Railway Track & Structures - October 2008 - (Page 32)

CROSSTIE REPORT concrete ties. This starts with examining raw materials to optimize our concrete tie mix formulas. To improve rail seat abrasion, we are looking at epoxy and other polymer coatings, as well as new types of concrete additives. We also remain committed to explore the most cost-effective way to provide fully captive fastening systems and investigate competitive fastening systems and the components used in the systems. Our goal is to recommend an optimum solution for our customers’ needs. And we continue to look into dual or two block concrete tie systems,” said Haugh. Rocla Concrete Tie, Inc., says the majority of its business comes from Class 1 railroads and when the railroads cut back on capital expenditures, the results trickled down to suppliers, as well. “With high gasoline prices, transit agencies are looking at more projects,” said Al Smith, manager of sales at Rocla. “We have also seen an increase in demand from track contractors.” NARSTCO says it continues to see an increase in business and its steel ties and turnout tie set design are developing a proven success record in the railroad industry. “We have numerous steel ties in main line, shortline and major intermodal tracks, all over the country for more than 10 years,” said John Fox, vice president sales at NARSTCO. “Comments by a local roadmaster, who has one of these yards, said the ties ‘look like new’.” Dynamic Composites, LLC, manufactures an engineered composite tie that incorporates steel, concrete and plastic composite components. According to Chuck Cadwell, general manager of Dynamic Composites, the tie’s material make-up better equips it to handle heavier weight loads. Cadwell added that although the company still feels that they are ﬁghting for a spot within the industry, railroads Steel, plastics and composites 2008 are willing to listen after learning of the tie’s special design. “The company took many engineering considerations with combining these three ‘green’ materials and feel they have created the best performing tie on the market today,” said Cadwell. “It was tough for the industry to accept a new product. Now that they see we’re a company with longevity and understand what the product can do for them, they’re opening up to us.” Recycle Technologies International manufactures PermaTie™, a recycled plastic composite tie, used by Class 1s and the U.S. Army. The company notes that demand has been greater than production, which is leading to expansion plans in 2009. “Composite crossties will, for sometime, remain more expensive than comparable treated hardwoods. However, Class 1 railroads appear to understand the value of composite ties for certain 32 Railway Track & Structures October 2008 www.rtands.com RTS1008 p27-37-crossties.indd 32 10/1/08 4:09:27 PM http://www.rtands.com

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Railway Track & Structures - October 2008 Contents On Track Industry Today Supplier News AREMA News NRC News TTCI R&D Railroads Building Solid Foundation for More Capacity with Crossties Safety in High Density Areas M/W Challenges: CN Places New Bridge in Only Six Hours Products and Literature People Calendar Website Directory Advertisers Index Sales Representatives Professional Directory Classified Advertising Chicago Perspective

Railway Track & Structures - October 2008

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