RAILROAD TIE ELEMENTS AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

A railroad tie element can include a front portion. The front portion can include a front hollow cross-section. The front hollow cross-section can be located between an outer portion of the front portion and an inner portion of the front portion. The railroad tie element also can include a back portion. The back portion can include a back hollow cross-section. The back hollow cross-section can be located between an outer portion of the back portion and an inner portion of the back portion. The railroad tie element further can include a body portion disposed between the inner portion of the front portion and the inner portion of the back portion. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Claims

1. A railroad tie element comprising: a front portion, wherein the front portion comprises: a front hollow cross-section, wherein the front hollow cross-section is located between an outer portion of the front portion and an inner portion of the front portion; a back portion, wherein the back portion comprises: a back hollow cross-section, wherein the back hollow cross-section is located between an outer portion of the back portion and an inner portion of the back portion; a body portion disposed between the inner portion of the front portion and the inner portion of the back portion; and one or more of a right side portion, a left side portion, a top portion, or a bottom portion extending from the outer portion of the front portion to the outer portion of the back portion.

2. The railroad tie element of claim 1, wherein: the front hollow cross-section includes one or more of a rubber fill, a foam fill, a plastic fill, a wood fill, a cardboard fill, a steel fill, a polymer fill, or a composite fill.

3. The front hollow cross-section of claim 1, further comprising: a fill comprising a carbon sequestration material, wherein the carbon sequestration material includes one or more of an expandable polystyrene, unrecyclable plastic, carbon-intensive gas, resin, carbon, asbestos, or contaminant.

4. The railroad tie element of claim 1, further comprising: a cap coupled to one of the outer portion of the front portion or the outer portion of the back portion.

5. The railroad tie element of claim 1, wherein: a thickness of one or more of the right side portion, the left side portion, or the bottom portion is approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 4.0 inches.

6. The railroad tie element of claim 1, wherein: a thickness of the top portion is approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 6.0 inches.

7. The railroad tie element of claim 1, wherein: the front portion further comprises a second front hollow cross-section, wherein the second front hollow cross-section is located between one of the right side portion of the front portion or the left side portion of the front portion and the front hollow cross-section.

8. The railroad tie element of claim 1, wherein: the back portion further comprises a second back hollow cross-section, wherein the second back hollow cross-section is located between one of the right side portion of the back portion or the left side portion of the back portion and the back hollow cross-section.

9. The railroad tie element of claim 1, wherein: a shape is cut out from an edge of a section of one or more of the right side portion, the left side portion, the top portion, or the bottom portion.

10. The railroad tie element of claim 9, wherein: the shape is a semi-circle.

11. The railroad tie element of claim 9, wherein: the section extends from the front portion to the back portion.

12. A method of providing a railroad tie element, comprising: providing a front portion, wherein the providing the front portion comprises: providing a front hollow cross-section, wherein the front hollow cross-section is located between an outer portion of the front portion and an inner portion of the front portion; providing a back portion, wherein the providing the back portion comprises: providing a back hollow cross-section, wherein the back hollow cross-section is located between an outer portion of the back portion and an inner portion of the back portion; and providing a body portion disposed between the inner portion of the front portion and the inner portion of the back portion; and providing one or more of a right side portion, a left side portion, a top portion, or a bottom portion extending from the outer portion of the front portion to the outer portion of the back portion.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: providing one or more of a rubber fill, a foam fill, a plastic fill, a wood fill, a cardboard fill, a steel fill, a polymer fill, or a composite fill inside the front hollow cross-section.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: providing a fill comprising a carbon sequestration material, wherein the carbon sequestration material includes one or more of an expandable polystyrene, unrecyclable plastic, carbon-intensive gas, resin, carbon, asbestos, or contaminant.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: providing a cap; and coupling the cap to one of the outer portion of the front portion or the outer portion of the back portion.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein: providing one of the front hollow cross-section or the back hollow cross-section, further comprises providing a rectangular cross-section.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein: providing one of the front hollow cross-section or the back hollow cross-section, further comprises providing a truss cross-section.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: providing a second front hollow cross-section, wherein the second front hollow cross-section is located between one of the right side portion of the front portion or the left side portion of the front portion and the front hollow cross-section.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising: providing a second back hollow cross-section, wherein the second back hollow cross-section is located between one of the right side portion of the back portion or the left side portion of the back portion and the front hollow cross-section.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising: providing a shape cut out from an edge of a section of one or more of the right side portion, the left side portion, the top portion, or the bottom portion.

21. The method of claim 13, further comprising: providing a thickness of one or more of the right side portion, the left side portion, or the bottom portion that is approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 4.0 inches.

22. The method of claim 13, further comprising: providing a thickness of the top portion that is approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 6.0 inches

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A more complete understanding of a construction element may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures.

[0019] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a railroad tie element with a rectangle with rounded corners shaped cross-section cut-out and curved right side and left side portions;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element of FIG. 1 with a rectangle with rounded corners shaped cross-section cut-out and curved right side and left side portions;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the front portion of railroad tie element of FIG. 1 with a rectangle with rounded corners shaped cross-section cut-out and curved right side and left side portions;

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a railroad tie element with a rectangular with protruding rounded edges on the edges of the top portion, bottom portion, right side portion, left side portion, and outer portions;

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element of FIG. 4;

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the railroad tie element of FIG. 4;

[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a railroad tie element with a rounded rectangular shaped cross-section cut-out;

[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element of FIG. 7 with a rounded rectangular shaped cross-section cut-out;

[0028] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the railroad tie element of FIG. 7 with a rounded rectangular shaped cross-section cut-out;

[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with cut-outs on the right side and left side portions of the railroad tie element;

[0030] FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a railroad tie element with cut-outs on the right side and left side portions of the railroad tie element;

[0031] FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of yet another embodiment of a railroad tie element with cut-outs on the right side and left side portions of the railroad tie element;

[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a railroad tie element of yet another embodiment with cut-outs on the right side and left side portions of the railroad tie element;

[0033] FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element of yet another embodiment with cut-outs on the right side and left side portions of the railroad tie element;

[0034] FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element of another embodiment with a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out;

[0035] FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element of yet another embodiment with a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out;

[0036] FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with two rounded rectangular cross-sections cut-out;

[0037] FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element of another embodiment with two rounded rectangular cross-sections cut-out;

[0038] FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element of yet another embodiment with a circular cross-section cut-out;

[0039] FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with two circular cross-sections cut-out;

[0040] FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with an oval shaped cross-section cut-out;

[0041] FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with two oval shaped cross-sections cut-out;

[0042] FIG. 23 illustrates a flow chart for a method 1700 of providing a railroad tie element, according to another embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 24 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element of yet another embodiment with a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out;

[0044] FIG. 25 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out;

[0045] FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of the railroad tie element of FIG. 24 or FIG. 25;

[0046] FIG. 27 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element of FIG. 24 or FIG. 25.

[0047] FIG. 28 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out;

[0048] FIG. 29 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with a right side cross-section cut-out and a left side cross-section cut-out;

[0049] FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of the railroad tie element of FIG. 29;

[0050] FIG. 31 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element of FIG. 29;

[0051] FIG. 32 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with a truss cross-section cut-out;

[0052] FIG. 33 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with a truss cross-section cut-out;

[0053] FIG. 34 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with a truss cross-section cut-out; and FIG. 35 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with a truss cross-section cut-out.

[0054] Elements and/or any steps among the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order may be illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the construction element. Moreover, elements may be constructed in various combinations and/or permutations.

[0055] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

[0056] The terms first, second, third, fourth, and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms include, and have, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0057] The terms left, right, front, back, top, bottom, over, under, and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0058] The terms couple, coupled, couples, coupling, and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements mechanically and/or otherwise.

[0059] Two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. Coupling and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types. Coupling can include coupling by heat, cooling/cryogenic coupling, and ultrasonic coupling.

[0060] The absence of the word removably, removable, and the like near the word coupled, and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.

[0061] As defined herein, approximately can, in some embodiments, mean within plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other embodiments, approximately can mean within plus or minus five percent of the stated value. In further embodiments, approximately can mean within plus or minus three percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments, approximately can mean within plus or minus one percent of the stated value. In some embodiments, approximately can mean within plus or minus ten degrees of the stated value. In other embodiments, approximately can mean within plus or minus five degrees of the stated value. In yet other embodiments, approximately can mean within plus or minus one degree of the stated value.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

[0062] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Before any aspects of the disclosure are explained in detail, it will be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other aspects and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or having and variations thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. All numbers expressing measurements and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instanced by the term approximately.

[0064] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a railroad tie element with a rectangle with rounded corners shaped cross-section cut-out and curved right side and left side portions. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element of FIG. 1 with a rectangle with rounded corners shaped cross-section cut-out. FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the railroad tie element of FIG. 1 with a rectangle with rounded corners shaped cross-section cut-out and curved right side and left side portions. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a railroad tie element with a rectangular with protruding rounded edges on the edges of the top portion, bottom portion, right side portion, left side portion, and outer portions. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element of FIG. 4 with a rectangular shaped cross-section cut-out. FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the railroad tie element of FIG. 4 with a rectangular with protruding rounded edges on the edges of the top portion, bottom portion, right side portion, left side portion, and outer portions. FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a railroad tie element with a rounded rectangular shaped cross-section cut-out. FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element of FIG. 7 with a rounded rectangular shaped cross-section cut-out. FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the railroad tie element of FIG. 7 with a rounded rectangular shaped cross-section cut-out. FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with cut-outs on the right side and left side portions of the railroad tie element. FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a railroad tie element with cut-outs on the right side and left side portions of the railroad tie element. FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of yet another embodiment of a railroad tie element with cut-outs on the right side and left side portions of the railroad tie element. FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a railroad tie element of yet another embodiment with cut-outs on the right side and left side portions of the railroad tie element. FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element of yet another embodiment with cut-outs on the right side and left side portions of the railroad tie element. FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element of another embodiment with a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out. FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element of yet another embodiment with a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out. FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with two rounded rectangular cross-sections cut-out. FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element of another embodiment with two rounded rectangular cross-sections cut-out. FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element of yet another embodiment with a circular or rounded cross-section cut-out. FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with two circular or rounded cross-sections cut-out. FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with an oval shaped cross-section cut-out. FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with two oval shaped cross-sections cut-out. FIG. 23 illustrates a flow chart for a method 1700 of providing a railroad tie element, according to another embodiment. FIG. 24 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element of yet another embodiment with a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out. FIG. 25 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out. FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of a railroad tie element. FIG. 27 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element of FIG. 24 or FIG. 25. FIG. 28 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out. FIG. 29 illustrates a front view of a railroad tie element with a right side cross-section cut-out and a left side cross-section cut-out. FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of the railroad tie element of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element of FIG. 29. FIGS. 32-35 illustrate front views of railroad tie elements with truss cross-section cut-outs.

[0065] An embodiment of a railroad tie element is indicated generally as 100 in the figures. Railroad tie element 100 is merely exemplary, and embodiments of the railroad tie element are not limited to embodiments presented herein. The railroad tie element can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, railroad tie element 100 can comprise a front portion 105, a top portion 110, a bottom portion 115, an inner portion 120 of the front portion, an outer portion 130 of the front portion, a body portion 140, a left side portion 150, a right side portion 160, a back portion 170, an inner portion 180 of the back portion, an outer portion 190 of the back portion, a front hollow cross-section 195, and a back hollow cross-section 185.

[0066] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, railroad tie element 200 can be similar to railroad tie element 100 with various elements that are similar or identical. Railroad tie element 200 is merely exemplary, and embodiments of the railroad tie element are not limited to embodiments presented herein. The railroad tie element can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, railroad tie element 200 can include a front portion 205 (which can be similar to front portion 105 (FIG. 2)), a top portion 210 (which can be similar to top portion 110 (FIG. 1)), a bottom portion 215 (which can be similar to bottom portion 115 (FIG. 2)), an inner portion 220 of the front portion (which can be similar to inner portion 120 of the front portion (FIG. 2)), an outer portion 230 of the front portion (which can be similar to outer portion 130 of the front portion (FIG. 2)), a body portion 240 (which can be similar to body portion 140 (FIG. 2)), a left side portion 250 (which can be similar to left side portion 150 (FIG. 2)), a right side portion 260 (which can be similar to right side portion 160 (FIG. 2)), a back portion 270 (which can be similar to back portion 170 (FIG. 2)), an inner portion 280 of the back portion (which can be similar to inner portion 180 of the back portion (FIG. 2)), an outer portion 290 of the back portion (which can be similar to outer portion 190 of the back portion (FIG. 2)), a front hollow cross-section 295 (which can be similar to front hollow cross-section 195 (FIG. 3)), and a back hollow cross-section 285 (which can be similar to back hollow cross-section 185 (FIG. 2)). Front hollow cross-section 295 as shown generally in FIGS. 4-6 has a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out.

