Wear
and lack of durability against the natural elements make wood ties
less cost-effective when compared to concrete, contributing also
to the worldwide decimation of forests. Today, increases in axle
loads and train speeds make it necessary to give consideration to
a crosstie that results in improved reliability, safety, and passenger
comfort.
The first recorded use of concrete crossties in the U.S. was in
1893, when 200 were installed in Germantown, Pennsylvania. It was
a time of great experimentation and development. The first transit
installation of concrete ties was probably by the Independent Rapid
Transit (IRT) in New York City on its west track at Dyckman Street
Station in July 1905. Philadelphia Rapid Transit also installed
concrete ties on Walnut Street surface tracks around 1908.
The first major use of the modern precast, prestressed concrete
tie was in 1966, when 74,000 were installed on the Florida East
Coast Railway. 
By
the 1970s, Amtrak and major railroads and transit agencies across
North America were commonly constructing concrete tie track. Concrete
ties have been used at grade, on bridges, for special trackwork,
and at storage yards.
A precast, prestressed concrete crosstie is an "engineered" product.
This means that structural and material engineering are used to
design a tie to maximize its strength and durability. Strict quality
production and today's extensive testing of materials, components,
and strength result in uniform performance and enhanced durability.The
concrete tie consists of a rectangular concrete shape, prestressed
to a compressive state. Ties are fitted to hold the rail in place
as an integral part of the system, which includes subballast, ballast,
tie, fastener, and rail.
There have been many years of in-place testing under many loading
conditions and environments. Together, laboratory developments and
field experiences lead to a continually evolving, innovative product.
Rail systems throughout the country have installed or are installing
concrete crossties. The results have been longer material and component
lives, smoother ride, increased allowable train speeds, and overall
lower maintenance. The benefits of using concrete ties are being
realized.