Railway Track & Structures - December 2008 - (Page 15)

Ask John Question: What is the preferred species of wood for bridge ties? Answer: Historically, as well as in modern times, the species used for bridge ties originates with the availability of local sources of timber. Consequently, bridges were first built with various types of hardwood and softwood. In most cases, the initial field construction used untreated material. As preservative treatment processes developed, and various performance observations were made in railroad operations, the industry developed recommended practices. In North America, the AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering is the source for such recommendations. If you consider all the species of each specific type of tree (such as Hickory, Oak, Pine, etc.) you would literally find hundreds of types of trees in North America that are suitable for railroad use; however, when you focus on the type of trees, the actual list is much smaller. Additionally, individual railroad owners may further restrict the list based on their own preference and experience. Three main species groups are in use throughout the railroad industry today: Southern Yellow Pine; Douglas fir; and Oak. Each of these species groups has an organization responsible for developing and maintaining grading rules for the timber and based on such grading rules, and physical strength performance for various timber members, a list of design properties are tabulated for design reference. Railroad engineers consequently design structural bridge members based on these design properties for a specific species. Of significant importance to the designer is the material strength in bending and shear. Specifically related to bridge ties, the tie size and grade is based on the application of load (i.e., bearing versus bending/shear). For additional information, please refer to the following sections of the AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering: Material specifications can be found in Part 1 of Chapter 7, Timber Structures. Design specifications can be found in Part 2 of Chapter 7, Timber Structures. Preservative treatment of bridge ties can be found in Sections 3.6 and 3.7 of Chapter 30, Ties. Getting to know Peter Finch continue their professional development. In joining AREMA, I have been exposed to unique infrastructure problems with equally innovative solutions to those problems. With safety being the first priority in the rail environment, I have participated in Amtrak’s Labor/Management Safety Committees for many years. Chairing the Safety Steering Team is a continuance of my commitment to providing a safe work place for our employees and safe travel experience for our passengers. AREMA: Outside of your job and the hard work you put into AREMA, what are your hobbies? Finch: I am currently volunteering in my town, Clinton, Conn., on the Land Trust Committee. I help with trail maintenance and construction. I also do similar work with the Green Mountain Club on a section of the Long Trail in Vermont. I serve on the town’s Board of Assessment Appeals. AREMA: Tell us about your family. Finch: My wife, Nancy, and I have two daughters. Alison, the elder, is a nurse midwife in Vermont and Caitlin, the younger, is a veterinary tech. in Massachusetts. Both graduated from the University of Connecticut with B.S. degrees. Nancy teaches elementary grade special education in the next town over from Clinton. AREMA: If you could share one interesting fact about yourself with the readers of RT&S, what would it be? Finch: In the past several years, I have raced bicycles, both on the road and in the woods. AREMA: What is your biggest achievement? Finch: While working for Amtrak, I was involved in the Northend Electrification and the Thames River Movable Bridge Lift Span Replacement Projects. These projects have been both a great challenge and a positive learning experience. As the project manager for Thames, I rate it as the biggest achievement (so far, as the Niantic Movable Bridge Replacement Project is imminent). AREMA: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to pursue a career in the railway industry? Finch: I always advise our engineering management associates and summer interns to become familiar with all aspects of the rail industry – marketing, mechanical, transportation and engineering. Flexibility is the key to success in any industry but seems especially so in our industry. Peter B. Finch Chair, Team 40 - Engineering Safety Steering Team Project Director-Bridges Amtrak ach month AREMA will feature one of our committee chairmen. We are pleased to announce that the December featured chairman is Peter B. Finch, chair of Team 40 - Engineering Safety Steering Team. AREMA: Why did you decide to choose a career in railway engineering? Finch: I grew up in a railroad family (New Haven Railroad), so I had a familiarity with various aspects of the industry. As I graduated from college, participating in an industry that was beneficial to the nation was my goal. Rail transportation was a natural fit for me. AREMA: How did you get started? Finch: I worked for Penn Central while in college. I was a ticket collector-flag on the commuter trains from New Haven to Grand Central Terminal. I joined Amtrak as a signal helper and was promoted to management as a subcontract construction inspector. AREMA: How did you get involved in AREMA and your committee? Finch: Amtrak’s Engineering Department has encouraged their employees to www.rtands.com E 2009 Upcoming Committee Meetings January 22-23 January 27 February 9-10 February 10-11 February 11-12 February 20-22 March 4-5 Committee 8 - Concrete Structures & Foundations Committee 9 - Seismic Design for Railway Structures Committee 1 - Roadway & Ballast Committee 15 - Steel Structures Committee 7 - Timber Structures Committee 24 - Education & Training Committee 30 - Ties New Orleans, LA Las Vegas, NV Houston, TX Phoenix, AZ Phoenix, AZ Jacksonville, FL Pueblo, CO Railway Track & Structures December 2008 15 http://www.rtands.com

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Railway Track & Structures - December 2008 Contents On Track Industry Today Supplier News AREMA News NRC News TTCI R&D Hand-Held Tools Continue Big Role in Railroad Engineering AREMA C&S Moving Ahead Optimizing Winter Speed Restrictions RTA 2008 Conference Makes Splash in Savannah, Ga. Products and Literature People Calendar Sales Representatives Advertisers Index Website Directory Professional Directory Classified Advertising Chicago Perspective

Railway Track & Structures - December 2008

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