Steel Mine Ties

Click Image to Open PDF Adobe Acrobat PDF icon

STEEL MINE TIES Steel ties have a decided advantage over wood ties in mining applications. They hold the rails securely, keeping them true to gage and the track in alignment. They have unusually long life, even under severe service conditions, and can never become spike-killed or rotted. Also, they are not a fire hazard. The ties are light compared to wood. One man can easily handle a bundle of five ties. The ties are relatively shallow in section, thereby saving valuable head-room in low seams. The heavier ties are sometimes used for main-haulage tracks, and are often used in conjunction with wood ties in place of gage rods, by spacing them between every third or fourth tie. By adding a steel tie at 6’ to 10’ intervals, the service of wood ties will be prolonged through relief of strain during the early period of decay. To provide even greater strength, steel ties can be supplied that are bolted to a wood base. The base is grooved (so that it will fit up under the tie) and bolted securely to the tie. Oak is usually used, and it can be treated or left untreated. Installation of Steel Ties The installation of steel ties with riveted clips is simple and easy. Whether the ties are straight or upset end, they are installed in the same manner. No gaging of track is required. 1. The rail is placed on the tie, in position against the stationary clip. 2. Blows of a hammer turn the movable clips into position over the rail base. 3. The clips hold the rail firmly in place, to accurate gage. IV – 6 (503) 286-3691 FAX (503) 286-2097 © 2007 www.HarmerSteel.com sales@harmersteel.com STEEL MINE TIES Steel Ties with Outside Stationary Clips In all sections the most widely used tie is the outside stationary clip tie. It is equipped with four rolled-steel movable clips, and two stationary clips placed on the outside ends, as illustrated. The clips are spaced to fit one particular rail section. Steel Ties with Staggered Clips Also available is the staggered clip tie, which is equipped with four rolled-steel movable clips and two stationary clips, with a stationary clip on the inside at one end, and on the outside at the other end. This feature is especially useful when it is desired to insert or remove a tie without disturbing the track gage. The clips are spaced to fit one particular rail section. Upset end ties are ideal for circular tunnels. The upset ends conform to the circular cross-section of the tunnel floor. Splitting and crushing associated with wood ties is eliminated. Material handling costs are also reduced using less bulky, lightweight steel ties. www.HarmerSteel.com sales@harmersteel.com © 2007 (503) 286-3691 FAX (503) 286-2097 IV – 7 STEEL MINE TIES Cold-formed Sections Hot-rolled Sections 5-13/32" No 4 5/32" 1-5/16" No 4 5-3/16" 1-1/64" 5/32" 5-13/32" No 5 11/64" 1-5/16" 5-7/8" 1-3/4" No 9 2" 3/4" 5-13/32" No 6 3/16" 1-5/16" Drawing shown to scale Not actual size Shown on this page are some of the most common steel tie sections available today. Although the table below gives some general recommendations, there are several factors to be considered in choosing a steel tie. These include condition of the bottom, weight of cars and equipment, amount and speed of traffic, permanency of trackage, and weight of rail. Tie Section No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 No. 9 Weight 3.85 lbs/ft 5.0 lbs/ft 6.0 lbs/ft 10.5 lbs/ft Rail Section 30 - 60 lb 30 - 60 lb 40 - 85 lb 60 - 100 lb IV – 8 (503) 286-3691 FAX (503) 286-2097 © 2007 www.HarmerSteel.com sales@harmersteel.com