Railroad Ties: The Pillar of Rail Mobility

By @dM1nBlog
There are components vital to the proper functioning of the railway, and railroad ties fall into this category. These are elements that run perpendicular to the railway axis, and their function is to keep the rails attached at a fixed distance from each other. At the same time, they keep the rails anchored to the ballast and the ground. There are also special railroad ties, which have different dimensions from the traditional ones and are used in specific parts of the track.

With all the investments and railway projects happening in Mexico and around the world, it’s no surprise that the production and sale of railroad ties are thriving. For example, in this country, the import of wooden ties predominates. It is estimated that approximately 60% of the railways in Mexican territory are supported by this material, while the other 40% are held by concrete ties.

Here, we present the types of railroad ties used in the railway industry and some of their characteristics:

Wooden Ties

As mentioned earlier, this is the material that predominates in Mexico. These ties are usually made from pine or oak wood, and the reasons for their popularity are their low cost and ease of handling. Wooden ties can be used for any type of rail. Among their disadvantages are the damage caused by humidity and their relatively short lifespan. Treated or hardwood, like oak, is typically used in yards, mainlines, and sidings. Softer woods, such as pine, are preferred in industrial spurs.

It is worth noting that although wooden ties are a solid market in Mexico, the vast majority are imported from the United States.

Steel Ties

Steel ties work on all types of railway rails, whether light or heavy. One of their advantages is that nails or other tools are not required for installation, as they have a built-in fastening system. Some benefits of this material are its long lifespan and its recyclable qualities. However, its disadvantages include chemical corrosion, higher maintenance costs, and the fact that it cannot be used in every area of the railway.

Concrete Ties

Concrete ties are the second most common type in Mexico, after wooden ties. They are used on high-speed railways and can support very heavy loads. Along with these attractive qualities, they have a long lifespan, offer stability, and require minimal maintenance. However, unlike the other materials, they are difficult to handle due to their weight and cannot be used on bridges or crossings.

While concrete ties are not the most commonly used in Mexico, they have gained popularity in recent years and are preferred in the railways of Asia, Europe, and Australia. It is expected that for major national projects like the Maya Train, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec Passenger Train, and the Mexico-Querétaro Train, ties made from this material will be used.

As you can see, each type of railroad tie has its pros and cons. At Track Speq, we are ready to provide you with the best option based on the needs of your railway project. Request information!

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