Method for restoring used railroad ties and the restored railroad ties formed thereby

Abstract

This invention provides a method for restoring at least one means defining a railroad spike hole located in a used railroad tie. In this way, the restored railroad tie can be reused in subsequent rail replacement operations. The restored railroad tie is capable of having a railroad spike penetrate and be retained within the confines of the restored railroad spike hole without substantial bending problems. The used railroad tie provided has at least one spike hole located therein. In each the means defining a railroad spike hole is formed a polymeric plug. The polymeric plug comprises a polymeric plug formed of a polymeric material including a plurality of flexible, readily deformable micro-inclusions which allow the formation of spike insertion pathways that track the insertion forces of the railroad spike as it is driven into a material thereby facilitating introduction of the railroad spike into said polymeric plug. The polymeric plug is capable of penetration by and retention of the railroad spike there within.