Abstract: Railroad ties may be refurbished or have their usable life extended by overwrapping with fibrous reinforcement containing a cured matrix associated with the fibers. The ties may be machined prior to overwrapping, and are preferably sawn along their length, and conduit inserted into channels machined therein prior to adhesively bonding the sawn portions together. The conduits may be used to provide signal and power cable passages with lessened likelihood of damage thereto.

Abstract: A tie cap rail holder for securing a railroad rail to its supporting tie comprises a cap dimensioned to seat gravitationally over the top of the tie in a restricted, longitudinally slidable fit. The cap has on its upper surface a rail seat dimensioned to receive the rail base. On one side of the rail seat an upwardly and inwardly extending detent is dimensioned and positioned for engaging and retaining the adjacent side margin of the rail base. A plurality of the holders are adapted for opposite placement on adjacent ties, with their respective detents engaging opposite side margins of the rail base, thereby securing the rail to the ties.