Method for restoring used railroad ties where the old spike hole is filled with a polymeric material

摘要

A method for restoring a railroad spike hole located in a used railroad tie is disclosed. The method restores the railroad tie so it 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 method forms in each hole a polymeric plug made of a polymeric material. The polymeric material includes a plurality of flexible, readily deformable micro-inclusions which allow for spike insertion pathways for the railroad spike as it is driven into the polymeric plug. The micro-inclusions facilitate the introduction of the railroad spike into the polymeric plug, the polymeric plug infiltrating and tightly bonding with the railroad spike hole. This additionally prevents moisture infiltration thereby impeding substantial tie rot due to moisture, and to dam the railroad spike hole to enable complete filling thereof. The inclusions may be formed by micro-balloons within the polymeric material.