METHODS OF RETARDING THE MECHANICAL WEAR OF TIES, INCLUDING STABILIZATION OF WOOD, AND THE SPLITTING OF CROSS AND SWITCH TIES

This is a progress report on the study of the effectiveness of anti-splitting devices for the reduction of splitting in cross ties. Field and seasoning tests on the effectiveness of dowels, C-irons, incising, and C-irons plus incising compared to dowels and S-ironed, were made. No difference in splitting between control, S-ironed, or doweled ties could be seen in the field tests. In seasoning tests C-irons plus incising performed best. Laboratory tests of holding power showed dowels had greater holding power than any other device. In accelerated seasoning in the laboratory comparison between ties was not possible because of the widely varying degree of splitting on the control ties. Stress measurements taken showed the maximum tension load developed in the S- or C-irons was less than the 250 lbs on the portion of the iron in the vicinity of the strain gage. Maxium tension load on the dowels was 1400 lb for those driven 6 inches from the end, and 700 lbs for those driven 3 inches from the end. Crinkled C- and S-irons with a rib hold better and stay in the tie better than the flat irons without a rib. Their additional cost appears to be worthwhile.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Railway Engineering Association

  59 East Van Buren Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60605
• Publication Date: 1960

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 1-12
• Serial:
  • AREA BULLETIN
  • Volume: 61
  • Publisher: American Railway Engineering Association

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Railroad ties
• Old TRIS Terms: Anti-splitting devices
• Subject Areas: Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00052340
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Association of American Railroads
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 15 1974 12:00AM