I have noticed that NS is replacing a large amount of main line ties on the AGS North Division. Anyone know if some of these could be ties that were not properly treated and resulted in a lawsuit against the tie mfg? And, if NS prevailed in the suit/trial?
Northtowne
Are the new ties wood or concrete?
caldreamerAre the new ties wood or concrete?
Almost certainly wood; you still can't mix concrete and wood in the same track (the stiffness moduli are too different and it sets up all kinds of nodes in the rail vibrations when the rail is elastically clipped ... among other considerations.)
As originally noted, I would at least agree this could be related to the improper-tie-preservation scandal we read about a few years ago, the logical result now becoming manifest enough to require mass remediation...
What's "a large amount of main line ties"? I.e., what percentage? In normal tie renewal cycles, the schedule is set up for when there's a significant number to be replaced to minimize interference with trains, and to minimize the frequency of disturbance to the trackbed ("face" or "surface"). Also, what condition are the replaced ties in? Still solid, or hollow and splinters? The latter may be true for both regular tie replacement and failed ties. It would be sensible to get as much service life as possible even out of the mis-treated ties before disturbing the track structure (see above). That may have been agreed-upon as one way to mitigate the $ amount of the damages, instead of replacing ties with still some service life left in them.
Would be interesting to know if there was an independent inspection service involved, or if NS was relying on the manufacturer's self-certification of quality . . .
- PDN.
Ditto PDN's comment:
800-1600 ties per mile is somewhat "normal"; above that and something is out of the ordinary with those 3200 +/- ties per mile.
Even untreated, ties have a 5-15 year lifespan. (ie the spike is still being held firmly, is not broken and the ballast is not working up through the tie - just looking "bad" is not a valid argument for replacement)
My computer has been down for a few days. I have found the answer to my post. Talked with the work train gang and they said there were no defective ties in this work area, and that the litigation with the supplier of the bad ties was still ongoing. I did a rough count and estimate about 20% here are being replaced.
NorthtowneI did a rough count and estimate about 20% here are being replaced.
CSX recently did a tie replacement project on their Toledo line through Deshler - you may be able to find video on YouTube. The 20% number would seem about right.
When CSX did the ties on the St Lawrence Sub in NY, I think the percentage was higher - but they had allowed the condition of the line to deteriorate to the point that speeds were down to 25 MPH. The work they did brought that back up to 40 MPH.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
The track speed on this NS sub div is 50 mph and has been for a good while. I think it will remain at that, tie work notwithstanding. Just my opin; PTC is working fairly well after major hiccups in the break in phase.
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