Handling & Installation Instructions

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Handling & Installation Instructions

In order to insure the optimum performance of your recently ordered ECOTRAX Composite Railroad Ties, we make the following recommendations. Any deviation from these procedures may, at Axions discretion, void any warranty.

Storage
4 The ECOTRAX Composite Railroad Ties should be unbanded

and distributed only just prior to installation.

4 Ties un-banned should always be supported evenly when stored to

avoid creep over long periods of time.

Installation
The ECOTRAX Composite Railroad Ties can have screw spikes or cut spikes used with them. It should be noted that screw spikes have been observed to have higher pullout force than cut spikes.
FOR SCREW SPIKES: 4 Screw spikes require the pre-drilling of holes to accommodate installation. For holes, it is recommended to use carbide-tipped drill bits.

PLEASE NOTE: With regard to pre-drilling ties for installation a

straight, properly located hole must be placed and the spike installed straight so that it follows this pre-drilled hole. Field quality control of this process is very important!

ECOTRAX is a trademark of Axion International, Inc. All rights reserved.

10142011

Installation (continued)

FOR SCREW SPIKES (continued):

PLEASE NOTE: For installation with screw spikes, the pilot hole

should generally be drilled quarter of an inch (") smaller than the overall size of the screw spike. The hole should be drilled the depth the screw spike enters the tie (minus the height of the tie-plate). For any further questions regarding pilot hole diameter or depth, feel free to contact an Axion Representative at (908) 542-0888.

FOR EXAMPLE: A 15/16" PANDROL SCREW SPIKES: 4 Pre-drill 11/16" hole to a depth of 3" to 5"

FOR CUT SPIKES:

If cut spikes are installed with a pneumatic hammer, or installed with a manual hammer, they are recommended to be pre-drilled as well.
PLEASE NOTE: With regard to pre-drilling ties for installation a straight, properly located hole must be placed and the spike installed straight so that it follows this pre-drilled hole. Field quality control of this process is very important!

Hydraulically or Manual Hammer Installation:

4 Pre-drill a 3/8" hole the entire depth of the anticipated cut

spike insertion.

Steady Compression Installation:

8 Typically no pre-drilling necessary.

ECOTRAX is a trademark of Axion International, Inc. All rights reserved.

10142011

Installation (continued)

CRANE RAILSTYLE CLIPS:

An alternative method for fastening the guardrail would be to use a 3/4" lag bolt with crane railstyle clips.

PLEASE NOTE: With regard to pre-drilling ties for installation a

straight, properly located hole must be placed and the spike installed straight so that it follows this pre-drilled hole. Field quality control of this process is very important!

4 In the case of a 3/4" lag bolt, it is recommended to use a 5/8" predrill the length of the lag bolt. The lag bolt/screw generally requires less guidance to accurately follow the pre-drilled hole.

Cutting the Railway Tie

4 The ties may be cut with a carbide tipped chain saw or other

carbide tipped saw to shorten the length of the tie.

DO NOT: The ties should never be dapped or adzed, or have the outer

surface machined in any way.

4 Keeping the outer surface of the tie free from stress raisers is very

critical to the service life of the tie.

ECOTRAX is a trademark of Axion International, Inc. All rights reserved.

10142011

Keeping the Ballast in Good Shape

4 It is important to periodically adjust the ballast while these ties are in track, as it is with any other type of tie.

PLEASE NOTE: If maintenance of the ballast is not performed, it is

possible that the stresses on the tie will increase beyond the ability of the tie to sustain the stress unharmed!

For any further questions regarding the handling and installation of ECOTRAXComposite Railroad Ties, feel free to contact an Axion Representative at (908) 542-0888.

ECOTRAX is a trademark of Axion International, Inc. All rights reserved.

10142011