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Handling & Installation Instructions

Storage

4 The ECOTRAX™ Composite Railroad Ties should be unbandedand distributed only just prior to installation.

4 Ties un-banned should always be supported evenly when stored toavoid creep over long periods of time.

Installation

The ECOTRAX™ Composite Railroad Ties can have screw spikes orcut spikes used with them. It should be noted that screw spikes havebeen 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 – astraight, properly located hole must be placed and the spike installedstraight so that it follows this pre-drilled hole. Field quality controlof this process is very important!

Handling & Installation InstructionsIn order to insure the optimum performance of your recently ordered ECOTRAX™ Composite Railroad Ties, we makethe following recommendations. Any deviation from these procedures may, at Axion’s discretion, void any warranty.

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 holeshould generally be drilled quarter of an inch (¼") smaller thanthe overall size of the screw spike. The hole should be drilled the depththe screw spike enters the tie (minus the height of the tie-plate).

For any further questions regarding pilot hole diameter or depth, feelfree 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 witha manual hammer, they are recommended to be pre-drilled as well.

PLEASE NOTE: With regard to pre-drilling ties for installation – astraight, properly located hole must be placed and the spike installedstraight so that it follows this pre-drilled hole. Field quality controlof 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 a3/4" lag bolt with crane railstyle clips.

PLEASE NOTE: With regard to pre-drilling ties for installation – astraight, properly located hole must be placed and the spike installedstraight so that it follows this pre-drilled hole. Field quality controlof this process is very important!

4 In the case of a 3/4" lag bolt, it is recommended to use a 5/8" pre-drill the length of the lag bolt. The lag bolt/screw generally requiresless 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 outersurface machined in any way.

4 Keeping the outer surface of the tie free from stress raisers is verycritical 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 arein track, as it is with any other type of tie.

PLEASE NOTE: If maintenance of the ballast is not performed, it ispossible that the stresses on the tie will increase beyond the ability ofthe tie to sustain the stress unharmed!

ECOTRAX™ is a trademark of Axion International, Inc. All rights reserved. 10142011

For any further questions regarding the handling and installationof ECOTRAX™Composite Railroad Ties, feel free to contact anAxion Representative at (908) 542-0888.