Railroad Ties

[jharrison]

Railroad Ties for use in retaining walls.
Does anyone have a reference to code as to if these are allowed or not allowed?
Is this jurisdiction specific?

I do see where the EPA states commercial only, no stated residential use for Creosote railroad ties.
The EPA also says that existing structures do not need to be removed.

 

[classicT]

The building code does not address their use. As a retaining wall, if over 4-ft it would typically be designed by an engineer. So if the engineer can design it, it can be built. However, that would not address prohibitions made on a federal or state level due to environmental regulations (i.e. CWA, CAA, etc.).

 

[jharrison]

The building code does not address their use. As a retaining wall, if over 4-ft it would typically be designed by an engineer. So if the engineer can design it, it can be built. However, that would not address prohibitions made on a federal or state level due to environmental regulations (i.e. CWA, CAA, etc.).

I have not found anything specifically prohibiting them.
Allot of warning regrading the chemical composition an possible leaching to water supply, but no requirements to remove existing structures.
Wash your hands after playing, sitting, touching them.

Iowa EPA states, commercial use, no stated use for residential.
Iowa DOT says railroad tie walls must be designed by engineer.

I am told some jurisdictions no longer allow their use
I was just hoping for a more solid (Allowed - Not Allowed)

 

[e hilton]

Seems to me most RR ties you buy from a landscape supply have been taken out of service and are in fair condition at best. Point being … might not be suitable for much of a retaining wall.

 

[Paul Sweet]

It would be more of a health or environmental issue, which is usually handled at the local level.

The ties need to either be stepped back or have tiebacks into the hill to keep the retained earth from pushing the wall over. Joints need to be staggered, and 1/2" dowels driven through each course of ties.