Feasibility of Creosote Treatment for Glued-Laminated Pine-Timber Railway Sleepers
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 27, Issue 3
Abstract
This article studies the possibility of using market available glued-laminated timber (GLT) based on melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) adhesives as an alternative to traditional solid timber sleepers. The study comprised an examination of the effect of creosote treatment on the short-term and durability after accelerated aging of the glue lines (delamination and shear strength) and the potential for full sapwood penetration by the creosote. Creosote treatment showed a negative effect on shear strength and delamination, more severe in the nonstructural than the structural GLT specimens tested. Full penetration of creosote into the sapwood was not achieved. GLT elements based on MUF adhesives can be considered an alternative to solid wood sleepers if specific grading of lamellas, proper treatment schedule, and highly controlled factory production are implemented.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the company Tecnocarril-Sociedade de Serviços Industriais e Ferroviários Lda for providing access to their treatment facilities, as well as support and assistance during the treatments.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 27 • Issue 3 • March 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 18, 2013
Accepted: Feb 25, 2014
Published online: Jul 21, 2014
Discussion open until: Dec 21, 2014
Published in print: Mar 1, 2015
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