Do you know in the I beam of rail track what sort /type of wood is usd?

Question

Do you know the characteristics of those wood?

Answer 1

depends on the needs of the track

fir works fine for low density lines or branchlines

oak is the most common for mainlines where the stress is much more

It is pretty heavily treated, ties can last decades in areas where they are not heavily stressed.

Answer 2

In Western Australia jarrah timber was used, but now concrete is used to make the sleepers. The rail is still steel.

Answer 3

In Australia: Traditionally it was "Ironbark"

Answer 4

In the US, mixed oak and mixed hardwood, with the exception of popular, cottonwood, willow and basswood.  Mixed oak makes up a minimum of 50% of the total.