When you break with the status quo and bring something new to the market, there are bound to be questions. Whether you’re wondering about our quality, sustainability efforts, the materials we use, or how we compare to wood, you’re in the right place. This blog will answer your most pressing questions about our innovative composite railroad ties.
1. What makes Evertrak a composite and not just a plastic railroad tie?
A composite material combines two materials with different physical and chemical properties. Together, they create a material that is specialized to do a certain job, such as becoming stronger, lighter, or resistant to electricity. Evertrak 7000 ties are a Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) manufactured from recycled plastic. This means glass fiber and polymers (in other words, plastic) combine to make one product that is stronger than either material on its own. This advanced material allows us to create ties that are as strong as wood but significantly more durable and environmentally friendly.
2. What are the weight and handling characteristics of Evertrak composite ties?
Evertrak GFRP composite ties weigh roughly 220 lbs and handle just like wood ties. Completely interoperable with wood, this allows for easier installation and maintenance processes.
3. Do Evertrak ties have special installation instructions?
Yes. Send us a note, and we’ll share our installation instructions.
And while we recommend pre-drilling, many of our customers cold spike our ties. Our experience is that pre-drilling is worth the work as it allows better attention to detail for plate placement.
4. How do Evertrak ties compare to traditional wood ties?
Strength: Evertrak 7000 ties have proven strength and stiffness equivalent to wood, with validated fatigue models showing our ties perform at 3x the AREMA MOR standard for composite ties.
Durability: Wood ties typically last 8-12 years in high deterioration zones, but Evertrak ties meet customer requirements of lasting 50 years in-track. Accelerated real-world testing at MxV in Pueblo, Colorado, along with Finite Element Models, demonstrate this long lifespan. In other words, something doesn’t need to be used for 50 years to know it lasts for 50 years.
Value: Evertrak ties provide significant cost savings over time. For example, when analyzing high-rot zones over 30 years, the total cost of ownership for one track mile of wood ties is approximately $1.01M, compared to $676K for Evertrak ties. Evertrak delivers 2x the total cost of ownership advantage.
Consistency: Evertrak is the only American Association of Railroads M-1003 certified supplier of composite ties and has proven itself on revenue-generating roads and at the test track at MxV. Plus, Evertrak has installed over 100,000 composite ties with ZERO claims.
Sustainability: With Evertrak, there’s no trade-off between the business case and the case for sustainability. Made with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) from recycled plastic, our production of 1 million ties per year can sequester 180 million pounds of plastic while eliminating the need to cut down 250,000 mature trees. Our GFRP ties have the past performance to prove their durability and value, whether on the test track (where we have accumulated 700MGT) or in use on revenue-generating roads with Class 1 railroads.
5. What certifications or standards do Evertrak ties meet?
Evertrak is the only AAR M-1003 certified supplier of composite ties. This certification ensures that our ties meet the highest industry standards for quality and performance.
6. How long do Evertrak composite ties last?
Evertrak’s customers say that Evertrak GFRP ties are designed to meet a 50-year lifespan in any environment, including high-rot regions. This longevity significantly reduces replacement frequency and associated costs, lasting 5x longer than traditional wood ties in high-decay zones to reduce the frequency of replacements and decrease the demand for new materials over time.
7. Are Evertrak ties compatible with existing rail infrastructure?
Yes, Evertrak ties are designed to be fully compatible with existing rail infrastructure. They can be installed using standard equipment and processes, making the transition from wood to composite ties seamless.
8. What maintenance is required for Evertrak composite ties?
Maintenance standards are up to each individual railroad. And, of course, Evertrak performs better on roads that are maintained to the railroad’s own standards. Because Evertrak is resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, Evertrak ties eliminate the need to use chemical treatments and reduce overall maintenance costs.
9. How do Evertrak ties perform in extreme weather conditions?
Evertrak ties are engineered to withstand the railroad’s extreme heat and cold cycles. Their composite construction makes them resistant to warping, splitting, and other weather-related damage that often affects wood ties. Our customers have put us through the paces with strain gauges and cold weather chambers, where our ties have met or exceeded expectations.
10. What types of projects are Evertrak ties suitable for?
Evertrak ties are suitable for a wide range of railroad projects, including heavy haul freight through commuter rail. They have been successfully installed in various environments and are trusted by Class 1 railroads and leading transits.
11. What are the environmental benefits of using Evertrak composite ties?
Recycled Materials: Evertrak ties are made from recycled plastic, helping to reduce plastic waste. At a production rate of 1 million ties per year, Evertrak sequesters 180 million pounds of plastic annually.
Protecting Mature Trees: By using composite ties, we help prevent the destruction of 250,000 mature hardwood trees annually.
Closed-Loop Lifecycle: Evertrak ties can be recycled and reused at the end of their lifespan, creating a closed-loop lifecycle that also eliminates disposal costs.
CO2 Avoidance: Wood ties are put into a landfill or incinerated at the end of life, contributing to rising levels of CO2. Everetrak avoids this with our recycled materials and closed-loop lifecycle.
12. Where can I purchase Evertrak composite railroad ties?
If you’re interested in Evertrak ties, reach out to our team—we’d love to hear from you! We can share additional information about our ties and discuss your specific project needs.
At Evertrak, we’re not just making ties—we’re making history. By choosing Evertrak 7000 composite ties, you’re not only investing in superior performance and cost savings, but also contributing to a more sustainable future for the railroad industry. Increase your ROI and join us in transforming railroad infrastructure.
