Performance Rail Tie Release Test Results from University
of Illinois Mechanical and Accelerated Weathering Tests Performed
by Dr. Poo Chow
On May 11th, 2005, Performance Rail Tie (PRT) received the
test results from Dr. Poo Chow at the University of Illinois
on 6 standard tests commonly used to evaluate rail tie performance
as compared to the specifications set forth by American Railway
Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA). “We
are thrilled with the results from University of Illinois.
We are confident our CavityTie will set the standard for performance
in composite tie technology,” said Don Wilson, owner
of PRT.
The results proved PRT’s CavityTie to have the same
density and a 1 ½ to 3 times harder surface than treated
oak ties. “Their average hardness values were found
to be much higher than those of the commercially treated oak
crossties in all cases,” said Dr. Chow.
The CavityTie also showed virtually no degradation of spike
retention after a simulated 20 year aging. According to
Dr. Chow, CavityTies “showed excellent spike strength
retention in comparison to that of the creosote treated oak
crossties.” Oak has proved to lose its ability to
adequately retain a spike as time passes. The CavityTie also
outperformed Oak in lateral spike resistance both before and
after the simulated aging.
According to U. of I. mechanical test results, PRT’s
CavityTie also performed exceptionally well in static bend
tests. In Modulus of Rupture (MOR) the CavityTie exceeded
the AREMA standard by 68%. The CavityTie exceeded AREMAs
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) specification by an outstanding
153%.
“We designed this tie with the goal of exceeding all
specifications set forth by the industry. We are excited to
have an outside party verify the performance attributes we
have worked so hard to create,” said Bryan Kirchmer,
president of ForcePro. ForcePro designed the CavityTie and
technology PRT uses to manufacture their tie. ForcePro continues
to serve as the research, development and testing group for
PRT.
Results in their entirety can be view by clicking this link:
http://www.forcepro.net/rrties/prt-tie%20rept-05.pdf
For more information on PRT’s CavityTie, please contact:
H. Gregory Wilson
Performance Rail Tie, LP
114 SE 1st Street
Paris, TX 75460
903.785.5655 voice
903.517.6317 mobile
903.785.5447 fax
gregwilson@plasticties.com
www.plasticties.com
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