SP5103 Wrote:
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> Concrete ties brought about a new kind of track
> defect. On curves, it isn't uncommon for the
> concrete to deteriorate underneath the rail base
> on the field side of a curve. This allows the rail
> to tilt under a train. With modern heavy (as in
> tall rail), this outward tilt can be enough to
> create a wide gauge condition. On wood ties, it is
> more common for the base of the rail and tie plate
> to shift towards wide gauge.
>
> I believe the FRA is having to create new
> standards for concrete ties. Didn't Amtrak derail
> in the Columbia Gorge a few years back due to
> this?
>
There was a derailment in the gorge that was caused by tie abrasion.
NTSB report.