Appendix 5. - SOW, IFB 24-1246, LR-Timber Switch Ties.pdf

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Attached to
IFB 24-1246, LR-Timber Switch Ties
Solicitation number
BPM044586
Issued by
Maryland

About this file

This document is the Summary of Work for IFB 24-1246, LR-Timber Switch Ties, a procurement solicitation issued by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). The solicitation is for the manufacture and delivery of new timber switch ties for replacement of deteriorated ties on the Light Rail mainline. It specifies quantities of 17', 18', 19', 20', 21', and 22' timber switch ties to be delivered within 150 calendar days of the Notice to Proceed, with all contract work to be completed within 180 calendar days. The ties must be pressure treated with a creosote/coal tar solution and meet AREMA and AWPA standards. Contractors must submit a quality assurance/quality control plan, product data, and samples for approval.

The contract will be awarded based on unit pricing for each tie length. Payment for the timber switch ties will be made per each tie delivered and accepted by the MTA. The contractor is responsible for all labor, equipment, tools, and incidentals required to manufacture, treat, and deliver the ties to the MTA's Light Rail Storage Facility in Baltimore, Maryland.

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STATE OF MARYLAND

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

SUMMARY OF WORK

LR–TIMBER SWITCH TIES

IFB NUMBER: IFB 24-1246

MAY 28, 2024

MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

LIGHT RAIL – SYSTEM WIDE

LR-TIMBER SWITCH TIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.

BID FORM SAMPLE BF-1

SPECIFICATIONS

01110 SUMMARY OF WORK SP-1

01300 SUBMITTALS SP-5

01450 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONTROL SP-9

01600 PRODUCTS SP-15

02850 TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-17

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES TOC-1

UNIT PRICE SCHEDULE BID FORM

*THIS FORM IS NOT TO BE FILLED OUT AND SUBMITTED.

**SEE ATTACHMENT B-1 – BID FORM, IFB 24-1246, LR-TIMBER SWITCH TIES

Item

Description

Quantity

Unit

Unit Price

Total Price

001 17' 0” Timber Switch Tie 50 EA

18' 0” Timber Switch Tie 50 EA

003 19' 0” Timber Switch Tie 50 EA

004 20' 0” Timber Switch Tie 100 EA

005 21' 0” Timber Switch Tie 100 EA

006 22' 0” Timber Switch Tie 100 EA

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES BF-1

SUMMARY OF WORK 01110-4

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-4

SECTION 01110

PART 1: GENERAL

1.01 GENERAL

A. Wherever these Special Provisions refer to the Administration, they shall be understood to mean the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA).

1.02 CONTRACT DOCUMENTS: The work shall be performed in accordance with the following documents:

A. Manual for Railway Engineering, American Railway Engineering and

Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA).

B. These Special Provisions

1.03 DESCRIPTION:

A. This Procurement is for the manufacture and delivery of new Timber Switch Ties for replacement of deteriorated ties at designated switches on the Light Rail mainline.

B. The Contractor shall provide the necessary labor, equipment, tools, and testing equipment to manufacture and deliver the ties to the Administration.

1.04 DELIVERY SCHEDULE:

A. The Contractor shall complete the specified work and deliver Contract materials by the duration from Notice to Proceed specified below.

DELIVERY SCHEDULE

ITEM

DURATION FROM

NOTICE TO PROCEED

Deliver all timber cross ties and timber switch ties 150 Calendar Days

Completion of All Contract work 180 Calendar Days

1.05 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING:

A. Notify the Administration at least 30 days before scheduled day(s) for shipping of

Contract materials to the following location in Baltimore, Maryland.

Light Rail Storage Facility – 1298 Bellona Avenue, Timonium, Maryland 21093

Coordinate delivery of designated timber ties for Light Rail:

Stephen Evans, Assistant Superintendent MOW

(410) 454-7649 Sevans@mdot.maryland.gov mailto:Sevans@mdot.maryland.gov

SUMMARY OF WORK 01110-5

Do not ship or deliver Contract materials to Baltimore without the approval of the Administration.

B. Contract materials shall be handled, shipped, unloaded and stacked with special care to avoid damage. Damaged Contract materials noted during final inspection shall be replaced in accordance with the schedule specified in Article 1.04, to avoid any delays in the scheduled installations of these materials by others. Replacement of Contract materials shall be completed and delivered to the Administration in accordance with the Delivery Schedule specified in Article 1.05.

1.06 AUTHORITY OF THE ENGINEER:

A. In exercising the specific authority granted to him under other provisions of the

Contract and in any case not covered by such specific authority, the Engineer shall have authority to decide all questions as to interpretation and fulfillment of

Contract requirements, quality, quantity and acceptability of Work. The Engineer may implement and enforce those decisions by orders, instructions, notices, and other appropriate means.

B. The Contractor will be advised in writing of the delegations of authority by the

Administration to its representatives, and the Contractor will be notified subsequently in writing of any changes in such delegations.

C. Any oral decisions, orders, instructions, or notice of the Engineer will be confirmed in writing.

D. The Engineer shall have access to the work wherever it is being manufactured or in progress, at all times. Provide all facilities for safe access to enable the Engineer to perform his functions and responsibilities under the Contract documents as well as access for authorized representatives of the Administration and the United States

Government for the purpose of inspecting the work.

1.07 CONTRACTOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Designate in Writing within five (5) days after receiving the Notice to Proceed (NTP), the name, official mailing address and telephone number of the Contractor's representative having complete authority to represent and to act for the Contractor.

1.08 FINAL INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE:

A. Articles 31 and 33 of the General Provisions are augmented by the following:

1. Upon due notice from the Contractor of completion of delivery of pay item materials to the Administration, the Engineer will make an inspection and if at such inspection all work provided for and contemplated by the

Contract is found completed in accordance with the Contract requirements, such inspection shall constitute the final inspection. After the final inspection, the Engineer will notify the Contractor of acceptance in writing.

1.9 PASSING OF TITLE AND RISK OF LOSS:

A. Title to and risk of loss or damage with respect to all goods, supplies, materials, equipment, components and systems to be delivered or furnished to the

Administration under the provisions of this Contract shall remain with the

SUMMARY OF WORK 01110-6

Contractor until written acceptance by the Engineer at the Administration storage sites. Title and risk of loss or damage shall pass to the Administration upon acceptance by the Engineer in writing. Any items not accepted are the responsibility of the Contractor unless the Administration assumes responsibility by mutual agreement between the Administration and the Contractor.

1.10 WARRANTY OF WORK:

A. Reference Article 29b of the General Provisions, delete the second sentence and substitute the following:

1. Any item or material delivered under this Contract found to be defective within two years from the date of acceptance shall be repaired, remedied or replaced, hereinafter called “corrective work”, by the Contractor, free of all charges including transportation, removal of defective material, and track adjustment/installation with new material.

1.11 HAULING PERMITS: Secure all necessary permits for hauling on City, State and

County roads. Refer to the laws for City, State and County pertaining to speed, size and weight of motor vehicles. Bidders are encouraged to contact jurisdictional agencies prior to submitting bids to determine permit requirements and any restrictions and limitations for hauling oversize or overweight materials on public thoroughfares.

PART 2: PRODUCTS

(NOT USED)

PART 3: EXECUTION

(NOT USED)

PART 4: MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

4.01 SUMMARY OF WORK:

A. Summary of Work will not be measured for payment.

B. Summary of Work will not be paid for directly but will be considered incidental to the appropriate work item.

END OF SECTION

SUBMITTALS 01300-1

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-5

1.01 DESCRIPTION

SECTION 01300

SUBMITTALS PART

1: GENERAL

A. This Section specifies the general requirements and procedures for preparing and transmitting data to the Administration for informational purposes or for approval.

This Section includes:

1. Shop Drawings

2. Product Data

3. Sources of Supply and Samples

4. Manufacturers' Certificates

1.02 CONTRACTOR'S SUBMITTALS:

A. General:

1. The Contractor shall prepare such Shop and working Drawings as are necessary to adequately plan and perform the work.

2. Unless noted otherwise, all Contractor submittals shall be made in electronic (.pdf) format.

3. All Shop and Working Drawings shall be formatted to produce printed sheets measuring 11 inches by 17 inches. Each drawing shall have a blank area five inches by five inches adjacent to the title block to provide space for Contractor and Authority review stamps. The title block shall display the following:

a. Contract Number and Name

b. Number and Title of the Drawing

c. Date of Drawing or revision

d. Name of Contractor and Subcontractor submitting drawing

e. Clear identification of contents and location of work

4. A Contractor's transmittal letter shall accompany each individual submittal. The Contractor's transmittal letter and submittal shall be consecutively numbered and shall clearly and completely describe any variation from the contract requirements.

SUBMITTALS 01300-2

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-6

5. A sequential number shall be shown on each Shop or Working Drawing submission. Re-submittals will be followed by a revision letter (A, B, C, etc.) and handled in the same manner as first submitted.

6. Submittals not conforming to the requirements of this specification shall be summarily rejected.

7. Review and Acceptance shall not relieve the Contractor from his responsibility for accuracy of submittals, for conformity of submittals to requirements of Contract Drawings and Specifications, for compatibility of the described product with contiguous products and the rest of the system, or for protection of completion of the Contract in accordance with the Contract Drawings and Specifications.

8. The Engineer's review, correction and acceptance of submittals shall not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for errors and omissions in submittals and associated calculations.

9. The Contractor's liability to the Administration, in case of deviations in the submittals from requirements of the Contract Documents, is not relieved by the administration’s review and acceptance of submittals containing deviations unless the Administration expressly approves the deviation through the issuance of a contract change order.

10. If the material/equipment/components proposed to be used do not conform to the stipulated standards, the Contractor shall submit the copies of the conforming standards highlighting the deviations from the stipulated standards. The impact of the derivations on cost and performance shall be brought out in the related submittal and the deviation request.

11. Schedule submittals to expedite the Project and deliver to the

Administration. Coordinate submission of related items.

1.03 PRODUCT DATA:

A. Submit an electronic copy of information for the following products to be furnished by the Contractor:

1. Timber Switch Tie

2. Creosote Application

3. Dapping of switch machine ties

SUBMITTALS 01300-8

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-8

1.04 SOURCE OF SUPPLY:

A. As soon as practicable after Notice to Proceed, furnish for approval of the Engineer the proposed source of supply of materials to be utilized in the project.

B. Label each product indicating:

1. Name of Project and Contract Number

2. Name of Contractor and Subcontractor

3. Material or equipment represented

4. Source

C. Approval of a product shall be only for characteristics or use named in such approval and shall not be construed to change or modify any Contract requirements.

1.05 MANUFACTURERS' INSTRUCTIONS:

A. Where specified in individual Specification Sections, submit manufacturers' printed instructions for delivery, storage, assembly, installation, start-up, adjusting, and finishing, in quantities specified for Product Data.

B. Identify conflicts between manufacturers' instructions and Contract Documents.

1.06 MANUFACTURERS' CERTIFICATES:

A. Submit manufacturers' certificate to the Administration for review, in quantities specified for Product Data.

B. Indicate material or Product conforms to or exceeds specified requirements.

Submit supporting reference date, affidavits, and certifications as appropriate.

C. Certificates may be recent or previous test results on Material or Product but must be acceptable to the Engineer.

NOT USED

SUBMITTALS 01300-9

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-9

4.01 SUBMITTALS:

A. The submittals work required under this Section will not be measured for payment.

B. All costs in connection herewith will not be paid directly but will be considered incidental to the item Timber Switch Tie.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL 01450-9

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-9

SECTION 01450

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL

1.01 DESCRIPTION:

A. This Section specifies the general Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) requirements for the following:

1. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Plan

2. Calibration and Certification

3. Inspection and Tests

4. Handling and Storage

5. Certificates of Compliance

B. Related Work Specified Elsewhere:

1. Section 01110 – Summary Of Work

2. Section 01300 – Submittals

3. Section 01600 – Products

4. Section 03415 – Timber Switch Ties

1.02 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL PLAN:

A. Develop and maintain a quality assurance/quality control plan for regulating the methods, procedures, and processes for the design and manufacture of restraining rail concrete ties to ensure compliance with the standards of quality required by these Purchase Order documents.

B. Within fifteen (15) calendar days after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed, the

Contractor shall submit a detailed QA/QC Plan to the Administration for approval.

The detailed plan shall cover all work to be performed under the Contract and define the following:

1. The Contractors on-site organization chart including a quality control organization showing the proposed QC Plan Manager and staff.

2. Authority, duties and responsibilities of quality control personnel. A copy of the letter of direction to the Contractor’s representative and QC staff, which defines their duties, responsibilities, and delegated authorities, shall be provided to the Administration.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL 01450-2

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-10

3. Operational procedures for accomplishing and reviewing work, supervision, inspection, tests, certifications, documentation of QA/QC activities, including those of subcontractors for all on-site and off-site work under the contract.

4. Inspection and test records shall include, but not limited to, the factual evidence that tests have been made, the applicable type and number of tests, the dates and results of the tests, nature and number of observations made, the number and type of deficiencies found and proposed corrective actions to be taken. All records shall provide identification and signature of the individual in charge of the inspection, test, or other QA/QC activity.

These records shall be certified by the QA/QC Manager and include, as a minimum, the results of:

a. Inspection results, observations, conclusions and recommendations.

b. Testing with reference to set-up conditions, observations and concerns.

c. Fabrication procedures and controls.

d. Identity of the Personnel present and their certification.

e. Discrepant material details (including disposition records).

5. Inspection to be performed by the QC Staff for all definable items of work during following phases.

a. Preparatory inspections shall be performed prior to beginning of each item of work and shall include a review of specified requirements and QA/QC Plan test and inspection schedule mentioned above.

b. Initial inspections shall be performed as soon as a representative portion of the work has been accomplished. Initial inspections shall verify compliance with specified requirements, establish acceptable levels of quality and workmanship, review quality control testing and confirm that defective, damaged or unapproved materials are not incorporated into the work.

c. Follow-up inspections shall be performed regularly by QC Staff to assure continued compliance with the Purchase Order requirements and established levels of quality and workmanship.

6. The QA/QC Plan shall provide well-defined procedures and forms to include, but not limited to the following:

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL 01450-3

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-11

a. Identifying and evaluating quality-related problems.

b. Recommending solutions to quality-related problems and verifying that those problems are resolved.

c. Controlling further fabrication, delivery, or installation of nonconforming or deficient item(s) until disposition instructions have been obtained.

d. Conducting quality inspections, surveillance and compliance audits of subcontractors, suppliers/manufacturers on a scheduled basis.

e. Maintaining quality control reports, approved shop drawings and submittals, as-built drawings, changes to the drawings and specifications.

7. The QA/QC Plan shall also provide written procedures to include, but not be limited to:

a. Control of subcontractors, manufacturers /suppliers.

b. Production and process quality control.

c. Discrepant and nonconforming material control.

d. Functional testing.

e. Calibration and/or certification of Measuring and Test equipment.

f. Shipping and receiving inspection of materials.

8. Approval of the Contractor’s QA/QC Plan shall not relieve the Contractor of its responsibility to comply with the Purchase Order requirements. The

QA/QC Plan shall be revised or updated as directed by the Administration.

No additional cost or time extensions will be allowed for the Contractor’s re-submission of rejected QA/QC Plans or for revising or updating of the

QA/QC Plan during the course of the contract, as directed by the

Administration.

1.03 CALIBRATION AND CERTIFICATION:

A. The QA/QC Plan shall include the procedures to provide and maintain gauges;

measuring devices and test equipment necessary to assure that the article conforms to Purchase Order requirements. These devices shall be calibrated in accordance with national standards and certifications. Calibration certificates shall be maintained current and submitted to the Administration. Any equipment exceeding its required re-calibration date or that becomes damaged or otherwise unreliable, shall be isolated, tagged

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL 01450-

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-14

or marked to prevent its use without written permission of the

Administration.

1.04 INSPECTION AND TESTS:

A. The QA/QC Plan shall include methods for ensuring that all required inspections and tests are performed and that the status of each work product, material item’s inspections/tests is known. Identify nonconforming work product and material items by physical segregation and status indicators such as tags, markings, serialization, stamps, and/or inspection records. The identification system used shall ensure that only those work items that have passed inspection shall be used, shipped, or installed. The nonconforming work product and material items shall be removed from the project site and storage areas as soon as possible.

B. Work products, materials and/or equipment manufactured or assembled under this

Contract shall be accepted for use or released for shipment, as appropriate, when the following conditions(s) have been met.

1. After release by the Administration and/or certification by the Contractor that the work product or material item is complete and in compliance with the Specifications.

2. Upon request for acceptance or a release for shipment submitted by the

Contractor and supported by a satisfactory inspection report or certification of compliance accompanied by certified copies of test data.

The certificate of compliance shall clearly identify the work product or material item covered by the certificate and shall also contain the test date and the name and address of the organization performing the require tests, as applicable.

C. Supplies, services, materials, and products procured from suppliers and subcontractors shall conform to the Purchase Order requirements and the approved

QA/QC Plan. Inspect all supplies, materials, services, and products upon receipt.

1.05 HANDLING AND STORAGE:

A. The QA/QC Plan shall ensure that proper instructions are provided and followed for handling, storage, preservation, packaging, and shipping to protect the quality of products and to prevent damage, loss, deterioration, degradation, or substitution of products. The Contractor shall provide any necessary protection against deterioration or damage to products in storage and handling.

1.06 TESTING:

A. The quality control testing is the testing of specific work product or materials during placement, as specified in the various sections of the specifications to ensure compliance with the Purchase Order Documents. The Contractor shall assume full responsibility for control testing at the expense of the Contractor and shall be performed by a certified independent testing laboratory that has been approved by the Administration.

B. The Contractor shall submit the name, address, and qualifications together with

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-15

the scope of proposed services of the proposed testing firm or individual to the

Administration for approval at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled commencement of any work involving such testing. Should the Contractor desire to use more than one firm for control testing, the required information shall be submitted for each proposed firm as specified herein.

C. The Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing all accessories, tools necessary to prepare and preserve the test samples as prescribed and delivering them to the approved testing laboratory.

D. The Contractor shall perform all quality control testing and furnish all equipment, instruments, qualified personnel and facilities necessary to perform all tests required by the Purchase Order. All tests performed, and test results for each day shall be recorded in a daily report. These records shall remain complete and available to the Administration at all times during the performance of the work and for a three-year period thereafter. Test records shall indicate the reference test, nature and number of observations made, and the number and type of deficiencies found.

1.07 TEST REPORTS:

A. Within five days after completion of testing performed by or for the Contractor, submit an electronic copy of certified test results to the Administration. Indicate the name and address of the organization performing the test, and the date of the tests.

1.08 CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE:

A. The Contractor may use certificates of compliance for certain materials and products in lieu of the specified sampling and testing procedures. Submit any certificate required for demonstrating proof of compliance of materials with specification requirements in duplicate with each lot of material delivered to the

Administration. The lot so certified shall be clearly identified by the certificate.

Certificates shall be signed by an authorized representative of the producer or manufacturer and state that the material complies in all respects with the Purchase

Order requirements.

B. Materials used on the basis of a certificate of compliance may be sampled and tested at any time. The fact that material is used on the basis of a certificate of compliance shall not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for incorporating material in the work which conforms to the requirements of the Purchase Order and any such material not conforming to such requirements will be subject to rejection, whether in place or not.

C. The Administration reserves the right to refuse to permit the use of certain materials / supplies on the basis of a certificate of compliance.

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-16

4.01 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL

A. Quality Assurance and Quality Control shall not be measured.

B. Quality Assurance and Quality Control will not be paid for directly but will be considered incidental to the item Timber Switch Tie.

PRODUCTS 01600-

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-15

SECTION 01600

PRODUCTS

A. This Section specifies the general requirements for products, including the handling, transportation, and storage thereof, and the use of trade names and alternatives.

1.02 QUALITY OF MATERIALS:

A. Materials provided shall be new and shall be manufactured, handled, and used so as to ensure completed work in accordance with the Specifications.

1.03 HANDLING AND TRANSPORTATION:

A. Handling:

1. Avoid bending, scraping, or overstressing product. Protect projecting parts by blocking with wood, by providing bracing, or by other approved methods.

2. Products shall be protected from soiling and moisture by wrapping or by other means.

B. Transportation:

1. Loading, transporting, unloading and storage of all products shall be conducted such that they are kept clean and free from damage.

2. Transport and handle concrete ties in accordance with industry practice procedures.

3. Promptly inspect shipments to ensure that products comply with requirements, quantities are correct, and products are undamaged.

1.04 STORAGE AND PROTECTION:

A. Upon acceptance of the product, the Administration shall be responsible for storing and protecting products in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, with seals and labels intact and legible.

B. The Contractor shall provide the necessary blocking, platforms or skids for products subject to damage by contact with ground.

PRODUCTS 01600-

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-16

4.01 PRODUCTS:

A. Products will not be measured.

B. Products will not be paid for separately but shall be considered incidental to the item Timber Switch Ties.

TIMBER SWITCH TIES 02850-

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-17

SECTION 01600 TIMBER

SWITCH TIES

A. This Section specifies the manufacture, treatment, inspection, and shipment of new timber switch ties and switch machine ties for special trackwork.

1.02 QUALITY ASSURANCE/CONTROL:

A. Provide the information specified in Section 01450 Quality Assurance and

Control.

1.03 REFERENCE STANDARDS:

A. Timber switch ties and switch machine timber ties shall be manufactured, designed, handled, treated, delivered and inspected in accordance with the latest edition of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association

(AREMA) and the American Wood Preserver’s Association (AWPA) standards, except where these documents are amended by these Specifications.

1.04 SUBMITTALS:

A. Provide the information the information specified in Section 01300 Submittals.

2.01 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TIMBER TIES

A. Timber ties shall be new and conform to the requirements of AREMA manual, Volume 1, Chapter 30, except as modified herein.

B. Wood Species – Red or White Oak

C. Sawing – All timber ties shall be straight sawed top, bottom, and sides, cut square at the end, and the bark entirely removed. A tie will not be considered well – sawn where its surfaces are cut into score marks more than ½ inch deep, or where its surfaces are not even.

D. Straightness – A tie will be considered straight when a straight line from a point at one end to a corresponding point on the other end is no more than 1-1/2 inches from the surface at all points.

TIMBER SWITCH TIES 02850-5

PROCUREMENT OF TIMBER SWITCH TIES SP-21

E. Sizing – Tie dimensions for each designated size shall not be averaged

F. Seasoning – All ties shall be air dried to an oven dry moisture content of 50 percent or less prior to preservative treatment.

2.02 SWITCH TIMBER TIES

A. Meet AREMA specifications for Switch timber ties, except as modified herein.

B. Size – 7 inches thick by 9 inches wide

C. Lengths – As specified

2.03 GENERAL QUALITY

A. All ties shall be free from any defects that may impair their strength or durability such as decay, large shakes, slanting grain, or large or numerous holes or knots.

1. D ecay: Decay is the disintegration of the wood substance due to the action of wood destroying fungi. “Blue stain” is not considered to be decay and is permissible in any wood.

2. H oles: A large hole is one with more than ½ inch diameter and 3 inches deep within, or more than one-fourth the width of the surface on which it appears. Numerous holes are any number equaling a large hole in damaging effect and are not permitted.

3. K nots A large knot is one having an average diameter more than one-third the width of the rail bearing surface area on which it appears.

Numerous knots are any number equaling a large knot in damaging effect and are not permitted. Knots located outside of the rail bearing area of the tie are permitted.

4. Shakes: A shake is a separation along the grain, most of which occurs between the rings of annual growth. The length of a shake cannot exceed one-third of the width the tie and cannot be closer than one inch to any surface.

5. S plit: A split is a separation of the wood extending from one surface to an opposite or adjacent surface. In unseasoned ties, a split no more than 1/8 inch wide and 4 inches long is acceptable. End splits and shrinkage cracks that do not impair the fastening bearing area or strength of the tie will be permitted.

6. C ross Grain: Ties with excessive cross grain are not permitted.

TIMBER SWITCH TIES 02850-6

B. Tie members shall be straight grained. Members are to be cut without heart center or sapwood. Small drying cracks or splits are permitted.

2.04 ANTI-SPLITTING DEVICES

A. Nail plates shall be as specified in AREMA Volume 1, Chapter 30, Article

3.1.6 and as specified herein.

B. Nail plates shall be at least 18 gauge galvanized steel conforming to ASTM

A446 Grade 4, and the galvanizing conforming to ASTM A525.

C. Nail plates for timber ties other than switch machine ties shall be 5 to 7 inches deep by 6 to 8 inches wide.

D. Nail plates for switch machine timber ties shall be 4 inches deep by 8 inches wide on the dapped end and 7 inches deep by 8 inches wide on the undapped end.

2.05 PRESERVATION TREATMENT

A. All ties shall be pressure treated by the empty cell process with a 60/40 creosote/coal tar solution (Grade C) in accordance with AREMA

“Specifications for Preservatives and Specifications for Treatment” and

AWPA C-6.

B. The retention of the treatment solution shall be a minimum of 8 pounds per cubic foot.

3.01 ANTI-SPLITTING DEVICES

A. At the start of the seasoning period, nail plates shall be applied to both ends of each tie in accordance with AREMA Volume 1 Chapter 30, “Specifications for Devices to Control the Splitting of Wood Ties”, Paragraph 3.1.7.4 b.

B. Application:

1. Gang nail plates shall be centered, plus or minus ½ inches on the timber ends.

2. Gang nail plates shall be driven flush with the ends of the ties.

3. If an excess of 5 percent of the nails fail to penetrate fully, the plate shall be removed and a new plate shall be installed.

TIMBER SWITCH TIES 02850-7

3.02 PRESERVATIVE TREATMENT

A. All ties shall have all bark, dirt, saw-grease, mud and other materials removed from the surface so not to hinder the penetration of the preservative. Apply the preservative in accordance with AREMA Manual, Volume 1, Chapter 30, Section

3.9, and the American Wood Preserver’s Association Standards C6, as applicable.

B. Notify the Administration when the treated ties are ready for shipment. Each treated tie shall be stamped for quality control indicating compliance with these specifications.

3.03 MACHINING

A. All machining of timber ties shall be performed prior to preservative treatment.

B. Boring shall be performed in accordance with AREMA Manual, Volume 1, Chapter

30, Paragraph 3.1.4.3.

C. Adzing (Dapping) shall be performed prior to preservative treatment and to the dimensions shown on the drawing in the Appendix. Tolerances shall be as required to assure proper form, fit, and function.

D. Ties shall be branded on one end in accordance with AREMA, Chapter 30, Article 3.1.4.5 and shall show the following information:

1. Type of Wood

2. Year of Preservative Treatment

3. Identity of supplier and plant

4. Identity of tie owner (MTA).

4.01 TIMBER SWITCH TIES

A. Timber Switch Ties shall be measured per Each tie per specified length delivered and accepted by the Administration.

B. Timber Switch Ties shall be paid at the Contract bid price per Each specified tie length and payment shall include seasoning, preservation treatment, adzing of designated switch machine ties, inspection, handling and delivery, and all labor, equipment, tools and incidentals required.

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