Research Article
Jul 1977
Railroad Wood Tie Design and Behavior
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VIEW THE REPLYPublication: Transportation Engineering Journal of ASCE
Volume 103, Issue 4
Abstract
The theory of an elastic beam on an elastic or spring foundation is reviewed and its implications to straight rail track examined as an introduction to tie design. Published data on railroad track performance are reassessed with emphasis on the design of the wood tie. Contradictions and inaccuracies which result in errors and questionable practices in present North American recommended design procedures are found. Improvements in design methodology are outlined which are consistent and dimensionally correct. For the new heavier jumbo freight cars present practice is shown to be marginal and fatigue failures are predicted to increase. It is concluded that the optimum length of ties to prevent centerbinding on standard gauge is theoretically 8½ ft ignoring the tie plate and 9 ft with a 12-in. tie plate on competent ballast support. Further improvements should be made by increasing tie width and maintaining or lowering the ratio of spacing to tie breadth.
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Information
Published In
Transportation Engineering Journal of ASCE
Volume 103 • Issue 4 • July 1977
Pages: 521 - 538
Copyright
© 1977 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Jul 1977
Published online: Feb 5, 2021
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Authors
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Gerald Patrick Raymond, M.ASCE
Prof. of Civ. Engrg., Queen's Univ., Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.