CEMP-E
TI 850-02
AFMAN 32-1125(I)
1 MARCH 2000
Plates/Fastenings
a. Plates: Almost all track has single shoulder tie plates. These are in adequate condition, with relatively
few missing or defective.
b. Joints: Joint bars are in good condition, with few excessively worn, cracked, or broken. However,
many bolts are missing, loose, or not fully tightened. Of those that are not fully tightened, many appear to
be rusted solid with the nut.
c. Spikes: Spikes are in good condition, however some are not fully driven or have worked their way up
in the last few years. Also, spikes have been frequently driven through angle bar base slots, which is no
longer considered to be good practice.
d. Anchors: A portion of the primary routes have rail anchors. However, most of the anchors are far
enough from the ties that they can provide no benefit in restraining longitudinal rail movement.
Ties
a. Description: Most older ties are 6 x 8-in. in cross section. Most of the ties installed during the tie
replacement 8 years ago are 7 x 8-in.
b. General Condition: Tie condition is generally fair to good. Areas that did not receive ties during the
last tie replacement program are generally in the worst condition.
On the Main Line, approximately between stations 200+00 and 250+00, there are many skewed,
bunched, or otherwise misspaced ties.
C-12
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