Abstract: A thermoset composite material and composite railroad crosstie fabricated from the thermoset composite material that comprises a substantially homogeneous blend of an amount of vulcanized rubber particles, polyurea binding agent and urea melamine. The thermoset composite material may also contain a granulated silica material. The thermoset composite material may comprise about 30 % to about 50 % by weight of the vulcanized rubber particles, and it is subjected to compression molding at a predetermined temperature and pressure for a resident time period forming the composite railroad crosstie. The thermoset composite material and railroad crosstie may further comprise a fibrous glass material in the form of unbundled fibers and/or one more glass mats encapsulated within the thermoset composite material. In addition or alternatively, an elongated core insert may be encapsulated in the thermoset composite material.

Abstract: A rail assembly including one or more rail bodies formed for supporting rolling engagement of a train wheel thereover, the rolling engagement generating vibrations in the rail body. The rail assembly includes one or more boots formed for attachment to the rail body to substantially electrically isolate the rail body relative to ground material. The boot includes a chamber wall for at least partially defining a chamber between the rail body and the chamber wall when the boot is attached to the rail body. The rail assembly also includes one or more inserts positionable in the chamber, at least a part of the vibrations being transmittable to the insert when the insert is positioned in the chamber, for dissipation of at least a proportion of the part of the vibrations in the insert.

Abstract: A method of producing a laminated body of structural thermoplastic foam, the method comprising the step of successively extruding a plurality of foam layers from an extrusion die, each next layer being extruded onto a previously extruded layer, to form a stack of mutually bonded layers.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composite material from a particulate binder material having an average particle size (D9 0) of from 15 to 850 pm and a fibrous material having a density of from 150 to 550 kg/m3, comprising the steps of: a) blending the particulate binder material and the fibrous material, preferably in a weight ratio of 60:40 to 10:90, and b) subjecting the blended material obtained in a) to a curing step under increased temperature and pressure to obtain a composite material. The invention further relates to the composite material thus obtained, and to its use as building materials or as panelling.

Abstract: A rail support block assembly includes a resilient member and a molded block having a top, a bottom and peripheral wall. The block is adapted for fastening one or more rails on the top. The prefabricated resilient member has an outer tray and inner tray arranged within the outer tray, and includes a resilient intermediate structure between the trays. The block is molded in a block mold into with the moldable material is introduced and allowed to harden. The block is fixed in the inner tray to extend under the bottom of the block and along a lower region of the peripheral wall. The resilient member may form a part of the block mold, so that a mold member combined with the resilient member delimit the mold for the block. The moldable material is introduced and adheres directly to the inner tray of the prefabricated resilient member.

Abstract: A dock bumper made from rubber material derived from scrap tires with a trapezoidal cross-section, a trapezoidal side profile, a base, and an optional longitudinal lumen. The longitudinal lumen also has a trapezoidal cross-section and may be open at one or both ends. The dock bumper is further provided with mounting holes for mounting on a surface. The mounting hole includes an opening for a fastener and an indentation in which a plug maybe securely installed to cover the fastener. A guardrail cover adapted for installation over a conventional crash barrier guardrail. A variety of rubber encased pillars, including crash barrier pillars on which guardrails are mounting, coast walls, and railroad ties. The rubber encased pillars are concrete-filled steel beams encased in rubber material derived from recycled scrap tires. The rubber encased railroad ties include raised sections for mounting and supporting railroad tracks.

Abstract: A thermoset composite material that my used in the fabrication of structural components including railroad ties comprise a substantially homogeneous blend of an amount of vulcanized rubber particles including a predetermined ratio of different particles sizes, and a thermoset elastomeric binding agent added to the vulcanized rubber particles. The blend may comprise about 30% to about 97% by weight of the vulcanized rubber particles, and the blend is subjected to compression molding at a predetermined temperature and pressure for a resident time period forming the composite material. The ratio of different rubber particle sizes is selected so that the composite material has a desired density or is within a range of desired densities.

Abstract: A thermoset composite material and composite railroad crosstie fabricated from the thermoset composite material that comprises a substantially homogeneous blend of an amount of vulcanized rubber particles, polyurea binding agent and urea melamine. The thermoset composite material may also contain a granulated silica material. The thermoset composite material may comprise about 30% to about 50% by weight of the vulcanized rubber particles, and it is subjected to compression molding at a predetermined temperature and pressure for a resident time period forming the composite railroad crosstie. The thermoset composite material and railroad crosstie may further comprise a fibrous glass material in the form of unbundled fibers and/or one more glass mats encapsulated within the thermoset composite material. In addition or alternatively, an elongated core insert may be encapsulated in the thermoset composite material.

