Just a carry over from the “Datenail” thread that got me to thinking.

I know that the RR’s spend lots of $$$ and high tech equipment to test and look for any hidden rail fractures or stresses to prevent any accidents.

How do railroads test for hidden problems with concrete RR ties?

Of course an obvious crack or break would be easy to see but what about any hidden cracks or stresses especially around the rail spike/fishplate connection?

With a wooden tie a whack with a pick or sharp tool can reveal if the tie is rotted or getting punky – not so with concrete ties.

BTW – what is the expected life span of concrete ties? It seems barring any trains on the ground they would last forever [relatively speaking] as they don’t rot.

Any concrete tie specialists out there?

Talk to ya later,
Dale Jones