Composite Plastic Ties in MRS Heavy Haul Railroad

This article discusses the studies for applying synthetic – composite recycled plastic ties, along the track of the MRS heavy haul railroad. The purpose if this paper is to present the studies and results of field and laboratory tests, referring to work cycles of readings, investigations and analyses of steel and synthetic ties performance, comparing with wood ties on railway track of the MRS Logistica railroad net. MRS is a Heavy Haul Co. in Brazil that transports over one hundred and thirty million net metric tones on MRS’ network. Experimental stretches were established where readings of track deflection under train loads were taken using new technologies as laser equipment; samples from the ballast and subgrade layers were collected and taken for laboratory tests. In the case of the composite plastic ties, Brazilian supply chain, environment benefits and ties performance are presented.