Abstract: The plastic structural article includes an elongated tubular shell having opposed end sections, a middle section there between and an interior cavity. The interior cavity has a foam core situated therein. The foam core comprises steam expandable polymer beads which when expanded substantially fill the interior cavity. The bead and shell are of a similar plastic composition enabling the articles to be reground and recycled. An apparatus for forming the articles and an associated method of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A concrete railway rail foundation wherein an uppermost face of the foundation comprises a rail seat area for supporting a railway rail extending in a first direction across the rail seat area, two anchoring device seating regions located on either side of the rail seat area for accommodating respective anchoring devices, and, on each side of an anchoring device seating region, an upstanding portion having a height substantially the same as or higher than that of an anchoring device and a depth, in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, which is substantially the same as or deeper than that of the anchoring device is disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoset composite material that my used in the fabrication of structural components including railroad ties comprise a substantially homogeneous blend of an amount of vulcanized rubber particles including a predetermined ratio of different particles sizes, and a thermoset elastomeric binding agent added to the vulcanized rubber particles. The blend may comprise about 30% to about 97% by weight of the vulcanized rubber particles, and the blend is subjected to compression molding at a predetermined temperature and pressure for a resident time period forming the composite material. The ratio of different rubber particle sizes is selected so that the composite material has a desired density or is within a range of desired densities.

Abstract: A rail support block assembly includes a resilient member and a moulded block having a top, a bottom and peripheral wall. The block is adapted for fastening one or more rails on the top. The prefabricated resilient member has an outer tray and inner tray arranged within the outer tray, and includes a resilient intermediate structure between the trays. The block is moulded in a block mould into with the mouldable material is introduced and allowed to harden. The block is fixed in the inner tray to extend under the bottom of the block and along a lower region of the peripheral wall. The resilient member may form a part of the block mould, so that a mould member combined with the resilient member delimit the mould for the block. The mouldable material is introduced and adheres directly to the inner tray of the prefabricated resilient member.

Abstract: Elastic pad with a concrete element on which rails of a railway rest, whereby the elastic pad includes a fixing mat and an elastic mat, the fixing mat being provided with standing filaments that are at least partially embedded in the concrete element.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a railroad tie including a core, a first sleeve encapsulating the core and a second sleeve encapsulating the first sleeve. The first sleeve includes fingers running parallel to a long axis of the core along a top surface and fingers running perpendicular to a long axis of the tie along elongated sides of the first sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a composition based on thermoplastic resin and on natural fibres, in particular plant fibres, for the manufacture of railway sleepers intended for all means of transport that need to run on rails, in particular trains, trams, and underground trains. The present invention also relates to railway sleepers produced from said composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a railroad tie manufactured from plastic (2), wherein at least two steel bars (3) are embedded in the plastic and wherein the steel bars extend in longitudinal direction of the plastic railroad tie (1) and wherein specimens of the bars (3) situated in operative condition at different heights in the railroad tie are free from mutual connections other than by the plastic. The plastic (2) is Low Density Polyethylene.

Abstract: The plastic structural article includes an elongated tubular shell having opposed end sections, a middle section therebetween and an interior cavity. The interior cavity has a foam core situated therein. The foam core comprises steam expandable polymer beads which when expanded substantially fill the interior cavity.

Abstract: A longitudinal sleeper and a damping railway system thereof are provided. The longitudinal sleeper comprises a pair of longitudinal prestressed concrete beams (1) respectively arranged under rails along a longitudinal direction of the rails, and concrete connection boards (2) transversely connected between the pair of the longitudinal prestressed concrete beams (1).

Abstract: A sealing plate (2), for use with a rail clip anchoring device having a head and a stem which extends from the head into a concrete sleeper when the anchoring device is in use, wherein the plate is adapted for extending over the underside of the head when the stem of the device is being set in a concrete sleeper, thereby to prevent ingress of concrete into the head of the device, and for being retained on the surface of the sleeper thereafter, and a face (20) of the plate which is to be exposed on the surface of the sleeper is not adapted to receive part of a rail clip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prestressed concrete sleeper, having at least two sleeper sections that can be coupled or are coupled rigidly by a connection device embedded in the sleeper heads, wherein the sleeper sections each comprise a concrete in the region adjacent to the connection device which has a higher rigidity than the concrete in the other regions

Abstract: In a concrete railway rail foundation (200; 250; 260), on which anchoring devices (4; 45) for retaining railway rail fastening clips (3) are to be located when the foundation (200; 250; 260) is in use, the face of the foundation (200; 250; 260) which is to be uppermost when the foundation (200; 250; 260) is in use has a rail seat area (202; 252; 262) for supporting a railway rail (1) extending in a first direction across the rail seat area (202; 252; 262), two anchoring device seating regions located on either side of the rail seat area (202; 252; 262) for accommodating respective anchoring devices (4; 45) to be located on the foundation (200; 250; 260), and, on each side of each anchoring device seating region, an upstanding portion (201; 251; 261) having a height substantially the same as or higher than that of an anchoring device (4; 45) to be located on the foundation (200; 250; 260) and a depth, in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, which is substantially the same as o

Abstract: The plastic structural article includes an elongated tubular shell having opposed end sections, a middle section therebetween and an interior cavity. The interior cavity has a foam core situated therein. The foam core comprises steam expandable polymer beads which when expanded substantially fill the interior cavity.