[0067] In yet another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, railroad tie element 300 can be similar to railroad tie elements 100 and 200 with various elements that are similar or identical. Railroad tie element 300 is merely exemplary, and embodiments of the railroad tie element are not limited to embodiments presented herein. The railroad tie element can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. As shown in FIGS. 7-9, railroad tie element 300 can include a front portion 305 (which can be similar to front portion 105 (FIG. 2) or front portion 205 (FIG. 5)), a top portion 310 (which can be similar to top portion 110 (FIG. 1) or top portion 210 (FIG. 4)), a bottom portion 315 (which can be similar to bottom portion 115 (FIG. 2) or bottom portion 215 (FIG. 6)), an inner portion 320 of the front portion (which can be similar to inner portion 120 of the front portion (FIG. 2) or inner portion 220 of the front portion (FIG. 5)), an outer portion 330 of the front portion (which can be similar to outer portion 130 of the front portion (FIG. 2) or outer portion 230 of the front portion (FIG. 5)), a body portion 340 (which can be similar to body portion 140 (FIG. 2) or body portion 240 (FIG. 5)), a left side portion 350 (which can be similar to left side portion 150 (FIG. 2) or left side portion 250 (FIG. 5)), a right side portion 360 (which can be similar to right side portion 160 (FIG. 2) or right side portion 260 (FIG. 5)), a back portion 370 (which can be similar to back portion 170 (FIG. 2) or back portion 270 (FIG. 5)), an inner portion 380 of the back portion (which can be similar to inner portion 180 of the back portion (FIG. 2) or inner portion 280 of the back portion (FIG. 5)), an outer portion 390 of the back portion (which can be similar to outer portion 190 of the back portion (FIG. 2) or outer portion 290 of the back portion (FIG. 5)), a front hollow cross-section 395 (which can be similar to front hollow cross-section 195 (FIG. 2) or front hollow cross-section 295 (FIG. 5)), and a back hollow cross-section 385 (which can be similar to back hollow cross-section (which can be similar to back hollow cross-section 185 (FIG. 2) or back hollow cross-section 285 (FIG. 5)). Front hollow cross-section 395 as shown generally in FIGS. 7-9 has a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out.

[0068] In yet another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 24-27, railroad tie element 1800 can be similar to railroad tie elements 100, 200, and/or 300 with various elements that are similar or identical. Railroad tie element 1800 is merely exemplary, and embodiments of the railroad tie element are not limited to embodiments presented herein. The railroad tie element can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. As shown in FIGS. 24-27, railroad tie element 1800 can include a front portion 1805 (which can be similar to front portion 105 (FIG. 2), front portion 205 (FIG. 5), and/or front portion 305 (FIG. 8)), a top portion 1810 (which can be similar to top portion 110 (FIG. 1), top portion 210 (FIG. 4), and/or top portion 310 (FIG. 7)), a bottom portion 1815 (which can be similar to bottom portion 115 (FIG. 2), bottom portion 215 (FIG. 6), and/or bottom portion 315 (FIG. 7)), an inner portion 1820 of the front portion (which can be similar to inner portion 120 of the front portion (FIG. 2), inner portion 220 of the front portion (FIG. 5), and/or inner portion 320 of the front portion 305 (FIG. 8)), an outer portion 1830 of the front portion (which can be similar to outer portion 130 of the front portion (FIG. 2), outer portion 230 of the front portion (FIG. 5), and/or outer portion 330 of the front portion (FIG. 8)), a body portion 1840 (which can be similar to body portion 140 (FIG. 2), body portion 240 (FIG. 5), and/or body portion 340 (FIG. 8)), a left side portion 1850 (which can be similar to left side portion 150 (FIG. 2), left side portion 250 (FIG. 5), and/or left side portion 350 (FIG. 8)), a right side portion 1860 (which can be similar to right side portion 160 (FIG. 2), right side portion 260 (FIG. 5), and/or right side portion 360 (FIG. 8)), a back portion 1870 (which can be similar to back portion 170 (FIG. 2), back portion 270 (FIG. 5), and/or back portion 370 ((FIG. 8)), an inner portion 1880 of the back portion (which can be similar to inner portion 180 of the back portion (FIG. 2), inner portion 280 of the back portion (FIG. 5), and/or inner portion 380 of the back portion (FIG. 8)), an outer portion 1890 of the back portion (which can be similar to outer portion 190 of the back portion (FIG. 2), outer portion 290 of the back portion (FIG. 5), and/or outer portion 390 of the back portion (FIG. 8)), a front hollow cross-section 1895 (which can be similar to front hollow cross-section 195 (FIG. 2), front hollow cross-section 295 (FIG. 5), and/or front hollow cross-section 395 (FIG. 8)), and a back hollow cross-section 1885 (which can be similar to back hollow cross-section 185 (FIG. 2), back hollow cross-section 285 (FIG. 5), and/or back hollow cross-section 385 (FIG. 8)). Front hollow cross-section 1895 as shown generally in FIGS. 24-27 has a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out.

[0069] In yet another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 29-31, railroad tie element 1900 can be similar to railroad tie elements 100, 200, 300, and/or 1800 with various elements that are similar or identical. Railroad tie element 1900 is merely exemplary, and embodiments of the railroad tie element are not limited to embodiments presented herein. The railroad tie element can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. As shown in FIGS. 29-31, railroad tie element 1900 can include a front portion 1905 (which can be similar to front portion 105 (FIG. 2), front portion 205 (FIG. 5), front portion 305 (FIG. 8), front portion 705 (FIG. 13), and/or front portion 1805 (FIG. 26), a top portion 1910 (which can be similar to top portion 110 (FIG. 1), top portion 210 (FIG. 4), top portion 310 (FIG. 7), top portion 710 (FIG. 13), and/or top portion 1810 (FIG. 26)), a bottom portion 1915 (which can be similar to bottom portion 115 (FIG. 2), bottom portion 215 (FIG. 6), bottom portion 315 (FIG. 7), bottom portion 715 (FIG. 13), and/or bottom portion 1815 (FIG. 27)), an inner portion 1920 of the front portion (which can be similar to inner portion 120 of the front portion (FIG. 2), inner portion 220 of the front portion (FIG. 5), inner portion 320 of the front portion 305 (FIG. 8), inner portion 720 of the front portion 705 (FIG. 13), and/or inner portion 1820 of the front portion 1805 (FIG. 27)), an outer portion 1930 of the front portion (which can be similar to outer portion 130 of the front portion (FIG. 2), outer portion 230 of the front portion (FIG. 5), outer portion 330 of the front portion (FIG. 8), outer portion 730 of the front portion (FIG. 13), outer portion 1830 of the front portion (FIG. 27)), a body portion 1940 (which can be similar to body portion 140 (FIG. 2), body portion 240 (FIG. 5), body portion 340 (FIG. 8), body portion 740 (FIG. 13), body portion 1840 (FIG. 27)), a top left side portion 1950 (which can be similar to left side portion 150 (FIG. 2), left side portion 250 (FIG. 5), left side portion 350 (FIG. 8), left side portion 1850 (FIG. 26)), a bottom left side portion 1952 (which can be similar to left side portion 150 (FIG. 2), left side portion 250 (FIG. 5), left side portion 350 (FIG. 8), left side portion 1850 (FIG. 26)), a top right side portion 1960 (which can be similar to right side portion 160 (FIG. 2), right side portion 260 (FIG. 5), right side portion 360 (FIG. 8), right side portion 760 (FIG. 13), right side portion 1860 (FIG. 27)), a bottom right side portion 1962 (which can be similar to right side portion 160 (FIG. 2), right side portion 260 (FIG. 5), right side portion 360 (FIG. 8), right side portion 760 (FIG. 13), right side portion 1860 (FIG. 27)), a back portion 1970 (which can be similar to back portion 170 (FIG. 2), back portion 270 (FIG. 5), back portion 370 ((FIG. 8), back portion 770 (FIG. 13), and/or back portion 1870 (FIG. 27)), an inner portion 1980 of the back portion (which can be similar to inner portion 180 of the back portion (FIG. 2), inner portion 280 of the back portion (FIG. 5), inner portion 380 of the back portion (FIG. 8), inner portion 720 of the back portion (FIG. 13), and/or inner portion 1880 of the back portion (FIG. 27)), an outer portion 1990 of the back portion (which can be similar to outer portion 190 of the back portion (FIG. 2), outer portion 290 of the back portion (FIG. 5), outer portion 390 of the back portion (FIG. 8), outer portion 790 of the back portion (FIG. 13), and/or outer portion 1890 of the back portion (FIG. 27)), a front right side hollow cross-section 1994 (which can be similar to front hollow cross-section 195 (FIG. 2), front hollow cross-section 295 (FIG. 5), front hollow cross-section 395 (FIG. 8), front hollow cross-section 795 (FIG. 13) and/or front hollow cross-section 1895 (FIG. 27)), a front left side hollow cross-section 1954 (which can be similar to front hollow cross-section 195 (FIG. 2), front hollow cross-section 295 (FIG. 5), front hollow cross-section 395 (FIG. 8), front hollow cross-section 795 (FIG. 13) and/or front hollow cross-section 1895 (FIG. 27)), and a back hollow cross-section 1985 (which can be similar to back hollow cross-section 185 (FIG. 2), back hollow cross-section 285 (FIG. 5), back hollow cross-section 385 (FIG. 8), and/or back hollow cross-section 1885 (FIG. 27)).

[0070] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 32-35, railroad tie elements 2000, 2100, 2200, and 2300 can be similar to railroad tie elements 100, 200, 300, 1800, and/or 1900 with various elements that are similar or identical. Railroad tie element(s) 2000, 2100, 2200, and 2300 are merely exemplary, and embodiments of the railroad tie element(s) are not limited to embodiments presented herein. The railroad tie element can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. FIGS. 32-35, railroad tie element(s) 2000, 2100, 2200, and 2300 can include a support element 2055, 2155, 2255, 2355 (which can be similar to support element 1175 (FIG. 17), front portion (not shown) (which can be similar to front portion 105 (FIG. 2), front portion 205 (FIG. 5), front portion 305 (FIG. 8), front portion 705 (FIG. 13), front portion 1805 (FIG. 26), and/or front portion 1905 (FIG. 30)), a top portion 2010, 2110, 2210, 2310 (which can be similar to top portion 110 (FIG. 1), top portion 210 (FIG. 4), top portion 310 (FIG. 7), top portion 710 (FIG. 13), top portion 1810 (FIG. 26), and/or top portion 1910 (FIG. 30)), a bottom portion 2015, 2115, 2215, 2315 (which can be similar to bottom portion 115 (FIG. 2), bottom portion 215 (FIG. 6), bottom portion 315 (FIG. 7), bottom portion 715 (FIG. 13), bottom portion 1815 (FIG. 27), and/or bottom portion 1915 (FIG. 30)), an inner portion of the front portion (not shown) (which can be similar to inner portion 120 of the front portion (FIG. 2), inner portion 220 of the front portion (FIG. 5), inner portion 320 of the front portion 305 (FIG. 8), inner portion 720 of the front portion 705 (FIG. 13), inner portion 1820 of the front portion 1805 (FIG. 27), and/or inner portion 1920 of the front portion 1905 (FIG. 30)), an outer portion of the front portion (not shown) (which can be similar to outer portion 130 of the front portion (FIG. 2), outer portion 230 of the front portion (FIG. 5), outer portion 330 of the front portion (FIG. 8), outer portion 730 of the front portion (FIG. 13), outer portion 1830 of the front portion (FIG. 27), outer portion 1930 of the front portion (FIG. 30)), a body portion (not shown) (which can be similar to body portion 140 (FIG. 2), body portion 240 (FIG. 5), body portion 340 (FIG. 8), body portion 740 (FIG. 13), body portion 1840 (FIG. 27), and/or body portion 1940 (FIG. 30)), a left side portion 2050, 2150, 2250, 2350 (which can be similar to left side portion 150 (FIG. 2), left side portion 250 (FIG. 5), left side portion 350 (FIG. 8), left side portion 1850 (FIG. 26), and/or left side portion 1950 (FIG. 30)), a right side portion 2060, 2160, 2260, 2360 (which can be similar to right side portion 160 (FIG. 2), right side portion 260 (FIG. 5), right side portion 360 (FIG. 8), right side portion 760 (FIG. 13), right side portion 1860 (FIG. 27), and/or top right side portion 1960 (FIG. 30), and/or bottom right side portion 1962 (FIG. 30)), a back portion (not shown) (which can be similar to back portion 170 (FIG. 2), back portion 270 (FIG. 5), back portion 370 ((FIG. 8), back portion 770 (FIG. 13), back portion 1870 (FIG. 27), and/or back portion 1970 (FIG. 30)), an inner portion of the back portion (not shown) (which can be similar to inner portion 180 of the back portion (FIG. 2), inner portion 280 of the back portion (FIG. 5), inner portion 380 of the back portion (FIG. 8), inner portion 720 of the back portion (FIG. 13), inner portion 1880 of the back portion (FIG. 27), and/or an inner portion 1980 of the back portion (FIG. 30)), an outer portion of the back portion (not shown) (which can be similar to outer portion 190 of the back portion (FIG. 2), outer portion 290 of the back portion (FIG. 5), outer portion 390 of the back portion (FIG. 8), outer portion 790 of the back portion (FIG. 13), outer portion 1890 of the back portion (FIG. 27), and/or outer portion 1990 of the back portion (FIG. 30)), a front hollow cross-section 2095, 2195, 2295, 2395 (which can be similar to front hollow cross-section 195 (FIG. 2), front hollow cross-section 295 (FIG. 5), front hollow cross-section 395 (FIG. 8), front hollow cross-section 795 (FIG. 13), front hollow cross-section 1895 (FIG. 27), and/or a front right side hollow cross-section 1994 (FIG. 30)), a front left side hollow cross-section (not shown) (which can be similar to front hollow cross-section 195 (FIG. 2), front hollow cross-section 295 (FIG. 5), and/or front left side hollow cross-section 1954 (FIG. 30)), and a back hollow cross-section (not shown) (which can be similar to front hollow cross-section 2095, 2195, 2295, 2395, back hollow cross-section 185 (FIG. 2), back hollow cross-section 285 (FIG. 5), back hollow cross-section 385 (FIG. 8), back hollow cross-section 1885 (FIG. 27), and/or back hollow cross-section 1985 (FIG. 30).

