Abstract: To increase the resistance of plastic and/or plastic composite railroad ties tosliding within the ballast of the railroad bed, for example, sliding lengthwise (in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tie) and sideways (in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis), ties with a textured surface which aids in anchoring the ties within the ballast of the railroad beds. In particular, the ties are provided with a pattern of indentations within a surface that contacts the ballast which increases the ties resistance to sliding. The pattern is molded into the ties so as to mechanically interact with the ballast (rocks) and provide as much resistance to sliding as possible, especially along the longitudinal axis of the tie but also in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of maintaining proper distance between railroad rails is disclosed. The method utilizes railroad ties manufactured from a composite of polystyrene and polyolefin components, preferably obtained from recycled plastics. The composite exhibits a dual phase morphology wherein the two phases, polystyrene and polyolefin, intertwine and remain continuous throughout the material.