Wood, Concrete, Steel or Plastic: Whatever They're Made of, Blessed Be the Ties That Bind Our Tracks

This article describes the new choices available to replace wooden ties in railroad tracks. Beginning in 1832 a shortage of cut stone led to the so-called temporary use of wooden ties--which proved to be cheaper and easier to install than cut stone. Today 95 percent of railroad ties are made of various types of wood ties, although some environmental concerns about creosote, which is used to protect ties from insect and moisture damage, may make alternatives more popular. Concrete ties are popular in Europe, and steel ties have a small following. The newest products used to manufacture railroad ties, however, are recycled plastic bags and scrap tires. These plastic ties need no preservative treatment and are said to last up to 50 years.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/6163876
• Authors:
  • McDonnell, Greg
• Publication Date: 2006-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p 24
• Serial:
  • Trains
  • Volume: 66
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Kalmbach Publishing Company
  • ISSN: 0041-0934
  • Serial URL: http://trainsmag.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Composite materials; Concrete ties; Railroad ties; Steel ties; Wood ties
• Subject Areas: Materials; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01018644
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 2 2006 9:33AM