[0071] In some embodiments, a railroad tie element can include a body portion (e.g., 140, 240, 340, 740, 1840, 1940) configured to be installed approximately perpendicular to a railroad track. The railroad tie element also can include a front portion (e.g., 105, 205, 305, 705, 1805, 1905). The front portion can include a front hollow cross-section (e.g., 195, 295, 395, 795, 1095, 1195, 1295, 1395, 1495, 1595, 1695, 1895, 1954, 1964). The front hollow cross-section can be located between an outer portion (e.g., 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830, 1930) of the front portion (e.g., 105, 205, 305, 705, 1805) and an inner portion of the front portion (e.g., 120, 220, 320, 1820, 1920). The railroad tie element further can include a back portion (e.g., 170, 270, 370, 770, 1870, 1970). The back portion can include a back hollow cross-section (e.g. 185, 285, 385, 1885, 1985). The back hollow cross-section can be located between an outer portion of the back portion (e.g., 190, 290, 390, 1890, 1990) and an inner portion of the back portion (e.g., 180, 280, 380, 1880, 1980). The body portion (e.g., 140, 240, 340, 740, 1840, 1940) can be disposed between the inner portion of the front portion (e.g., 120, 220, 320, 1820, 1920) and the inner portion of the back portion (e.g., 180, 280, 380, 1880, 1980). The railroad tie element further can include a right side portion (e.g., 160, 260, 360, 1860, 1960, 1962) extending from the front portion to the back portion. The railroad tie element further can include a left side portion (e.g., 150, 250, 350, 1850, 1950, 1952) extending from the front portion to the back portion. The railroad tie element further can include a top portion (e.g., 110, 210, 310, 1810, 1910) extending from the front portion to the back portion. The railroad tie element further can include a bottom portion (e.g., 115, 215, 315, 1815, 1915) extending from the front portion to the back portion.

[0072] Generally speaking, railroad tie elements 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, and 2300 can be formed using a variety of different manufacturing techniques including but not limited to extrusion, casting, rolling, forging, injection molding, and machining to create different geometries using a number of different materials and processing methods based upon available stock and/or standardized lengths for a particular rail application. In an embodiment, the railroad tie elements are made from a polymer composite material including glass fiber reinforced polymer or glass fiber reinforced plastic. In other embodiments, the railroad tie elements can be made out of wood, engineered wood, concrete, steel, polymer composites, particle reinforced polymer, engineered hybrid polymer, or any other suitable material. In some embodiment, the railroad tie elements can have a 7 inch by 9 inch outside perimeter. In other embodiments, the railroad tie elements can have a 7 inch by 8 inch outside perimeter. In yet other embodiments, the railroad tie element scan have a 6 inch by 8 inch outside perimeter. In some embodiments, railroad tie elements 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, and 2300 can be between 8 feet and 3 inches in length and 10 feet in length, or any other suitable length. Increased surface area of the railroad tie element can result in greater load distribution.

[0073] In various embodiments, railroad tie elements (e.g. 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, and 2300) can have a right side portion (e.g. 160, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660, 760, 860, 960, 1060, 1160, 1260, 1360, 1460, 1560, 1660, 1860, 1960, 1962, 2060, 2160, 2260, 2360), a left side portion (e.g. 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350, 1450, 1550, 1650, 1850, 1950, 1952, 2050, 2150, 2250, 2350), a top portion (e.g. 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510, 1610, 1810, 1910, 2010, 2110, 2210, 2310), and a bottom portion (e.g. 115, 215, 315, 415, 515, 615, 715, 815, 915, 1015, 1115, 1215, 1315, 1415, 1515, 1615, 1815, 1915, 2015, 2115, 2215, 2315). In an exemplary embodiment, the right side portion, left side portion, and bottom portion of the railroad tie element can be in contact with the ballast material and the top portion of the railroad tie element can be in contact with a rail plate and/or spike in order to fasten the railroad tie element to the railroad track. In other embodiments, at least one of the top portion, the right side portion, or the left side portion of the railroad tie element can be in contact with the rail plate and/or spike in order to fasten the railroad tie element to the railroad track and at least one of the remaining sides can be in contact with the ballast.

[0074] In various embodiments, railroad tie elements (e.g. 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1800, and 1900) can have an outer portion (e.g. 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830, 1930) of the front portion and an inner portion of the front portion (e.g. 120, 220, 320, 1820, 1920). The inner portion of the front portion can be approximately 12 inches from the outer portion of the front portion. In other embodiments, the distance from the inner portion of the front portion to the outer portion of the front portion can be a range from approximately 9 inches to approximately 15 inches. In yet other embodiments, the distance from the inner portion of the front portion to the outer portion of the front portion can be a range from approximately 4 inches to approximately 20 inches.

[0075] In various embodiments, railroad tie elements (e.g. 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1800, and 1900) can have an outer portion of the back portion (e.g. 190, 290, 390, 1890, 1990) and an inner portion of the back portion (e.g. 180, 280, 380, 1880, 1980). The inner portion of the back portion can be approximately 12 inches from the outer portion of the back portion. In other embodiments, the distance from the inner portion of the back portion to the outer portion of the back portion can be a range from approximately 9 inches to approximately 15 inches. In yet other embodiments, the distance from the inner portion of the back portion to the outer portion of the back portion can be a range from approximately 4 inches to approximately 20 inches.

[0076] In an embodiment, the railroad tie element has a body portion (e.g. 140, 240, 340, 740, 1840, 1940) located between the front portion of the railroad tie element and the back portion of the railroad tie element. The body portion can be solid or hollow. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the inner portion of the back portion can be a transition point from the back hollow cross-section (e.g. 185 and 285) to a body portion (e.g. 140 and 240) of the railroad tie element that is made out of a solid material. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the inner portion 380 of the back portion is a reference point that does not denote a transition from a hollow cross-section to a solid cross-section of the railroad tie element or a change in the cross-section of the railroad tie element.

[0077] In some embodiments, a rail plate and/or spike can be in contact with the railroad tie element between the outer portion (e.g., 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830, 1930) of the front portion of the railroad tie element and the inner portion (e.g. 120, 220, 320, 1820, 1920) of the front portion of the railroad tie element. In other embodiments, a rail plate and/or spike can be in contact with the railroad tie element at the body portion of the railroad tie element. In yet other embodiments, a rail plate and/or spike can be in contact with the railroad tie element and the outer portion (e.g. 190, 290, 390, 1890, 1990) of the back portion of the railroad tie element and the inner portion (e.g. 180, 280, 380, 1880, 1980) of the back portion of the railroad tie element.

[0078] In various embodiments, railroad tie elements (e.g. 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300) can have one or more hollow cross-section areas cut out from the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, the front portion of the railroad tie element can include a front hollow cross-section (e.g. 195, 295, 395, 995, 1095, 1195, 1295, 1395, 1495, 1595, 1695, 1895, 1994, 2095, 2195, 2295, 2395). In some embodiments, one or more of the front hollow cross-sections can be created using a mandrel. In some embodiments, the mandrel can be molded inside the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, the mandrel can be permanently disposed within the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, the mandrel can be removable from the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, the mandrel can be made from sand, concrete, plastic, cardboard, paper, wood, metal, silicone, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the mandrel can be a silicon bladder. In some embodiments, the mandrel can be used as part of an injecting molded process to obtain one or more front hollow cross-sections (e.g. 195, 295, 395, 995, 1095, 1195, 1295, 1395, 1495, 1595, 1695, 1895, 1994, 2095, 2195, 2295, 2395). In some embodiments, the mandrel can be solid, hollow, or a honeycomb material. The front hollow cross-section can be located between an outer portion of the front portion and an inner portion of the front portion. The front hollow cross-section can be filled with a material such as a rubber ballast to enhance the weight of the railroad tie element as necessary. In some embodiments, a cap (e.g. 420, 520, 620, 820) may be disposed within the hollow cross-section (e.g. 195, 185, 295, 285, 395, 385, 995, 1095, 1195, 1295, 1395, 1495, 1595, 1695, 1885, 1895, 1954, 1964, 1994, 1985, 2095, 2195, 2295, 2395) to prevent material from entering or exiting the hollow cross-section of the railroad tie element. In other embodiments, a cap may be disposed over the outer portions (e.g. 130, 190, 230, 290, 330, 390, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830, 1930, 1990) of the railroad tie element (not shown) to prevent material from entering or exiting the hollow cross-section of the railroad tie element. In yet other embodiments, a cap (e.g. 420, 520, 620, 820) can be coupled to one of the outer portion of the front portion of the railroad tie element or the outer portion of the back portion of the railroad tie element. The geometry of the front hollow cross-section can take any shape (e.g. circle, oval, elliptical, arched, triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, truss). The shape of the front hollow cross-section can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The sides of a shape of the front hollow cross-section can be curved or straight.

[0079] In some embodiments, the back portion of the railroad tie element can include a back hollow cross-section (e.g. 185, 285, 385, 1885, 1985). In some embodiments, one or more of the back hollow cross-sections can be created using a mandrel. In some embodiments, the mandrel can be molded inside the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, the mandrel can be permanently disposed within the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, the mandrel can be removable from the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, the mandrel can be made from sand, concrete, plastic, cardboard, paper, wood, metal, silicone, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the mandrel can be a silicon bladder. In some embodiments, the mandrel can be used as part of an injecting molded process to obtain one or more back hollow cross-sections (e.g. 185, 285, 385, 1885, 1985). In some embodiments, the mandrel can be solid, hollow, or a honeycomb material. The back hollow cross-section can be located between an outer portion of the back portion and an inner portion of the back portion. The back hollow cross-section can have a geometry that is similar or identical to the geometries shown with respect to the front hollow cross-section. The geometry of the back hollow cross-section can take any shape (e.g. circle, oval, elliptical, arched, triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, truss). The shape of the back hollow cross-section can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The sides of a shape of the back hollow cross-section can be curved or straight.

[0080] Turning now to FIG. 1, a railroad tie element 100 is shown with a rectangle with rounded corners shaped cross-section cut-out and curved right side and left side portions. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 100 can comprise top portion 110, right side portion 160, left side portion 150, front hollow cross-section 195, and outer portion 130. The front hollow cross-section 195, as shown in FIG. 1, is a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The outer portion 130, as shown in FIG. 1, is a rectangular shape with a curved right side portion 160 and a curved left side portion 150. In some embodiments, the right side portion 160 can be concave and the left side portion 150 can be concave.