Abstract: A concrete railroad-tie having a radiation-cured coating covering at least 5% of the exterior surface and a having a median thickness between 0.005 inches and 0.125 inches. The coating comprises the reaction product of radiation curable oligomers selected from the group consisting of epoxy acrylates, urethane acrylates, polyester acrylates, and combinations thereof. Method of providing the same.

Abstract: A thermoset composite material that my used in the fabrication of structural components including railroad ties comprise a substantially homogeneous blend of an amount of vulcanized rubber particles including a predetermined ratio of different particles sizes, and a thermoset elastomeric binding agent added to the vulcanized rubber particles. The blend may comprise about 30% to about 97% by weight of the vulcanized rubber particles, and the blend is subjected to compression molding at a predetermined temperature and pressure for a resident time period forming the composite material.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of improving the durability of concrete by the infusion of the concrete with a low-viscosity oligomeric solution, and subsequent curing of the oligomeric solution to form a high toughness polymer. Also described herein are compositions containing concrete and high toughness polymers, and formed articles made from concrete and high toughness polymers. The methods and compositions are useful for improving the durability of concrete roads and structures, as well as the durability of repairs to concrete roads.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and one or both of: (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, or (C) polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and one or both of: (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, or (C) polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wholly wrapped railroad crosstie comprises an inner core and an outer casing that is made of deformable composite materials. The outer casing is molten and integrally united with and attached to the inner core as a whole when it is formed. The outer casing completely covers the inner core. There's no seam on the crosstie at all. So it successfully avoids the separation and friction of the crosstie. It greatly increases the reliability and service life of the crosstie, and reduces the cost of maintenance.

Abstract: A composite load bearing member is provided comprising an elongated inner structural member and a thick polymeric composite outer member. An apparatus for producing the composite load bearing member is provided including devices for suspending the inner structural member within a mold cavity prior to and during injection of the polymeric composite outer member. A method of using the apparatus to produce the composite load bearing member is provided.

Abstract: A railroad tie comprises a core comprising wood or a wood product, and a first sleeve encapsulating the core, wherein the first sleeve comprises at least one of the group consisting of plastic, plastic-composite, or non-plastic polymers. A second sleeve may additionally encapsulate the first. In a preferred embodiment, the first sleeve is comprised primarily of poly ethylene terephthalate, and the second sleeve is comprised primarily of high density poly ethylene.

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: An elongate railway crosstie for supporting rail tracks on a bed of stones or the like, said tie having a first end, a second end, a length between said first and second ends and a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces between said first and second ends, characterized in that at least one of said side surfaces has a portion of a non-planar stone-embeddable form extending between said first and second ends, so-shaped as to effect reduced lateral and longitudinal slippage of said tie within said bed, while providing a reduction in the volume of material used.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, polystyrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: Durable, weather and an insect-resistant railway ties are fabricated by the co-extrusion into a die of at least one mixture comprising asphalt binder and aggregate and recycled plastic, optionally strengthened by fillers such as glass fibre or KEVLAR.

Abstract: Coating adhesion on wooden members, such as wooden railroad crossties, is improved through use of three surface-treating techniques prior to application of the coating. The first technique involves forming grooves on the surface of the wooden article, the second technique involves exposing the wooden article to heat to reduce the moisture content of the surface of the wooden article, and the third technique involves creating incisions on the surface of the wooden article to further promote adhesion. The techniques may be advantageously used together to further enhance coating adhesion.

Abstract: A plastic or polymer composite railroad tie, which includes at least one rail seat bordered on at least one side by a raised portion of the tie.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and one or both of: (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, or (C) polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for restoring at least one means defining a railroad spike hole located in a used railroad tie. In this way, the restored railroad tie can be reused in subsequent rail replacement operations. The restored railroad tie is capable of having a railroad spike penetrate and be retained within the confines of the restored railroad spike hole without substantial bending problems. The used railroad tie provided has at least one spike hole located therein. In each the means defining a railroad spike hole is formed a polymeric plug. The polymeric plug comprises a polymeric plug formed of a polymeric material including a plurality of flexible, readily deformable micro-inclusions which allow the formation of spike insertion pathways that track the insertion forces of the railroad spike as it is driven into a material thereby facilitating introduction of the railroad spike into said polymeric plug.

