How come there are wooden planks on train tracks?

Question

just wondering.....

Answer 1

I work with a guy that just transferred over from Union Pacific and asked him what the wood was all about.  It is used to absorb a lot of the vibration caused by the trains. They are treated with chemicals to make them last longer. Newer ones are made out of cement because right now it's cheaper.

Answer 2

Those planks are called sleepers.  They were traditionally wood because it was much cheaper than metal.  Now, however, because the wood eventually rots, a lot of them are being made from concrete and even plastic.

Answer 3

Indeed, they have many different names and are commonly referred to as ties here in the U.S.  Their purpose is, as stated above, to help with cushioning as well as to provide a stable platform to anchor the rails to and for trains to maneuver over (the gravel [known as ballast] helps as a foundation base for the ties and rails, although that's not its only purpose).  While wood was the most common resource used in the past, and still remains so, today a number of alternative sources are used including composite and, again, concrete ties.

Answer 4

The ties is what holds the gage of the track and the tie spacing allows for ballast (rock) to be place between the ties so the track will not move side to side.

If you are talking about planks at crossing, its a safety factors to keep people from tripping.

Concrete ties break under heavy loads. They tried plastic ties, but the rail anchor system kept failing.

Old ties was made from hardwoods, but due to cost they are made of pine. Avenge tie life is 5 years and in 2004 cost $49.00 each.

Answer 5

Wood was used to absorb some of the vibration and it's malleability for terrain.