[0081] Turning now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element 100 is shown with a rectangle with rounded corners shaped cross-section cut-out and curved right side and left side portions. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 100 can comprise a front portion 105, a body portion 140, and a back portion 170. Front portion 105 of railroad tie element 100 can include top portion 110, bottom portion 115, right side portion 160, left side portion 150, outer portion 130, inner portion 120, and front hollow cross-section 195. Front portion 105 can extend from the outer portion 130 of railroad tie element 100 to the inner portion 120 of railroad tie element 100. In some embodiments, front hollow cross-section 195 can extend from the outer portion 130 of railroad tie element 100 to the inner portion 120 of railroad tie element. In other embodiments, front hollow cross-section 195 can extend from outer portion 130 to a point that is past the inner portion 120 of railroad tie element 100 on the plane that extends from the right side portion 160 of the outer portion 130 of the front portion 105 of railroad tie element 100 to the right side portion 160 of the outer portion 190 of the back portion 170. In some embodiments, the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705) can include a left side portion (e.g. 150, 250, 350, 750), a right side portion (e.g. 160, 260, 360, 760), a top portion (e.g. 110, 210, 310, 710) and a bottom portion (e.g. 115, 215, 315, 715) with wall thicknesses of approximately 1 inch. In some embodiments, the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705) can include a left side portion (e.g. 150, 250, 350, 750), a right side portion (e.g. 160, 260, 360, 760), a top portion (e.g. 110, 210, 310, 710), and a bottom portion (e.g. 115, 215, 315, 715) with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.1 inch. In other embodiments, the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705) can include a left side portion (e.g. 150, 250, 350, 750), a right side portion (e.g. 160, 260, 360, 760), a top portion (e.g. 110, 210, 310, 710), and a bottom portion (e.g. 115, 215, 315, 715) with wall thicknesses of approximately 2 inches. In yet other embodiments, the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705) can include a left side portion (e.g. 150, 250, 350, 750), a right side portion (e.g. 160, 260, 360, 760), a top portion (e.g. 110, 210, 310, 710), and a bottom portion (e.g. 115, 215, 315, 715) with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.5 inch. In yet other embodiments, a left side portion (e.g. 150, 250, 350, 750), a right side portion (e.g. 160, 260, 360, 760), a top portion (e.g. 110, 210, 310, 710), and a bottom portion (e.g. 115, 215, 315, 715) can have wall thicknesses within the range of approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 4 inches. Body portion 140 of railroad tie element 100 can comprise a top portion 110, a bottom portion 115, a right side portion 160, and a left side portion 150. The body portion 140 can be solid, or hollow, or partially filled with a material. Back portion 170 of railroad tie element 100 can comprise top portion 110, bottom portion 115, right side portion 160, left side portion 150, outer portion 190, inner portion 180, and back hollow cross-section 185. Front portion 105 can extend from the outer portion 130 of railroad tie element 100 to the inner portion 120 of railroad tie element 100. In some embodiments, back hollow cross-section 185 can extend from the outer portion 190 of railroad tie element 100 to the inner portion 180 of railroad tie element. In other embodiments, back hollow cross-section 185 can extend from outer portion 190 to a point that is past the inner portion 180 of railroad tie element 100 on the plane that extends from the right side portion 160 of the outer portion 190 of the front portion 105 of railroad tie element 100 to the right side portion 160 of the outer portion 190 of the back portion 170. In some embodiments, the back portion 170 can include a left side portion 150, a top portion 110, and a bottom portion 115 with wall thicknesses of approximately 1 inch. In some embodiments, the back portion 170 can include a left side portion 150, a top portion 110, and a bottom portion 115 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.1 inches. In other embodiments, the back portion 170 can include a left side portion 150, a top portion 110, and a bottom portion 115 with wall thicknesses of approximately 2 inches. In yet other embodiments, the back portion 170 can include a left side portion 150, a right side portion 160 (not shown in FIG. 2), a top portion 110, and a bottom portion 115 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.5 inches. In yet other embodiments, the back portion 170 can include a left side portion 150, a right side portion 160 (not shown in FIG. 2), a top portion 110, and a bottom portion 115 can have wall thicknesses within the range of approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 4 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thicknesses of the portions comprising the front portions (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705) and the back portions (e.g. 170, 270, 370, 770) can have a constant wall thickness. In other embodiments, the wall thicknesses of the portions comprising the front portions (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705) and the back portions (e.g. 170, 270, 370, 770) can have a tapered wall thickness that becomes gradually thicker or narrower from the outer portion (e.g., 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830) to the inner portion (e.g. 120, 220, 320, 180, 280, 380, 1880) of the railroad tie element. The constant or taper wall thickness can comprise one or more of the right side portion (e.g. 160, 260, 360, 1860), the left side portion (e.g. 150, 250, 350, 1850), the top portion (e.g. 110, 210, 310, 1810), or the bottom portion (e.g. 115, 215, 315, 1815) of the railroad tie element.

[0082] Turning now to FIG. 3, a front view of the front portion of railroad tie element 100 with a rectangle with rounded corners shaped cross-section cut-out and curved right side and left side portions is shown. In many embodiments railroad tie element 100 can comprise a top portion 110, a bottom portion 115, a right side portion 160, a left side portion 150, and a front hollow cross-section 195. In many embodiments, the top portion 110 can be opposite the bottom portion 115 and the left side portion 150 can be opposite the right side portion 160. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 195 can be located between one or more of the top portion 110, the bottom portion 115, the left side portion 150, and the right side portion 160. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the right side portion 160 and the left side portion 150 can be cut down to achieve further weight savings. In other embodiments (not shown) the top portion 110 and/or the bottom portion 115 can be cut down to achieve further weight savings. In some embodiments, railroad tie element 100 can have a concave right side portion 160 and a concave left side portion 150.

[0083] Turning now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of a railroad tie element 200 with a rectangular with protruding rounded edges 225 on the edges of the top portion, bottom portion, right side portion, left side portion, and outer portions is shown. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 200 can comprise a top portion 210, a right side portion 260, a left side portion 250, a front hollow cross-section 295, and an outer portion 230. The front hollow cross-section 295, as shown in FIG. 4, is a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The outer portion 230, as shown in FIG. 4, is a rectangular shape with protruding rounded edges 225. In some embodiments, one or more protruding rounded edge 225 can extend from the outer portion (e.g. 230) of the front portion (e.g. 205) to the outer portion (e.g. 290) of the back portion (e.g. 270). In some embodiments, railroad tie elements (e.g. 200) can have protruding rounded edges (e.g. 225) on one or more of (i) the edge between the top portion (e.g. 210) and the right side portion (e.g. 260), (ii) the edge between the right side portion and the bottom portion (e.g. 215), (iii) the edge between the bottom portion (e.g. 215) and the left side portion (e.g. 250), (iv) or the edge between the left side portion (e.g. 250) and the top portion (e.g. 210).

[0084] Turning now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element 200 is shown. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 200 can comprise a front portion 205, a body portion 240, and a back portion 270. Front portion 205 of railroad tie element 200 can include top portion 210, bottom portion 215, right side portion 260, left side portion 250, outer portion 230, inner portion 220, and front hollow cross-section 295. Front portion 205 can extend from the outer portion 230 of railroad tie element 200 to the inner portion 220 of railroad tie element 200. In some embodiments, front hollow cross-section 295 can extend from the outer portion 230 of railroad tie element 200 to the inner portion 220 of railroad tie element. In other embodiments, front hollow cross-section 295 can extend from outer portion 230 to a point that is past the inner portion 220 of railroad tie element 200 on the plane that extends from the right side portion 160 of the outer portion 230 of the front portion 205 of railroad tie element 200 to the right side portion 260 of the outer portion 290 of the back portion 270. In some embodiments, the front portion 205 can include a left side portion 250, a top portion 210, and a bottom portion 215 with wall thicknesses of approximately 1 inch. In some embodiments, the front portion 205 can include a left side portion 250, a top portion 210, and a bottom portion 215 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.1 inches. In other embodiments, the front portion 205 can include a left side portion 250, a top portion 210, and a bottom portion 215 with wall thicknesses of approximately 2 inches. In yet other embodiments, the front portion 205 can include a left side portion 250, a top portion 210, and a bottom portion 215 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.5 inches. In yet other embodiments, a left side portion 250, a top portion 210, and a bottom portion 215 can have wall thicknesses within the range of approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 4 inches. Body portion 240 of railroad tie element 200 can comprise a top portion 210, a bottom portion 215, a right side portion 260, and a left side portion 250. The body portion 240 can be solid, or hollow, or partially filled with a material. Back portion 270 of railroad tie element 200 can comprise top portion 210, bottom portion 215, right side portion 260, left side portion 250, outer portion 290, inner portion 280, and back hollow cross-section 285. Front portion 205 can extend from the outer portion 230 of railroad tie element 200 to the inner portion 220 of railroad tie element 200. In some embodiments, back hollow cross-section 285 can extend from the outer portion 290 of railroad tie element 200 to the inner portion 280 of railroad tie element. In other embodiments, back hollow cross-section 285 can extend from outer portion 290 to a point that is past the inner portion 180 of railroad tie element 200 on the plane that extends from the right side portion 260 of the outer portion 290 of the front portion 205 of railroad tie element 200 to the right side portion 260 of the outer portion 290 of the back portion 270. In some embodiments, the back portion 270 can include a left side portion 250, a right side portion 260 (not shown), a top portion 210, and a bottom portion 215 with wall thicknesses of approximately 1 inch. In some embodiments, the back portion 270 can include a left side portion 250, a right side portion 260 (not shown), a top portion 210, and a bottom portion 215 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.1 inches. In other embodiments, the back portion 270 can include a left side portion 250, a right side portion 260 (not shown), a top portion 210, and a bottom portion 215 with wall thicknesses of approximately 2 inches. In yet other embodiments, the back portion 270 can include a left side portion 250, a right side portion 260 (not shown), a top portion 210, and a bottom portion 215 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.5 inches. In yet other embodiments, the back portion 270 can include a left side portion 250, a top portion 210, and a bottom portion 215 can have wall thicknesses within the range of approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 4 inches.

[0085] Turning now to FIG. 6, a front view of railroad tie element 200 is shown. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 200 can comprise a top portion 210, a bottom portion 215, a right side portion 260, a left side portion 250, a front hollow cross-section 295, and protruding rounded edges 225. In many embodiments, the top portion 210 can be opposite to the bottom portion 215 and the left side portion 250 can be opposite to the right side portion 260. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 295 can be located between one or more of the top portion 210, the bottom portion 215, the left side portion 250, and the right side portion 260. In some embodiments, railroad tie element 200 can have protruding rounded edges on one or more of the edge between the top portion 210 and the right side portion 260, the edge between the right side portion 260 and the bottom portion 215, the edge between the bottom portion 215 and the left side portion 250, or the edge between the left side portion 250 and the top portion 210. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 295 can be a rectangle with rounded edges. In some embodiments, the thickness of the right side portion 260 and the thickness of the left side portion 250 can be cut down as part of a secondary machining operation to remove weight from the railroad tie element 200. In other embodiments, the right side portion 260 and the left side portion 250 can be manufactured such that the wall thickness of the left side portion 250 and/or the right side portion 260 is less than the wall thickness of the top portion 210 and/or the bottom portion 215 of the railroad tie element 200 without the need for any secondary machining operations.

[0086] Turning now to FIG. 7, a perspective view of railroad tie element 300 is shown with a rounded rectangular shaped cross-section cut-out. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 300 can comprise a top portion 310, a right side portion 360, a left side portion 350, a front hollow cross-section 395, and an outer portion 330. The front hollow cross-section 395, as shown in FIG. 7, is a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The outer portion 330, as shown in FIG. 7, is a rectangular shape with rounded edges 325.

[0087] Turning now to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element 300 is shown with a rounded rectangular shaped cross-section cut-out. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 300 can comprise a front portion 305, a body portion 340, and a back portion 370. Front portion 305 of railroad tie element 300 can include top portion 310, bottom portion 315, right side portion 360, left side portion 350, outer portion 330, inner portion 320, and front hollow cross-section 395. Front portion 305 can extend from the outer portion 330 of railroad tie element 300 to the inner portion 320 of railroad tie element 300. In some embodiments, (not shown in FIG. 8) front hollow cross-section 395 can extend from the outer portion 330 of railroad tie element 300 to the inner portion 320 of railroad tie element. In other embodiments, (as shown in FIG. 8) front hollow cross-section 395 can extend from outer portion 330 of front portion 305 to a point that is past the inner portion 320 of railroad tie element 300 on the plane that extends from the right side portion 360 of the outer portion 330 of the front portion 305 of railroad tie element 300 to the right side portion 360 of the outer portion 390 of the back portion 370. In other embodiments, (as also shown in FIG. 8) front hollow cross-section 395 can extend from outer portion 330 of front portion 305 to outer portion 390 of back portion 370. In some embodiments, the front portion 305 can include a left side portion 350, a top portion 310, and a bottom portion 315 with wall thicknesses of approximately 1 inch. In some embodiments, the front portion 305 can include a left side portion 350, a top portion 310, and a bottom portion 315 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thicknesses of the top and bottom portions can be approximately 2 inches and the wall thicknesses of the left side and right side portions can be approximately 1 inch. In other embodiments, the front portion 305 can include a left side portion 350, a top portion 310, and a bottom portion 315 with wall thicknesses of approximately 2 inches. In yet other embodiments, the front portion 305 can include a left side portion 350, a top portion 310, and a bottom portion 315 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.5 inch. In yet other embodiments, a left side portion 350, a top portion 310, and a bottom portion 315 can have wall thicknesses within the range of approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 4 inches. Body portion 340 of railroad tie element 300 can comprise a top portion 310, a bottom portion 315, a right side portion 360, and a left side portion 350. The body portion 340 can be solid, or hollow, or partially filled with a material. Back portion 370 of railroad tie element 300 can comprise top portion 310, bottom portion 315, right side portion 360 (not shown), left side portion 350, outer portion 390, inner portion 380, and back hollow cross-section 385. Front portion 305 can extend from the outer portion 330 of railroad tie element 300 to the inner portion 320 of railroad tie element 300. In some embodiments, back hollow cross-section 385 can extend from the outer portion 390 of railroad tie element 300 to the inner portion 380 of railroad tie element. In other embodiments, back hollow cross-section 385 can extend from outer portion 390 to a point that is past the inner portion 380 of railroad tie element 300 on the plane that extends from the right side portion 360 of the outer portion 390 of the front portion 305 of railroad tie element 300 to the right side portion 360 of the outer portion 390 of the back portion 370. In some embodiments, the back portion 370 can include a left side portion 350, a top portion 310, and a bottom portion 315 with wall thicknesses of 1 approximately inch. In some embodiments, the wall thicknesses of the top and bottom portions can be approximately 2 in and the wall thicknesses of the left side portion 350 and right side portion 360 (not shown) can be approximately 1 inch. In other embodiments, the back portion 370 can include a left side portion 350, a top portion 310, and a bottom portion 315 with wall thicknesses of approximately 2 inches. In other embodiments, the back portion 370 can include a left side portion 350, a top portion 310, and a bottom portion 315 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.1 inches. In yet other embodiments, the back portion 370 can include a left side portion 350, a top portion 310, and a bottom portion 315 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.5 inches. In yet other embodiments, the back portion 370 can include a left side portion 350, a top portion 310, and a bottom portion 315 can have wall thicknesses within the range of approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 4 inches.

