Double duty: Boron rods as a simple, low capital alternative for dual treatment of ties and timbers

Abstract

he Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), part of the USDA, in Madison, Wis., along with its new satellite laboratory in Starkville, Miss., have been involved in the examination and testing of wood preservative systems to improve durability of railroad ties and other wood products for the last 110 years. In keeping with the spirit of a pragmatic approach to research, FPL continues to devote a signifcant portion of its efforts toward applied research in wood preservation, often in collaboration with industry and university partners. In September of 2018, the FPL Starkville group partnered with Wood Care Systems, Kirkland, Wash., to establish a test to examine diffusion of boron from boron rods placed in green, high-moisture content, red and white oak timbers and ties. Premature replacement of crossties and bridge timbers is extremely costly and labor intensive, making options for service life extension highly attractive.

Citation

Mankowski, M.E.; Konkler, M.; Bell, C.; Kirker, G.; Lebow, S.; Morrell, J.; Renfroe, J. 2021. Double duty: boron rods as a simple, low capital alternative for dual treatment of ties and timbers. In: Railway track and structures: Track buyer's guide 2021. pp. 13-18.