by mtuandrew
Rockingham Racer wrote:Given the poor performance of concrete ties in some places, concrete ties could use more inspection, also, don't you think?Sure, in some places where concrete ties have high loading or shear, or where there’s a suspected bad batch, they need frequent inspection. They also don’t absorb shock as well as wood, meaning they require rubber anchor pads that need renewal relatively often. Generally though, a wooden tie will disintegrate, rot, shift, or otherwise fail before a concrete tie. Composite plastic/wood ties, all-plastic ties, the rare steel tie (unsuitable for signaled track) and precast panel track are also options where wood isn’t optimal - but pricier.
(I haven’t studied railroad engineering for some years, so if there are any MOW professionals out there, please chime in.)