[0088] Turning now to FIG. 9, a front view of railroad tie element 300 is shown with a rounded rectangular shaped cross-section cut-out. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 300 can comprise a top portion 310, a bottom portion 315, a right side portion 360, a left side portion 350, a front hollow cross-section 395, and rounded edges 325. In many embodiments, the top portion 310 can be opposite to the bottom portion 315 and the left side portion 350 can be opposite to the right side portion 360. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 395 can be located between one or more of the top portion 310, the bottom portion 315, the left side portion 350, and the right side portion 360. In some embodiments, railroad tie element 300 can have rounded edges 325 on one or more of the edge between the top portion 310 and the right side portion 360, the edge between the right side portion 360 and the bottom portion 315, the edge between the bottom portion 315 and the left side portion 350, or the edge between the left side portion 350 and the top portion 310. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 395 can be a rectangle with rounded edges. In some embodiments, the thickness of the right side portion 360 and the thickness of the left side portion 350 can be less than the thickness of the top portion 310 and/or the bottom portion 315 of the railroad tie element 300. In an embodiment, the wall thicknesses of the left and right side portions (e.g. 350 and 360) can be approximately 1 inch and the wall thicknesses of the top and/or bottom portions (e.g. 310 and 315) can be approximately 2 inches. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the front hollow cross-section 395 can be cut out from the outer portion (e.g., 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830) to the inner portion (e.g. 120, 220, 320, 180, 280, 380) to achieve weight savings.

[0089] Turning now to FIGS. 10-12, front views of railroad tie elements 400, 500, and 600 are shown with cut-outs on the right side and left side portions. In many embodiments, railroad tie elements (e.g. 400, 500, 600) can comprise top portion (e.g. 410, 510, 610), right side portion (e.g. 460, 560, 660), right side edge cut outs (e.g. 470, 570, 670), cap (e.g. 420, 520, 620, 820), edges (e.g. 425, 525, 625), bottom portion (e.g. 415, 515, 615), outer portion (e.g. 430, 530, 630), left side edge cut outs (e.g. 440, 540, 640), and left side portion (e.g. 450, 550, 650). In some embodiments, the cap (e.g. 420, 520, 620, 820) can be located between one or more of the top portion (e.g. 410, 510, 610), the bottom portion (e.g. 415, 515, 615), the left side portion (e.g. 450, 550, 650), and the right side portion (e.g. 460, 560, 660). In some embodiments, cap (e.g. 420, 520, 620) can be a rectangular shape with rounded corners as shown in FIGS. 10-12. In other embodiments, cap (e.g. 420, 520, 620, 820) can be another suitable geometry such as to fill the front hollow cross-section (e.g. 195, 295, 395, 795, 1095, 1195, 1295, 1395, 1495, 1595, 1695, 1895) or the back hollow cross-section (e.g. 185, 285, 385, 1885) of a railroad tie element. In some embodiments, the cap (e.g. 420, 520, 620, 820) can be made out of rubber, plastic, foam, or any other suitable material.

[0090] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10-12, railroad tie elements (e.g. 400, 500, 600) can have rounded edges (e.g. 425, 525, 625) on one or more of (i) the edge between the top portion (e.g. 410, 510, 610) and the right side portion (e.g. 460, 560, 660), (ii) the edge between the right side portion and the bottom portion (e.g. 415, 515, 615), (iii) the edge between the bottom portion 415 and the left side portion (e.g. 450, 550, 650), (iv) or the edge between the left side portion (e.g. 450) and the top portion (e.g. 410, 510, 610). In some embodiments, the outer portion (e.g. 430, 530, 630) can be a rectangle with four rounded edges (e.g. 425, 525, 625), three semi-circular right side edge cut outs (e.g. 470, 570, 670) on the right side portion (e.g. 470, 570, 670) of the railroad tie element, and three semi-circular left side edge cut outs (e.g. 440, 540, 640) on the left side portion (e.g. 450, 550, 650) of the railroad tie element. In other embodiments, one or more of the top portion (e.g. 410, 510, 610, 810), bottom portion (e.g. 415, 515, 615, 815), left side portion (e.g. 450, 550, 650, 850), and right side portion (e.g. 460, 560, 660, 860) can have a smaller or larger number of edge cut outs of any suitable geometry (e.g. triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal, trapezoidal, scalloped, serrated, etc.). In some embodiments, one or more of the bottom portion (e.g. 415, 515, 615, 815), left side portion (e.g. 450, 550, 650, 850), and right side portion (e.g. 460, 560, 660, 860) can have a range of approximately 1 to approximately 20 edge cut outs of any suitable geometry on each portion. In some embodiments, one or more of the bottom portion (e.g. 415, 515, 615, 815), left side portion (e.g. 450, 550, 650, 850), and right side portion (e.g. 460, 560, 660, 860) can have a range of approximately 1 to approximately 5 edge cut outs of any suitable geometry on each portion. The right and left side edge cut out(s) (e.g. 470, 570, 670, 770, 870 and 440, 540, 640, 740, 840) can extend from the front portion of the railroad tie element to the back portion of the railroad tie element (as shown in FIG. 13).

[0091] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the left side edge cut outs 440 and the right side edge cut outs 470 can have a radius that is approximately 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the spacing between an edge cut out (e.g. 440, 470) and the nearest edge cut out (e.g. 440, 470) or rounded edge (e.g. 425) can be approximately 1 in. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the spacing between an edge cut out (e.g. 440, 470) and the nearest edge cut out (e.g. 440, 470) or rounded edge (e.g. 425) can be a range of approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 1.375 inches. In some embodiments, the left side edge cut outs 440 and the right side edge cut outs 470 can have a radius that is a range of approximately 0.2 inches to approximately 4 inches.

[0092] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the left side edge cut outs (e.g. 540 and 640) and the right side edge cut outs (e.g. 570 and 670) can have a diameter that is approximately 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, the left side edge cut outs (e.g. 540 and 640) and the right side edge cut outs (e.g. 570 and 670) can have a diameter that is a range of approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 1.75 inches. In some embodiments, the left side edge cut outs (e.g. 540 and 640) and the right side edge cut outs (e.g. 570 and 670) can have a diameter that is a range of approximately 0.10 inches to approximately 5.0 inches. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, the spacing between an edge cut out (e.g. 540, 570) and the nearest edge cut out (e.g. 540, 570) or rounded edge (e.g. 525) can be approximately 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the spacing between an edge cut out (e.g. 540, 570) and the nearest edge cut out (e.g. 540, 570) or rounded edge (e.g. 525) can be a range of approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 2.125 inches. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, the spacing between an edge cut out (e.g. 540, 570) and the nearest edge cut out (e.g. 540, 570) or rounded edge (e.g. 525) can be a range of approximately 0.1 inches to approximately 5.0 inches. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, the spacing between an edge cut out (e.g. 640, 670) and the nearest edge cut out (e.g. 640, 670) or rounded edge (e.g. 625) can be approximately 0.46 inches. In some embodiments, the spacing between an edge cut out (e.g. 640, 670) and the nearest edge cut out (e.g. 640, 670) or rounded edge (e.g. 625) can be a range of approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 0.813 inches. In some embodiments, the spacing between an edge cut out (e.g. 640, 670) and the nearest edge cut out (e.g. 640, 670) or rounded edge (e.g. 625) can be a range of approximately 0.1 inches to approximately 5.0 inches.

[0093] Turning now to FIG. 13 a perspective view of a railroad tie element 700 with cut-outs on the right side and left side portions of the railroad tie element extending from the outer portion 730 of the front portion 705 to the outer portion 790 of the back portion 770 of the railroad tie element 700. Railroad tie element 700 can comprise a front portion 705, a body portion 740, and a back portion 770. The front portion 705 of railroad tie element 700 can comprise a front hollow cross-section 795, outer portion 730, a top portion 710, right side cut outs 780, and right side portion 760. The body portion 740 of railroad tie element 700 can comprise a right side portion 760, a top portion 710, and right side edge cut outs 780. The body portion 740 can be coupled or disposed between the front portion 705 and the back portion 770 of railroad tie element 700. The back portion 770 of railroad tie element 700 can comprise a top portion 710, an outer portion 790, a right side portion 760, and right side edge cut outs 780. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section (e.g. 195, 295, 795) can extend approximately 12 in toward the outer portion (e.g. 190, 290, 790) of the back portion (e.g. 170, 270, 770). In other embodiments, the front hollow cross-section (e.g. 195, 295, 795) can extend from a range of approximately 8 inches toward the outer portion (e.g. 190, 290, 790) of the back portion (e.g. 170, 270, 770) to approximately 20 inches toward the outer portion (e.g. 190, 290, 790) of the back portion (e.g. 170, 270, 770). In some embodiments, the back hollow cross-section (e.g. 185, 285, 785) can extend approximately 12 inches toward the outer portion (e.g. 130, 230, 730) of the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 705). In other embodiments, the back hollow cross-section can extend approximately 8 inches toward the outer portion (e.g. 130, 230, 730) of the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 705). In other embodiments, (as also shown in FIG. 8) front hollow cross-section 395 can extend from outer portion 330 of front portion 305 to outer portion 390 of back portion 370. In some embodiments, the front portion 705 can include a left side portion 750, a top portion 710, and a bottom portion 715 with wall thicknesses of approximately 1 inch. In some embodiments, the front portion 705 can include a left side portion 750, a top portion 710, and a bottom portion 715 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thicknesses of the top and bottom portions can be approximately 2 inches and the wall thicknesses of the left side and right side portions can be approximately 1 inch. In other embodiments, the front portion 705 can include a left side portion 750, a top portion 710, and a bottom portion 715 with wall thicknesses of approximately 2 inches. In yet other embodiments, the front portion 705 can include a left side portion 750, a top portion 710, and a bottom portion 715 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.5 inches. In yet other embodiments, a left side portion 750, a top portion 710, and a bottom portion 715 can have wall thicknesses within the range of approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 4 inches. Body portion 740 of railroad tie element 700 can comprise a top portion 710, a bottom portion 715, a right side portion 760, and a left side portion 750. The body portion 740 can be solid, or hollow, or partially filled with a material. Back portion 770 of railroad tie element 700 can comprise top portion 710, bottom portion 715, right side portion 760 (not shown), left side portion 750, and outer portion 790. In some embodiments, the back portion 770 can include a left side portion 750, a top portion 710, and a bottom portion 715 with wall thicknesses of approximately 1 inch. In some embodiments, the wall thicknesses of the top and bottom portions can be approximately 2 inches and the wall thicknesses of the left side portion 750 and right side portion 760 (not shown) can be approximately 1 inch. In other embodiments, the back portion 770 can include a left side portion 750, a top portion 710, and a bottom portion 715 with wall thicknesses of approximately 2 inches. In other embodiments, the back portion 770 can include a left side portion 750, a top portion 710, and a bottom portion 715 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.1 inches. In yet other embodiments, the back portion 770 can include a left side portion 750, a top portion 710, and a bottom portion 715 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.5 inches. In yet other embodiments, the back portion 770 can include a left side portion 750, a top portion 710, and a bottom portion 715 can have wall thicknesses within the range of approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 4 inches.

[0094] Turning now to FIG. 14, a front view of a railroad tie element 800 with cut-outs on the right side and left side portions is shown. Railroad tie element 800 can comprise top portion 810, right side portion 860, right side edge cut out 870, cap 820, bottom portion 815, outer portion 830, left side edge cut out 840, left side portion 850, and protruding rounded edges 825. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, a trapezoidal shape can be removed from the left side portion 850 of railroad tie element 800 to provide a left side edge cut out 840. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, a trapezoidal shape can be removed from the right side portion 860 of the railroad tie element 800 to provide a right side edge cut out 870. In other embodiments, a different shape (e.g. semi-circular, triangle, serrated, rectangular, square, hexagonal, scalloped, serrated, etc.) can be cut out of the left side portion 850 and/or the right side portion 860 to achieve further weight savings.

