What are the pros and cons of using wooden ties vs. concrete ties?

Answer 1

Wood ties are the standard choice... Hardwoods, treated with creosote, they have an extended service lives. They can be layed and used anywhere, individually -- since the spikes are simply pounded in, the wood ties can be used in a switch or anywhere without modification. They are however more prone to rot, damage, and even fire when oil soaked from locomotives.

Concrete ties are becoming more numerous. They are more rigid than wood, and are not prone to rot, and are pre-treated for expansion/contraction like the welded rail they hold. They are associated with higher speed trackage due to not needing the upkeep of wood. One con of concrete would be the hardware associated with hold the rail -- special ties are required for specific locations and uses, unlike wood. Also, 2 (and I've seen 1) man could move a wood tie in a repair, while concrete is heavier and usually layed by machine (crane).

Answer 2

Indeed, some of the biggest pros and cons are cost and tie-life. While wooden ties are cheaper they do no have a lifespan of concrete, although concrete is a bit more expensive. Composite ties are another new innovation out there. Whereas they have a lifespan comparable to concrete, they are cheaper and much more flexible than concrete (and can also be recycled for re-use). My guess is that eventually, long into the future, wooden ties will become obselete because of their environmental impact as well as shorter lifespan (35-50 years).

Answer 3

Poly fiber mix to concrete gives it more flexibility psi than without. It can't even be compared to reinforced concrete alone because of the structural differences in the mix. Fiber pours very loose...8 slump. Regular (floor or wall) about a 6. Hubby's company recommends both fiber and reinforcement in any important "load bearing" structure.

Answer 4

Wood rots and is usually treated with chemicals.

Concrete is more expensive but lasts longer.

Make sure the concrete has proper air entrainment for freeze-thaw resistance; say 5 to 7 percent.

Answer 5

are you talking about sleepers? ties are the metal clips that hold the rails to the sleepers, I have never seen wooden ones.

Answer 6

looks, flexability and cost wood ties are moore natural