Following years of development and testing,
Rocla Concrete Tie, Inc. has introduced an all
new concrete tie application. This prestressed
concrete tie is an answer to today’s economic
pressures, environmental concerns and
engineering challenges. The new
Maintenance Replacement Tie (MRT)™ is
designed to replace wood ties in existing
wood tie track.
Lower cost than traditional concrete ties
Lower weight than traditional concrete ties
Low profile design for compatibility with
wood ties
Engineered product with established
performance
Lower annual maintenance costs than
wood tie track
Improved track surface, alignment, and
gauge holding performance
Proven in-track performance
This lighter, smaller section concrete tie
reduces the significant difference in stiffness
between concrete ties and wood ties.
Replacing wood ties that have reached the
end of their useful life with Rocla’s MRT™
results in a stronger, more reliable and better
performing track. Replacing defective wood
ties with the new MRT design provides
maximum effective life cycles for all track
components.
Because the MRT is lighter weight and offers
a lower cost, it provides railroads the
opportunity to focus their capital resources in
an effective manner, maximizing capital for
maintenance of lighter density lines, without
jeopardizing the capital needed for high
density lines.
Unlike a wood tie, Rocla’s new tie is an
engineered product with specific and
controlled parameters. Work on this
innovative new tie began years ago with
computerized finite element analysis design
and testing. The MRT has been tested at
TTCI in Pueblo, has withstood over 100 MGT
and has been in regular service for more than
three years — where it passed all service
tests and confirmed compatibility, service and
maintenance benefits. In these tests,
interspersing Rocla’s MRT™ with wood ties
improved overall track structure and provided
better surface and alignment. Production
rates for tie replacement have proven to be
comparable to wood ties, with little or no
equipment modification.
Utilizing this innovative tie as a replacement
for wood ties that have reached the end of
their useful life will result in a high quality
track with known and controlled design
elements that is sensitive to both
environmental and cost concerns.
The manufacture of Rocla ties is an exacting
process. Our production facilities utilize
advanced manufacturing technology to
produce an engineered product with absolute
consistency, accuracy and strength.
Aggregates and other materials used in the
concrete formulation are subject to detailed
petrographic examinations and related tests
to insure a contaminant-free mix. Prestressed
precision engineering is part of this process
and plays a major role in insuring the
predictable and proven performance of all
Rocla concrete ties.
Every step in the production of Rocla’s ties is
closely monitored. Every tie is inspected.
Every tie is processed within a framework of
tightly documented procedures, augmented
by daily batch testing. Our manufacturing
process is always at a level that exceeds
ASTM standards. Rocla ties meet or exceed
all quality assurance requirements of AREMA
and PCI, as well as international standards.
Superior Performance: The MRT, when
interspersed with wood ties, improves overall
track structure and provides better surface,
alignment and gauge holding performance.
Reduced Maintenance: Rocla’s MRT
provides a solid foundation to hold the total
rail system in place. Wood tie track with MRT
interspersed during typical spot replacement
has lower maintenance costs than all wood
tie track.
Durability: Exceptional resistance to
weathering and corrosion. Designed for
years of in-track service.
Uniform High Quality: Every Rocla tie is
subject to rigid manufacturing and quality
control standards that assure maximum job
performance.
Environmentally Safe: There is nothing in
concrete ties that will harm the environment.
The Rocla MRT™ is 8’6” long, 7” deep,
9” wide and weighs approximately 525
pounds. It can be installed with
conventional tie gangs and
maintenance of way equipment.
The fastening system consists of
components that are currently
available. The MRT is manufactured to
accommodate either Pandrol Safelok
or Airboss shoulders.
This new tie can be manufactured to
accommodate either 5 1/2” or 6” base
rail.
To Download a copy of our technical brochure, click
here.
(230kb
pdf file)
requires Adobe Acrobat - to download for
free, click
here.