[0095] Turning now to FIG. 15, a front view of a railroad tie element 900 with a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out is shown. Railroad tie element 900 can comprise top portion 910, front hollow cross-section 995, right side portion 960, bottom portion 915, outer portion 930, and left side portion 950. In some embodiments, front hollow cross-section (e.g. 995, 1095, 1195, 1295, 1395, 1495, 1595, 1695, 1895) can extend from the outer portion of the front portion of the railroad tie element to the outer portion of the back portion of the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15, the wall thickness from the top portion 910, the right side portion 960, the bottom portion 915, and the left side portion 950 to the front hollow cross-section 995 can be equidistant. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 15-22, outer portions (e.g. 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630) can be a rectangular shape with rounded edges. In other embodiments, not shown, outer portions (e.g. 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830) can be a rectangular shape with edges or sides of a different shape (e.g. different radius, non-rounded, scalloped, serrated, etc.). In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 15-22, the front, back, and/or body portions (not shown) can include a left side portion (e.g. 950, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350, 1450, 1550, 1650), a right side portion (e.g. 960, 1060, 1160, 1260, 1360, 1460, 1560, 1660), a top portion (e.g. 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510, 1610), and a bottom portion (e.g. 915, 1015, 1115, 1215, 1315, 1415, 1515, 1615) with wall thicknesses of approximately 1 inch. In other embodiments, the front, back, and/or body portions (not shown) can include a left side portion (e.g. 950, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350, 1450, 1550, 1650), a right side portion (e.g. 960, 1060, 1160, 1260, 1360, 1460, 1560, 1660), a top portion (e.g. 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510, 1610), and a bottom portion (e.g. 915, 1015, 1115, 1215, 1315, 1415, 1515, 1615) with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thicknesses of the front, back, and/or body portions can be approximately 2 inches and the wall thicknesses of the left side and right side portions can be approximately 1 inch. In other embodiments, the front, back, and/or body portions (not shown) can include a left side portion (e.g. 950, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350, 1450, 1550, 1650), a right side portion (e.g. 960, 1060, 1160, 1260, 1360, 1460, 1560, 1660), a top portion (e.g. 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510, 1610), and a bottom portion (e.g. 915, 1015, 1115, 1215, 1315, 1415, 1515, 1615) with wall thicknesses of approximately 2 inches. In other embodiments, the front, back, and/or body portions (not shown) can include a left side portion (e.g. 950, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350, 1450, 1550, 1650), a right side portion (e.g. 960, 1060, 1160, 1260, 1360, 1460, 1560, 1660), a top portion (e.g. 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510, 1610), and a bottom portion (e.g. 915, 1015, 1115, 1215, 1315, 1415, 1515, 1615) with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.5 inches. In other embodiments, the front, back, and/or body portions (not shown) can include a left side portion (e.g. 950, 1050, 1150, 1250, 1350, 1450, 1550, 1650), a right side portion (e.g. 960, 1060, 1160, 1260, 1360, 1460, 1560, 1660), a top portion (e.g. 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510, 1610), and a bottom portion (e.g. 915, 1015, 1115, 1215, 1315, 1415, 1515, 1615) with wall thicknesses within a range of approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 4 inches.

[0096] Turning now to FIG. 16, a front view of a railroad tie element 1000 with a rounded rectangular cross-section cut-out is shown. Railroad tie element 1000 can comprise top portion 1010, front hollow cross-section 1095, right side portion 1060, bottom portion 1015, outer portion 1030, and left side portion 1050. In some embodiments, front hollow cross-section (e.g. 995, 1095, 1195, 1295, 1395, 1495, 1595, 1695, 1895) can extend from the outer portion of the front portion of the railroad tie element to the outer portion of the back portion of the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, the wall thickness from the top portion 1010 and the bottom portion 1015 to the front hollow cross-section 1095 can be an equal distance that is larger than the distance from the right side portion 1060 and the left side portion 1050 to the front hollow cross-section 1095. In some embodiments, the distance from the bottom portion 1015 to the top portion 1010 can be approximately 7 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the bottom portion 1015 to the top portion 1010 can be a range of approximately 6 inches to approximately 9 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the left side portion 1050 to the right side portion 1060 can be approximately 9 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the left side portion 1050 to the right side portion 1060 can be a range of approximately 8 inches to 10 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the top portion of the front hollow cross-section 1095 to the bottom portion of the front hollow cross-section 1095 can be approximately 3 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the top portion of the front hollow cross-section 1095 to the bottom portion of the front hollow cross-section 1095 can be a range of approximately 2 inches to approximately 5 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the right portion of the front hollow cross-section 1095 to the left portion of the front hollow cross-section 1095 can be approximately 7 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the right portion of the front hollow cross-section 1095 to the left portion of the front hollow cross-section 1095 can be a range of approximately 6 inches to approximately 9 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of one or more edges of the front hollow cross-section 1095 can be approximately 0.625 inches.

[0097] Turning now to FIG. 17, a front view of a railroad tie element 1100 with two rounded rectangular cross-section cut-outs is shown. Railroad tie element 1100 can comprise top portion 1110, front hollow cross-section 1195, second front hollow cross-section 1190, right side portion 1160, bottom portion 1115, outer portion 1130, left side portion 1150, and support element 1175. In some embodiments, front hollow cross-section (e.g. 995, 1095, 1195, 1295, 1395, 1495, 1595, 1695, 1895) can extend from the outer portion of the front portion of the railroad tie element to the outer portion of the back portion of the railroad tie element. The length of support element 1175 can be approximately the same as the distance between the left side of the front hollow cross-section 1195 and the right side of the second front hollow cross-section 1190. Support element 1175 can provide extra strength and durability to railroad tie element 1100 in order to prevent cracking and/or other undesired deformation of the rail system. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, the distance between the front hollow cross-section 1195 and the second front hollow cross-section 1190 can be approximately the same as the distance from the right side portion 1160 to the outer right edge of the front hollow cross-section 1195 and approximately the same as the distance from the left outer edge of the second front hollow cross-section 1190 and the left side portion 1150 of the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, the distance from the top portion 1110 to the top portion of the front hollow cross-section 1195 can be approximately the same as the distance from the bottom portion 1115 to the bottom portion of the front hollow cross-section 1195. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, the distance from the top portion 1110 to the top portion of the second front hollow cross-section 1190 can be approximately the same as the distance from the bottom portion 1115 to the bottom portion of the second front hollow cross-section 1190. In some embodiments, the second front hollow cross-section (e.g. 1190, 1290, 1490, 1690) can be located between one of the right side portion of the front portion (e.g. 1160, 1260, 1460, 1660, 1860) or the left side portion of the front portion (e.g. 1150, 1250, 1450, 1650, 1850) and the front hollow cross-section (e.g. 1195, 1295, 1495, 1695, 1895).

[0098] In some embodiments, not shown, the second front hollow cross-section (e.g. 1190, 1290, 1490, 1690) can extend approximately 12 inches toward the outer portion of the back portion. In other embodiments, the second front hollow cross-section (e.g. 1190, 1290, 1490, 1690) can extend from a range of approximately 8 inches toward the outer portion of the back portion to approximately 20 inches toward the outer portion of the back portion. In other embodiments, the second front hollow cross-section (e.g. 1190, 1290, 1490, 1690) can extend from the outer portion of the front portion of the railroad tie element to the outer portion of the back portion of the railroad tie element. In other embodiments, a second back hollow cross-section can be located between one of the right side portion of the back portion or the left side portion of the back portion and the back hollow cross-section. In some embodiments, the second back hollow cross-section (not shown) can extend approximately 12 inches toward the outer portion of the front portion. In other embodiments, the second back hollow cross-section can extend approximately 8 inches toward the outer portion of the front portion.

[0099] Turning now to FIG. 18, a front view of a railroad tie element 1200 with two rounded rectangular cross-section cut-outs is shown. Railroad tie element 1200 can comprise top portion 1210, front hollow cross-section 1295, second front hollow cross-section 1290, right side portion 1260, bottom portion 1215, outer portion 1230, left side portion 1250, and support element 1275. The length of support element 1275 can be approximately the same as the distance between the left side of the front hollow cross-section 1295 and the right side of the second front hollow cross-section 1290. Support element 1275 can provide extra strength and durability to railroad tie element 1200 in order to prevent cracking and/or other undesired deformation of the rail system. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18, the distance between the front hollow cross-section 1295 and the second front hollow cross-section 1290 can be less than the distance from the right side portion 1260 to the outer right edge of the front hollow cross-section 1295 and less than the distance from the left outer edge of the second front hollow cross-section 1290 and the left side portion 1250 of the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18, the distance from the top portion 1210 to the top portion of the front hollow cross-section 1295 can be approximately the same as the distance from the bottom portion 1215 to the bottom portion of the front hollow cross-section 1295. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18, the distance from the top portion 1210 to the top portion of the second front hollow cross-section 1290 can be approximately the same as the distance from the bottom portion 1215 to the bottom portion of the second front hollow cross-section 1290.

[0100] Turning now to FIG. 19, a front view of a railroad tie element 1300 with a circular or rounded cross-section cut-out is shown. Railroad tie element 1300 can comprise top portion 1310, front hollow cross-section 1395, right side portion 1360, bottom portion 1315, outer portion 1330, and left side portion 1350. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the outer portion 1330 can have a greater wall thickness at the right side portion 1360 and the left side portion 1350 than at the top portion 1310 and the bottom portion 1315 of the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the wall thickness of the right side portion 1360 can be approximately the same as the wall thickness of the left side portion 1350. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the wall thickness of the top portion 1310 can be approximately the same as the wall thickness of the bottom portion 1315.

[0101] Turning now to FIG. 20, a front view of a railroad tie element 1400 with two circular or rounded cross-section cut-outs is shown. Railroad tie element 1400 can comprise top portion 1410, front hollow cross-section 1495, second front hollow cross-section 1490, right side portion 1460, bottom portion 1415, outer portion 1430, left side portion 1450, and support element 1475. The length of support element 1475 can be approximately the same as the distance between the left side of the second front hollow cross-section 1490 and the right side of the front hollow cross-section 1495. Support element 1475 can provide extra strength and durability to railroad tie element 1400 in order to prevent cracking and/or other undesired deformation of the rail system. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the distance between the front hollow cross-section 1495 and the second front hollow cross-section 1490 can be approximately the same as the distance from the right side portion 1460 to the outer right edge of the front hollow cross-section 1495 and approximately the same as the distance from the left outer edge of the second front hollow cross-section 1490 and the left side portion 1450 of the railroad tie element. In other embodiments, not shown, the length of support element 1475 can be greater than (i) the distance between the right side of the front hollow cross-section 1495 and the right side portion 1460, and (ii) the distance between the left side portion of the second front hollow cross-section 1490 and the left side portion 1450. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the distance from the top portion 1410 to the top portion of the front hollow cross-section 1495 can be approximately the same as the distance from the bottom portion 1415 to the bottom portion of the front hollow cross-section 1495. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the distance from the top portion 1410 to the top portion of the second front hollow cross-section 1490 can be approximately the same as the distance from the bottom portion 1415 to the bottom portion of the second front hollow cross-section 1490.

[0102] Turning now to FIG. 21, a front view of a railroad tie element 1500 with an oval shaped cross-section cut-out is shown. Railroad tie element 1500 can comprise top portion 1510, front hollow cross-section 1595, right side portion 1560, bottom portion 1515, outer portion 1530, and left side portion 1550. Railroad tie element 1300 can comprise top portion 1310, front hollow cross-section 1395, right side portion 1360, bottom portion 1315, outer portion 1330, and left side portion 1350. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21, the outer portion 1530 can have a greater wall thickness at the top portion 1510 and the bottom portion 1515 of the railroad tie element than at the right side portion 1560 and the left side portion 1550 of the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21, the wall thickness of the right side portion 1560 can be approximately the same as the wall thickness of the left side portion 1550. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21, the wall thickness of the top portion 1510 can be approximately the same as the wall thickness of the bottom portion 1515.

[0103] Turning now to FIG. 22, a front view of a railroad tie element 1600 with two oval shaped cross-section cut-outs is shown. Railroad tie element 1600 can comprise top portion 1610, front hollow cross-section 1695, second front hollow cross-section 1690, right side portion 1660, bottom portion 1615, outer portion 1630, left side portion 1650, and support element 1675. The length of support element 1675 can be approximately the same as the distance between the left side of the second front hollow cross-section 1690 and the right side of the front hollow cross-section 1695. Support element 1675 can provide extra strength and durability to railroad tie element 1600 in order to prevent cracking and/or other undesired deformation of the rail system. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 22, the distance between the front hollow cross-section 1695 and the second front hollow cross-section 1690 can be approximately the same as the distance from the right side portion 1660 to the outer right edge of the front hollow cross-section 1695 and approximately the same as the distance from the left outer edge of the second front hollow cross-section 1690 and the left side portion 1650 of the railroad tie element. In other embodiments, not shown, the length of support element 1675 can be greater than (i) the distance between the right side of the front hollow cross-section 1695 and the right side portion 1660, and (ii) the distance between the left side portion of the second front hollow cross-section 1690 and the left side portion 1650. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 22, the distance from the top portion 1610 to the top portion of the front hollow cross-section 1695 can be approximately the same as the distance from the bottom portion 1615 to the bottom portion of the front hollow cross-section 1695. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 22, the distance from the top portion 1610 to the top portion of the second front hollow cross-section 1690 can be approximately the same as the distance from the bottom portion 1615 to the bottom portion of the second front hollow cross-section 1690.

