Quck answer
1. Railroad ties can be graded based on their quality and condition.
2. The grading process involves assessing factors such as strength, durability, and appearance.
3. Common grades include #1, #2, and #3, with #1 being the highest quality.
4. Factors considered in grading include the presence of splits, cracks, and rot.
5. Grading also takes into account the size and straightness of the ties.
6. Railroad ties that meet higher grading standards are typically used for mainline tracks, while lower grade ties may be used for secondary tracks or industrial purposes.
7. Grading railroad ties is important to ensure safety and efficiency in railway operations.
If you’re wondering how to assess railroad ties, it’s important to understand the correlation between evaluation and quality. Evaluation refers to the size and type of railroad tie, as well as the presence of defects.
However, it is also crucial to comprehend the impact of railroad ties on the environment. Using railroad ties on a residential property is not recommended, although they may be sold for other purposes. The standard dimensions for the ties are 8 feet, 6 inches long by 9 inches wide by 7 inches thick. If you had planned to use railroad ties at home for a project, it would be better to purchase new timber or lumber. This can achieve a similar aesthetic without the harmful effects of using railroad ties.
Are Railroad Ties Safe?
Railroad ties may seem like a nice addition to a residential property. However, they should never be utilized in your yard or around your home.
Many lumber yards sell used railroad ties, and they have often been treated with creosote. This oily substance is a pesticide that also acts as a wood preservative. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not approved the use of creosote-treated railroad ties for residential use. Although more studies need to be conducted, creosote has been associated with skin irritation, respiratory problems, cancer risk, and other medical issues.
The EPA discourages the use of creosote in landscaping and particularly near gardens. Creosote can also contaminate water and soil and can be harmful to wildlife. There are untreated woods that can be used as alternatives to railroad ties. Some options include cedar, black locust, cypress, and redwood. EPA-approved pressure-treated wood is also suitable for outdoor projects (especially where there is ground contact), but treated materials are not recommended near vegetable gardens or other areas where edible plants are grown.
Grades of Railroad Ties
The highest grade of railroad ties is referred to as “relay” or “premium.” Material in this grade may appear brand new or be made of solid, straight wood with very few cracks. You will notice their dark color, which indicates creosote treatment.
“Landscape grade,” or No. 1, railroad ties are the next level down, and they are the most common type. These are also constructed from durable, solid wood and have either three or four straight sides. There may be some wear and splitting on the ends but not much. Grade No. 1 railroad ties will also have a dark color from creosote treatment.
Next, No. 2 railroad ties will likely exhibit excessive wear along with larger splits on the ends. They will have two or three straight sides, and you may also notice missing edges, plate cutting (this is internal damage to the tie caused by movement of the tie plate over time), and minimal dry rot. They are of lower quality compared to the higher grades.
Lower-Quality Railroad Ties
No. 3 grade railroad ties also exist, but these only have one or two solid sides remaining; they may also be referred to as scrap or economy ties. The wood might be strong, but the ties will probably have even larger splits on their ends and more plate cuts. This type of railroad tie is often ground up into mulch or sold in other ways.
Previously utilized railway sleepers may or may not possess railway sleeper plates affixed. These sturdy steel panels secure the sleepers to the tracks. Typically, the lower the quality of the railway sleeper, the more marked and degraded the plate will appear.
