Wooden sleepers continue to be used around the world in track construction and are used today as track, switch, tunnel and bridge sleepers in European and non-European state railways, in industrial and dock railways, private and branch lines, in light rail traffic (rapid transit and underground railways), and mountain, ...
Wooden sleepers
Given that wood has been used for the better part of two centuries to make railway sleepers, it is surprising that wooden railway sleepers still comprise the majority of the railway sleeper market.
Concrete ties are heavier than wood, more expensive to make and lay, and require better roadbed and ballast than many existing lines may have. Wood also does a good job at electrically isolating the rails from each other, important for signal detection.
As a rule, hardwood oak sleepers tend to last the longest naturally with an expected lifespan of around 100 years. An untreated softwood will last for between three and five years if it sits on the ground, whilst treated softwoods can last between 20 and 30 years if they are maintained correctly.
Treatment - the green tint is a result of deep-pressure treatment that enhances the wood's resistance to rot, fungi, and insect infestation. This treatment typically penetrates the wood more thoroughly than the surface-level treatments used for brown sleepers.
Every EPA site said the same thing about the main preservative in old railroad ties: "Creosote is a possible human carcinogen and has no registered residential use." So it's actually illegal to use old railroad ties in a home landscape.
For decades, a dual borate-creosote preservative treatment has provided railroad crossties with long-lasting protection.
It really comes down to the fact that it costs money, to separate grade crossings via building an underpass for the road, or an overpass/underpass for the tracks. Hence, why state and federal funding prioritizes busier crossings, and unfortunately only a few select ones a year receive the funds to be grade separated.
Timber sleepers are generally more affordable upfront, making them a cost-effective solution for DIY enthusiasts and smaller projects. However, when considering the long-term costs associated with maintenance and replacement, concrete sleepers may prove to be the better option for many retaining wall projects.
Suitable for outdoor steps, retaining walls, and other landscaping projects. These sleepers should not to be used inside buildings, in children's play areas or in areas where people may sit on them or come into contact with them frequently. Weight: Approx 170 lb (80 kilos).
Hence, wide wooden or concrete sleepers are kept below the railway tracks so that there is less pressure of the train on the ground by increasing the area of contact and that the railway line may not sink into the ground.
The WoodBlocX modular timber system is a great option for any garden project, and can be used to build raised beds, planters, benches & seats, raised ponds and garden retaining walls and edging. They are cheaper, easier to build with and more flexible than railway sleepers.
A common question that we are frequently asked in respect of Used or Reclaimed Railway Sleepers is are the safe due to the creasote and the simple answer is yes they are quite safe to use but the EU directive states that they should not be used in areas where there may be frequent skin contact.
Wooden sleepers are a popular choice for garden landscaping and railway tracks alike, but without proper care, they can quickly succumb to rot and decay.
Yes. They are the property of the railroad.
"The newly installed ties can, at times, give off a mild odor from the creosote or other additives that are used to strengthen and preserve the wood," he explained.
Environments that are too wet or too dry will drastically reduce the lifespan of a tie. But, in general, you can figure 10–15 years of life on a very busy line and 20–25 years of life on your average line.
Railroad ties are treated with creosote oil – a strong preservative made from coal and wood tar – that can make them poisonous to vegetables and a poor choice for projects where bare feet or hands might come into contact with them.
How much do railroad ties cost? Prices may fluctuate, typically ranging between $15 to $50 per tie, depending on the condition.
According to Johnston, approximately 35 percent of ties removed from BNSF track go to landscape companies, while the remainder are sent to cogeneration facilities where they are converted into fuel. “Several commercial operations use wood and wood wastes for fuel.
Use Class 3 is for end uses where wood is used outdoors NOT in contact with the ground. Consumer and contract law require that any product offered for sale must be fit for its intended use and a wood product impregnated with preservative is no exception.
Answer: Creosote is a most effective wood preservative, which is why timber railway sleepers were impregnated with it. Second-hand railway sleepers are useful for garden work, such as raised beds and terracing, but they do tend to seep creosote, and are therefore not suitable as benches or steps.
Softwood Railway Sleepers have a modern look and are much easier to handle and cut than reclaimed Railway Sleepers. Your Sleepers can last up to 10 years with easy care, like adding a Green Treatment once a year. Tanalith E Pressure Treatment on Sleepers = Low Maintenance. Garden Sleepers stay Rot-free and look good.