[0104] Turning now to FIG. 24, a front view of a railroad tie element 1800 with a rounded rectangular shaped cross-section cut-out is shown. Railroad tie element 1800 can comprise top portion 1810, front hollow cross-section 1895, right side portion 1860, bottom portion 1815, left side portion 1850, and rounded edges 1825. In many embodiments, the top portion 1810 can be opposite to the bottom portion 1815 and the left side portion 1850 can be opposite to the right side portion 1860. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 1895 can be located between one or more of the top portion 1810, the bottom portion 1815, the left side portion 1850, and the right side portion 1860. In some embodiments, railroad tie element 1800 can have rounded edges 1825 on one or more of the edge between the top portion 1810 and the right side portion 1860, the edge between the right side portion 1860 and the bottom portion 1815, the edge between the bottom portion 1815 and the left side portion 1850, and/or the edge between the left side portion 1850 and the top portion 1810. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 1895 can be a rectangle with rounded edges. In some embodiments, the thickness of the right side portion 1860 and the thickness of the left side portion 1850 can be less than the thickness of the top portion 1810 and/or the bottom portion 1815 of the railroad tie element 1800. In some embodiments, the thickness of the right side portion 1860 can be the distance from an edge of the right side portion 1860 to an edge of the front hollow cross-section 1895. In some embodiments, the thickness of the left side portion 1850 can be the distance from an edge of the left side portion 1850 to an edge of the front hollow cross-section 1895. In some embodiments, front hollow cross-section 1895 can include no fill. In other embodiments, front hollow cross-section 1895 can include a fill. In some embodiments, the thickness of the top portion 1810 can be the distance from an edge of the top portion 1810 to an edge of the front hollow cross-section 1895. In some embodiments, the thickness of the bottom portion 1815 can be the distance from an edge of the bottom portion 1815 to an edge of the front hollow cross-section 1895. In some embodiments, the thickness of the left side portion 1850, right side portion 1860, and bottom portion 1815 can be a range of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the left side portion 1850, right side portion 1860, and bottom portion 1815 can be a range of approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 4.0 inches. In some embodiments, the thicknesses of the top portion 1810 can be a range of approximately 1.0 inch to approximately 3.5 inches. In some embodiments, the thicknesses of the top portion 1810 can be a range of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 6.0 inches. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 27, the front hollow cross-section 1895 can be cut out from the outer portion (e.g., 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830) to the back cross-section cut-out portion (e.g. 185, 285, 385, 1885) to achieve weight savings.

[0105] Turning now to FIG. 25, a front view of railroad tie element 1800 is shown. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 1800 can comprise a top portion 1810, a bottom portion 1815, a right side portion 1860, a left side portion 1850, a front hollow cross-section 1895, and rounded edges 1825. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 1895 can be a rectangle with rounded edges. In some embodiments, the thickness of the right side portion 1860 and the thickness of the left side portion 1850 can be cut down as part of a secondary machining operation to remove weight from the railroad tie element 1800. In other embodiments, the right side portion 1860 and the left side portion 1850 can be manufactured such that the wall thickness of the left side portion 1850 and/or the right side portion 1860 is less than the wall thickness of the top portion 1810 and/or the bottom portion 1815 of the railroad tie element 1800 without the need for any secondary machining operations. In some embodiments, the thickness of the left side portion 1850 and/or right side portion 1860 can be approximately 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of bottom portion 1815 can be approximately 1.55 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of top portion 1810 can be approximately 2.75 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the bottom portion 1815 to the top portion 1810 of railroad tie element 1800 can be approximately 7.0 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the left side portion 1850 to the right side portion 1860 of railroad tie element 1800 can be approximately 9.0 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the bottom portion 1815 to the top portion 1810 of railroad tie element 1800 can be a range of approximately 5.0 inches to approximately 9.0 inches. In some embodiments, the distance from the left side portion 1850 to the right side portion 1860 of railroad tie element 1800 can be a range of approximately 6.0 inches to approximately 12.0 inches.

[0106] Turning now to FIG. 26, a perspective view of railroad tie element 1800 is shown with a rounded rectangular shaped cross-section cut-out. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 1800 can comprise a top portion 1810, a right side portion 1860, a left side portion 1850, a front hollow cross-section 1895, and an outer portion 1830. The front hollow cross-section 1895, as shown in FIG. 26, is a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The outer portion 1830, as shown in FIG. 26, is a rectangular shape with rounded edges 325.

[0107] Turning now to FIG. 27, a cross-section view of the railroad tie element 1800 is shown with a rectangle with rounded corners shaped cross-section cut-out. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 1800 can comprise a front portion 1805, a body portion 1840, and a back portion 1870. Front portion 1805, body portion 1840, and/or back portion 1870 of railroad tie element 1800 can include top portion 1810, bottom portion 1815, right side portion 1860, left side portion 1850, inner portion 1820, outer portion 1830, and front hollow cross-section 1895. Front portion 1805 can extend from the outer portion 1830 of railroad tie element 1800 to the inner portion 1820 of railroad tie element 1800. In some embodiments, front hollow cross-section 1895 can extend from the outer portion 1830 of railroad tie element 1800 to the inner portion 1820 of railroad tie element. In other embodiments, front hollow cross-section 1895 can extend from outer portion 1830 to a point that is past the inner portion 1820 of railroad tie element 1800 on the plane that extends from the right side portion 1860 of the outer portion 1830 of the front portion 1805 of railroad tie element 1800 to the right side portion 1860 of the outer portion 1890 of the back portion 1870. In some embodiments, the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705, 1805) can include a left side portion (e.g. 150, 250, 350, 750, 1850) and/or a right side portion (e.g. 160, 260, 360, 760, 1860) with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705, 1805), body portion 1840, and/or back portion 1870 can include a left side portion (e.g. 150, 250, 350, 750, 1850), a right side portion (e.g. 160, 260, 360, 760, 1860), and/or a bottom portion (e.g. 115, 215, 315, 715, 1815) with a range of wall thicknesses of approximately 0.50 inches to approximately 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705, 1805), body portion 1840, and/or back portion 1870 can include a left side portion (e.g. 150, 250, 350, 750, 1850), a right side portion (e.g. 160, 260, 360, 760, 1860), and/or a bottom portion (e.g. 115, 215, 315, 715, 1815) with a range of wall thicknesses of approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 4.0 inches. In some embodiments, the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705, 1805), body portion 1840, and/or back portion 1870 can include a top portion (e.g. 110, 210, 310, 710, 1810) with a range of wall thicknesses of approximately 1.0 inches to approximately 3.5 inches. In some embodiments, the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705, 1805), body portion 1840, and/or back portion 1870 can include a top portion (e.g. 110, 210, 310, 710, 1810) with a range of wall thicknesses of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 6.0 inches.

[0108] In some embodiments, the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705, 1805), body portion 1840, and/or back portion 1870 can include a top portion (e.g. 110, 210, 310, 710, 1810) with wall thicknesses of approximately 2.75 inches. In some embodiments, the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705, 1805), body portion 1840, and/or back portion 1870 can include a bottom portion 1815 with wall thicknesses of approximately 1.55 inches. In some embodiments, the front portion (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705, 1805), body portion 1840, and/or back portion 1870 can include a right side portion 1860 and/or a left side portion 1850 with wall thicknesses of approximately 0.75 inches. Front portion 1805, body portion 1840, and/or back portion 1870 can be solid, or hollow, or partially filled with a material. Back portion 1870 of railroad tie element 1800 can comprise top portion 1810, bottom portion 1815, right side portion 1860, left side portion 1850, outer portion 1890, inner portion 1880, and back hollow cross-section 1885. Front portion 1805 can extend from the outer portion 1830 of railroad tie element 1800 to the inner portion 1820 of railroad tie element 1800. In some embodiments, back hollow cross-section 1885 can extend from the outer portion 1890 of railroad tie element 1800 to the inner portion 1880 of railroad tie element. In other embodiments, back hollow cross-section 1885 can extend from outer portion 1890 to a point that is past the inner portion 1880 of railroad tie element 1800 on the plane that extends from the right side portion 1860 of the outer portion 1890 of the front portion 1805 of railroad tie element 1800 to the right side portion 1860 of the outer portion 1890 of the back portion 1870. In some embodiments, the wall thicknesses of the portions comprising the front portions (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705, 1805) and the back portions (e.g. 170, 270, 370, 770, 1870) can have a constant wall thickness. In other embodiments, the wall thicknesses of the portions comprising the front portions (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705, 1805) and the back portions (e.g. 170, 270, 370, 770, 1870) can have a tapered wall thickness that becomes gradually thicker or narrower from the outer portion (e.g., 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830) to the inner portion (e.g. 120, 220, 320, 1820, 180, 280, 380, 1880) of the railroad tie element. The constant or taper wall thickness can comprise one or more of the right side portion (e.g. 160, 260, 360, 1860), the left side portion (e.g. 150, 250, 350, 1850), the top portion (e.g. 110, 210, 310, 1810), or the bottom portion (e.g. 115, 215, 315, 1815) of the railroad tie element.

[0109] Turning now to FIG. 28, a front view of railroad tie element 1000 is shown. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 1000 can comprise a top portion 1010, a bottom portion 1015, a right side portion 1060, a left side portion 1050, a front hollow cross-section 1095, and rounded edges 1025. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 1095 can be a rectangle with rounded edges. In some embodiments, the thickness of the right side portion 1060 and the thickness of the left side portion 1050 can be cut down as part of a secondary machining operation to remove weight from the railroad tie element 1000. In other embodiments, the right side portion 1060 and the left side portion 1050 can be manufactured such that the wall thickness of the left side portion 1050 and/or the right side portion 1060 is less than the wall thickness of the top portion 1010 and/or the bottom portion 1015 of the railroad tie element 1000 without the need for any secondary machining operations.

[0110] Turning now to FIG. 29, a front view of railroad tie element 1900 is shown. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 1900 can comprise a top portion 1910, a bottom portion 1915, a top right side portion 1960, a bottom right side portion 1962, a top left side portion 1950, a bottom left side portion 1952, a center portion 1968, a right side hollow cross-section 1964, a front right side hollow cross-section 1994, a front left side hollow cross-section 1954, and one or more rounded edge 1925. Top portion 1910 can include top right side portion 1960. Top portion 1910 also can include top left side portion 1950. Bottom portion 1915 can include bottom right side portion 1962. Bottom portion 1915 also can include bottom left side portion 1952. In some embodiments, right side hollow cross-section 1964 can be a partial rectangle with rounded edges. In some embodiments, the thickness of one or more of center portion 1968, top right side portion 1960, bottom right side portion 1962, top left side portion 1950, or bottom left side portion 1952 can be cut down as part of a secondary machining operation to remove weight from the railroad tie element 1900. In some embodiments, the thickness of center portion 1968 can be cut down to increase the size of one or more of right side hollow cross-section 1964 or left side hollow cross-section (not shown). In some embodiments, top portion 1910 can have a thickness that is approximately equal to a thickness of bottom portion 1915. In some embodiments, top portion 1910 can have a thickness that is greater than a thickness of bottom portion 1915. In some embodiments, top portion 1910 can have a thickness that is less than a thickness of bottom portion 1915. In some embodiments, top portion 1910 can have a thickness that is a range of approximately 1.0 inch to approximately 3.5 inches thick. In some embodiments, top portion 1910 can have a thickness that is a range of approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 7 inches thick. In some embodiments, bottom portion 1915 can have a thickness that is a range of approximately 1.0 inch to approximately 3.5 inches thick. In some embodiments, bottom portion 1915 can have a thickness that is a range of approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 7 inches thick. In some embodiments, center portion 1968 can have a thickness that is a range of approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 3.0 inches thick. In some embodiments, center portion 1968 can have a thickness that is a range of approximately 0.25 inch to approximately 6 inches thick. In some embodiments, top portion 1910 can be symmetrical to bottom portion 1915. In some embodiments, top portion 1910 can be asymmetrical to bottom portion 1915. In some embodiments, right side hollow cross-section 1964 can be symmetrical to left side hollow cross-section (not shown). In some embodiments, right side hollow cross-section 1964 can be asymmetrical to left side hollow cross-section (not shown). In some embodiments, front right side hollow cross-section 1994 can be symmetrical to front left side hollow cross-section 1954. In some embodiments, front right side hollow cross-section 1994 can be asymmetrical to front left side hollow cross-section 1954.

[0111] Turning now to FIG. 30, a perspective view of the railroad tie element 1900 is shown. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 1900 can include a front portion 1905, a body portion 1940, and a back portion 1970. Front portion 1905, body portion 1940, and/or back portion 1970 of railroad tie element 1900 can include top portion 1910, bottom portion 1915, top right side portion 1960, bottom right side portion 1962, top left side portion 1950, bottom left side portion 1952, front right side hollow cross-section 1994, right side hollow cross-section 1964, front left side hollow cross-section 1954, outer portion 1990 of the back portion 1970, inner portion 1920 and/or outer portion 1930. Front portion 1905 can extend from outer portion 1930 of the railroad tie element to an inner portion 1920 of the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, front right side hollow cross-section 1994 can extend from the outer portion 1930 to the inner portion 1920 of the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, front left side hollow cross-section 1954, can extend from the outer portion 1930 to the inner portion 1920 of the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, front right side hollow cross-section 1994 can extend from outer portion 1930 to a point that is past inner portion 1920 of the railroad tie element on a plane that extends from the top right side portion 1960 or the bottom right side portion 1962 of the outer portion 1930 of the front portion 1905 to the top right side portion 1960 or the bottom right side portion 1962 of the outer portion 1990 of the back portion 1970. In some embodiments, right side hollow cross-section 1964 can extend from front right side hollow cross-section 1994 to back hollow cross-section 1985. In some embodiments, left side hollow cross-section (not shown) can extend from front left side hollow cross-section 1954 to back hollow cross-section 1985.