Abstract: A process is provided for making thermoplastic-composites from recycled thermoplastics (polyolefins) together with phosphogypsum waste by-product from the phosphate fertilizer wet process or, in an equally preferred embodiment with fluorogypsum waste by-product from fluorine production wet process to produce lumber profiles. The process involves (a) admixing phosphogypsum (calcium sulfate) and/or fluorogypsum (calcium fluoride) waste byproduct and/or Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum and/or crude gypsum and/or calcined gypsum with thermoplastics and a functionalized compound with or without coupling agents to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite composition, and (b) melt processing the composition to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite article.

Abstract: Concrete sleeper for high dynamic loads having rail support surfaces (2) and a lower sole region, consisting of a high-strength standard concrete (4) capable of withstanding high compression forces, whereby the rail support faces (2) and/or the lower sole region consist(s) of a wear-resistant, abrasion-resistant or tension-resistant material.

Abstract: A process is provided for making thermoplastic-composites from recycled thermoplastics (polyolefins) together with phosphogypsum waste by-product from the phosphate fertilizer wet process or, in an equally preferred embodiment with fluorogypsum waste by-product from fluorine production wet process to produce lumber profiles. The process involves (a) admixing phosphogypsum (calcium sulfate) and/or fluorogypsum (calcium fluoride) waste byproduct and/or Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum and/or crude gypsum and/or calcined gypsum with thermoplastics and a functionalized compound with or without coupling agents to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite composition, and (b) melt processing the composition to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite article.

Abstract: An extruded railroad tie comprising a bottom, a first side and a second side essentially opposite each other and extending from opposite ends of the bottom and a top surface shaped to receive and support the bottom of a steel tie. The extruded tie is useful for support of railways in mines, tunnels and the like. The tie is compatible with steel ties and can withstand heavy loads, impacts, standing water, insects, bacteria, molds and the like. The tie is such that the steel tie associated with it is easily replaceable.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a railroad crosstie (90) from recycled rubber is disclosed. The rubber crosstie (90) has an expected life of between 30 to 60 years and can be made primarily of rubber crumbs obtained from stockpiles of discarded rubber tires. A feature of the invention is to produce a crosstie (90) having at least one longitudinal side incorporating a plurality of indentations for more effective engagement upon installation into a gravel bed to avoid slippage.

Abstract: The structural member and fabrication thereof may be formed by mixing wood products chemically treated for durability and thermoplastics products. The fabrication process may included processing the products to a desired particle size; mixing the particles; processing the mixture in a high intensity processor and then processing the mixture in an extruder to obtain a molten state for forming the structural element in a mold. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a search or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a railroad crosstie made from used tires. The tires are cut radially and the sidewalls are removed. Longitudinal and lateral cuts along the inner surface are preferably made to facilitate flattening. Opposing inner surfaces are joined as sets and then stacked and bundled to form a railroad crosstie.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a railroad crosstie made from used tires. The tires are cut radially and the sidewalls are removed. Longitudinal and lateral cuts along the inner surface are preferably made to facilitate flattening. Opposing inner surfaces are joined as sets and then stacked and bundled to form a railroad crosstie.

Abstract: The structural member and fabrication thereof may be formed by mixing wood products chemically treated for durability and thermoplastics products. The fabrication process may included processing the products to a desired particle size; mixing the particles; processing the mixture in a high intensity processor and then processing the mixture in an extruder to obtain a molten state for forming the structural element in a mold. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a search or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A railway crosstie is adapted for use in a track system having a pair of rails supported on longitudinally spaced crossties. The railway crosstie includes an I-beam member made of a combination of recycled materials.

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.

Abstract: The sleeper (tie) comprises a body which has a variable cross section along its length and is made from reinforced polymer concrete with a dispersed reinforcement in the form of steel or synthetic fibres or both the one and the other together, which fibres compose 5-7% of the total mass of the body of the sleeper, are of different length and have a different percent of content depending on the type of fibre. At the points of fastening the rails, inserts are provided in the body, the height of the inserts satisfying the relationship: 2/3 H.sub.1 .gtoreq.H.sub.2 >1/3 H.sub.1, where H.sub.1 is the height of the highest portion at each end of the body of the sleeper, H.sub.2 is the height of the insert. The upper face of the middle part of the body is positioned higher than the lower face of the insert by a value .DELTA.H which is within the limits 0.5(H.sub.1 -H.sub.2)>.DELTA.H>0.1(H.sub.1 -H.sub.2). Metallic and wooden inserts of various geometric shape are used.