IN THE TROPICS

In 1929, keruing and kempas sleepers were laid on lengths of track of the Malayan Railway tracks. Their estimated service life is 28 years, and they are reported in good condition as of 1955. Preservation with Tanalith, followed by creosote-oil treatment gave both timmbers a service life claimed to be 10 years longer than that of chengal sleepers. Tanalith gave complete immunity to termite and fungal attack; but in a humid tropical climate extensive splitting of the timber can be caused by the alternation of prolinged rains with a long, hot, dry season. The creosote-oil treatment seals the timber, and reduces the strain between the dry and shrunken surface and the moist interior.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Publication Date: 1955-11-4

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 534
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 103

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Creosote; Preservation; Railroad ties; Technology; Wood ties
• Geographic Terms: India
• Old TRIS Terms: Creosoting; Wooden cross ties
• Subject Areas: Construction; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00039660
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM