PSG Fastener has been working with Union Pacific Railroad for many years in coring out broken shoulders in concrete ties. UPRR requested Pandrol USA, the biggest supplier of shoulders in North America, develop a written procedure for shoulder replacement. Pandrol came to us to teach them our proven methods in this area. We loaded up our demonstration machinery, and two field technicians, drove to Pandrol USA’s headquarters in Bridgeport NJ. We coordinated with Bob Coats, VP of Engineering for Pandrol.

 

We set up on Pandrol’s test track in the rear of their facility. We explained the technique to their staff.  We demonstrated to everyone how easy it was to core through a steel shoulder right through into the concrete tie . Several shoulders were cored out, and we demonstrated how the replacement shoulder “nests” right into pocket of the cored out shoulder, maintaining alignment and holding gauge.

 

Pandrol’s personnel successfully grouted in replacement shoulders for testing.

 

We had a full day demonstrating and testing. Pandrol was grateful for our help, and successfully delivered to UPRR the requested written procedure for shoulder replacement.