Abstract: A railroad cross tie having an inner core with at least one longitudinally extending metallic reinforcing member and an outer casing. The cross tie includes first and second end caps. The first end cap is disposed proximate a first end of the inner core and the second end cap is disposed proximate a second opposite end. One embodiment of the cross tie includes an expansion gap longitudinally disposed between the first and second end caps. Longitudinal dimensions of the expansion gap varies in response to differential thermal expansion between the inner core and the outer casing. In other embodiments, the end caps are mechanically interlocked with the inner core and the outer casing overlays a portion of the end caps. The disclosed structures securely and reliably attach the end caps to the cross tie. A method of manufacturing cross ties is also disclosed.

Abstract: A railway tie is disclosed having stackable decks for reducing ballast migration in areas where the crib is reduced or removed in order to accommodate additional railway equipment. The stackable railway tie can include a base deck, a top deck, and a fastening system for securing the top deck to the base deck. A second fastening system may be integrated in the railway tie for securing one or more rails to the top deck. The top deck can be configured to transmit a load, such as that from the weight of a train, to the base deck. A ballast displacement system can be provided to distribute a load on the base deck to ballast under the railway tie. One or more top decks may be used in connection with electrically insulating the rails. Nonconductive deck spacers and side posts may insulate the top deck from the bottom deck. Side posts may electrically insulate the base deck from the fastener system.

Abstract: A cross-tie for a railroad rail assembly and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein the cross-tie includes a plurality of recycled tire treads stacked along one of the width and height dimensions of the cross-tie, and secured to one another via an interposed adhesive material.

Abstract: A cross-tie for a railroad rail assembly and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein the cross-tie includes a plurality of recycled tire treads stacked along one of the width and height dimensions of the cross-tie, and secured to one another via an interposed adhesive material.

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 laminated wooden load support structure is described herein, wherein at least one of the lamina is comprised of a plurality of wooden elements orientated with respect to the load bearing surface or wear surface such that the end-grains of the wood elements of the lamina form a part of the load bearing surface.

Abstract: A composite railroad tie of structurally distinct components adhesively joined in layers to form a unit. At least one of the components being of high density phenolformaldehyde bonded particleboard manufactured in a platen press with heat. At least two elements disposed close to and parallel the broad surfaces are composed of lumber with grain direction oriented parallel the long axis. A remaining centermost element, affixed to the above two lumber elements, is relatively non-critical, being selected from lumber or particleboard of adequate shear and compressive strength on the basis of availability, cost, ease of treatment with preservative, etc.