[0112] In some embodiments, the front portion 1905, body portion 1940, or back portion 1970 can include a center portion 1968 with wall thicknesses of a range of approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 3.0 inches. In some embodiments, the front portion 1905, body portion 1940, or back portion 1970 can include a center portion 1968 with wall thicknesses of a range of approximately 0.25 inch to approximately 6.0 inches. In some embodiments, the front portion 1905, body portion 1940, or back portion 1970 can include a top left side portion 1950 or a top right side portion 1960 with wall thicknesses of a range of approximately 1.0 inch to approximately 3.5 inches thick. In some embodiments, the front portion 1905, body portion 1940, or back portion 1970 can include a top left side portion 1950 or a top right side portion 1960 with wall thicknesses of a range of approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 7.0 inches thick. In some embodiments, the front portion 1905, body portion 1940, or back portion 1970 can include a bottom right side portion 1962 or a bottom left side portion 1952 with a range of wall thicknesses of approximately 1.0 inch to approximately 3.5 inches. In some embodiments, the front portion 1905, body portion 1940, or back portion 1970 can include a bottom right side portion 1962 or a bottom left side portion 1952 with a range of wall thicknesses of approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 7.0 inches.

[0113] Front portion 1905, body portion 1940, and/or back portion 1970 can be solid, or hollow, or partially filled with a material. Back portion 1970 of railroad tie element 1900 can comprise top portion 1910, bottom portion 1915, outer portion 1990, inner portion 1980, and back hollow cross-section 1985.

[0114] Front portion 1905 can extend from the outer portion 1930 of railroad tie element 1900 to the inner portion 1920 of railroad tie element 1900. In some embodiments, back hollow cross-section 1985 can extend from the outer portion 1990 of railroad tie element 1900 to the inner portion 1980 of the railroad tie element. In other embodiments, back hollow cross-section 1985 can extend from outer portion 1990 to a point that is past the inner portion 1980 of railroad tie element 1900 on the plane that extends from the top right side portion 1960 or bottom right side portion 1962 of the outer portion 1990 of the front portion 1905 of railroad tie element 1900 to the top right side portion 1960 or the bottom right side portion 1962 of the outer portion 1990 of the back portion 1970. In some embodiments, the wall thicknesses of front portion 1905 and back portion 1970 can have a constant wall thickness. In other embodiments, the wall thicknesses of front portion 1905 and back portion 1970 can have a tapered wall thickness that becomes gradually thicker or narrower from the outer portion (e.g. 1930 ,1990) to the inner portion (e.g. 1920, 1980) of the railroad tie element. The constant or taper wall thickness can comprise one or more of a top right side portion 1960, a bottom right side portion 1962, a top left side portion 1950, a bottom left side portion 1952, or a center portion 1968 of the railroad tie element.

[0115] Turning now to FIG. 31, a cross-sectional view cut along the Y and Z planes of the railroad tie element 1900 is shown. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 1900 can comprise an outer portion 1930, a top portion 1910, a bottom portion 1915, a top left side portion 1950, a bottom left side portion 1952, a center portion 1968, a front left side hollow cross-section 1954, and one or more rounded edge 1925. The front left side hollow cross-section 1954, as shown in FIG. 31, is a partial rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0116] Turning now to FIG. 32, a front view of a railroad tie element 2000 with a truss cross-section cut-out is shown. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 2000 can comprise a top portion 2010, a bottom portion 2015, an outer portion 2030, a right-side portion 2060, a left side portion 2050, a front hollow cross-section 2095, a support element 2055, and rounded edges 2025. In many embodiments, the top portion 2010 can be opposite to the bottom portion 2015 and the left side portion 2050 can be opposite to the right-side portion 2060. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 2095 can be located between one or more of the top portion 2010, the bottom portion 2015, the left side portion 2050, and the right-side portion 2060. In some embodiments, railroad tie element 2000 can have rounded edges 2025 on one or more of the edge between the top portion 2010 and the right side portion 2060, the edge between the right side portion 2060 and the bottom portion 2015, the edge between the bottom portion 2015 and the left side portion 2050, or the edge between the left side portion 2050 and the top portion 2010. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 2095 can be a rectangle with rounded edges. In some embodiments, the thickness of the right-side portion 2060 and the thickness of the left side portion 2050 can be less than the thickness of the top portion 2010 and/or the bottom portion 2015 of the railroad tie element 2000. In an embodiment, the wall thicknesses of the right-side portion, the left side portion, and/or the bottom portion (e.g. 2050, 2060, 2015) can be approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 4.0 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thicknesses of the right-side portion, the left side portion, and/or the bottom portion (e.g. 2050, 2060, 2015) can be approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the top portion 2010 can be approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 6.0 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the top portion 2010 can be approximately 1.0 inches to approximately 3.5 inches. In an embodiment, the wall thicknesses of the left and right-side portions (e.g. 2050 and 2060) can be approximately 1 inch and the wall thicknesses of the top and/or bottom portions (e.g. 2010 and 2015) can be approximately 2 inches. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the front hollow cross-section 2095 can be cut out from an outer portion (e.g., 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830) to an inner portion (e.g. 120, 220, 320, 180, 280, 380) to achieve weight savings.

[0117] Support element 2055 can be similar or identical to support element 1175. In some embodiments, a length of support element 2055 can be greater than the distance from the left side portion 2050 to the right-side portion 2060. In some embodiments, support element 2055 can be a w shape. In some embodiments, support element 2055 can have a thickness of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, support element 2055 can form one or more triangles in the front hollow cross-section 2095. In some embodiments, support element 2055 can form five triangular shaped areas in the front hollow cross-section 2095. Support element 2055 can provide extra strength and durability to a railroad tie element in order to prevent cracking and/or other undesired deformation of the rail system.

[0118] Turning now to FIG. 33, a front view of a railroad tie element 2100 with a truss cross-section cut-out is shown. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 2100 can comprise a top portion 2110, a bottom portion 2115, an outer portion 2130, a right-side portion 2160, a left side portion 2150, a front hollow cross-section 2195, a support element 2155, and rounded edges 2125. In many embodiments, the top portion 2110 can be opposite to the bottom portion 2115 and the left side portion 2150 can be opposite to the right-side portion 2160. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 2195 can be located between one or more of the top portion 2110, the bottom portion 2015, the left side portion 2150, and the right-side portion 2160. In some embodiments, railroad tie element 2100 can have rounded edges 2125 on one or more of the edge between the top portion 2110 and the right side portion 2160, the edge between the right side portion 2160 and the bottom portion 2115, the edge between the bottom portion 2115 and the left side portion 2150, or the edge between the left side portion 2150 and the top portion 2110. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 2195 can be a rectangle with rounded edges. In some embodiments, the thickness of the right-side portion 2160 and the thickness of the left side portion 2150 can be less than the thickness of the top portion 2110 and/or the bottom portion 2115 of the railroad tie element 2100. In an embodiment, the wall thicknesses of the right-side portion, the left side portion, and/or the bottom portion (e.g. 2150, 2160, 2115) can be approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 4.0 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thicknesses of the right-side portion, the left side portion, and/or the bottom portion (e.g. 2150, 2160, 2115) can be approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the top portion 2110 can be approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 6.0 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the top portion 2110 can be approximately 1.0 inches to approximately 3.5 inches. In an embodiment, the wall thicknesses of the left and right-side portions (e.g. 2150 and 2160) can be approximately 1 inch and the wall thicknesses of the top and/or bottom portions (e.g. 2110 and 2115) can be approximately 2 inches. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the front hollow cross-section 2195 can be cut out from an outer portion (e.g., 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830) to an inner portion (e.g. 120, 220, 320, 180, 280, 380) to achieve weight savings.

[0119] Support element 2155 can be similar or identical to support element 1175 and/or support element 2055. In some embodiments, the length of support element 2155 can be greater than the distance from the left side portion 2150 to the right-side portion 2160. In some embodiments, support element 2155 can be an M shape. In some embodiments, support element 2155 can have a thickness of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, support element 2155 can form one or more triangles in the front hollow cross-section 2195. In some embodiments, support element 2155 can form five triangular shaped areas in the front hollow cross-section 2195. Support element 2155 can provide extra strength and durability to a railroad tie element in order to prevent cracking and/or other undesired deformation of the rail system.

[0120] Turning now to FIG. 34, a front view of a railroad tie element 2200 with a truss cross-section cut-out is shown. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 2200 can comprise a top portion 2210, a bottom portion 2215, an outer portion 2230, a right-side portion 2260, a left side portion 2250, a front hollow cross-section 2295, a support element 2255, and rounded edges 2225. In many embodiments, the top portion 2210 can be opposite to the bottom portion 2215 and the left side portion 2250 can be opposite to the right-side portion 2260. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 2295 can be located between one or more of the top portion 2210, the bottom portion 2215, the left side portion 2250, and the right-side portion 2260. In some embodiments, railroad tie element 2200 can have rounded edges 2225 on one or more of the edge between the top portion 2210 and the right side portion 2260, the edge between the right side portion 2260 and the bottom portion 2215, the edge between the bottom portion 2215 and the left side portion 2250, or the edge between the left side portion 2250 and the top portion 2210. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 2295 can be a rectangle with rounded edges. In some embodiments, the thickness of the right-side portion 2260 and the thickness of the left side portion 2250 can be less than the thickness of the top portion 2210 and/or the bottom portion 2215 of the railroad tie element 2200. In an embodiment, the wall thicknesses of the right-side portion, the left side portion, and/or the bottom portion (e.g. 2250, 2260, 2215) can be approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 4.0 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thicknesses of the right-side portion, the left side portion, and/or the bottom portion (e.g. 2250, 2260, 2215) can be approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the top portion 2210 can be approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 6.0 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the top portion 2210 can be approximately 1.0 inches to approximately 3.5 inches. In an embodiment, the wall thicknesses of the left and right-side portions (e.g. 2250 and 2260) can be approximately 1 inch and the wall thicknesses of the top and/or bottom portions (e.g. 2210 and 2215) can be approximately 2 inches. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the front hollow cross-section 2295 can be cut out from an outer portion (e.g., 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830) to an inner portion (e.g. 120, 220, 320, 180, 280, 380) to achieve weight savings.

[0121] Support element 2255 can be similar or identical to support element 1175, support element 2055, and/or support element 2155. In some embodiments, the length of support element 2255 can be greater than the distance from the left side portion 2250 to the right-side portion 2260. In some embodiments, support element 2255 can be an M shape with a support structure extending upwards from the center of the M shape. In some embodiments, support element 2255 can have a thickness of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, support element 2255 can form one or more triangles in the front hollow cross-section 2295. In some embodiments, support element 2255 can form six triangular shaped areas in the front hollow cross-section 2295. Support element 2255 can provide extra strength and durability to a railroad tie element in order to prevent cracking and/or other undesired deformation of the rail system.

[0122] Turning now to FIG. 35, a front view of a railroad tie element 2300 with a truss cross-section cut-out is shown. In many embodiments, railroad tie element 2300 can comprise a top portion 2310, a bottom portion 2315, an outer portion 2330, a right-side portion 2360, a left side portion 2350, a front hollow cross-section 2395, a support element 2355, and rounded edges 2325. In many embodiments, the top portion 2310 can be opposite to the bottom portion 2315 and the left side portion 2350 can be opposite to the right-side portion 2360. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 2395 can be located between one or more of the top portion 2310, the bottom portion 2315, the left side portion 2350, and the right-side portion 2360. In some embodiments, railroad tie element 2300 can have rounded edges 2325 on one or more of the edge between the top portion 2310 and the right side portion 2360, the edge between the right side portion 2360 and the bottom portion 2315, the edge between the bottom portion 2315 and the left side portion 2350, or the edge between the left side portion 2350 and the top portion 2310. In some embodiments, the front hollow cross-section 2395 can be a rectangle with rounded edges. In some embodiments, the thickness of the right-side portion 2360 and the thickness of the left side portion 2350 can be less than the thickness of the top portion 2310 and/or the bottom portion 2315 of the railroad tie element 2300. In an embodiment, the wall thicknesses of the right-side portion, the left side portion, and/or the bottom portion (e.g. 2350, 2360, 2315) can be approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 4.0 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thicknesses of the right-side portion, the left side portion, and/or the bottom portion (e.g. 2350, 2360, 2315) can be approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the top portion 2310 can be approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 6.0 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the top portion 2310 can be approximately 1.0 inches to approximately 3.5 inches. In an embodiment, the wall thicknesses of the left and right-side portions (e.g. 2350 and 2360) can be approximately 1 inch and the wall thicknesses of the top and/or bottom portions (e.g. 2310 and 2315) can be approximately 2 inches. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the front hollow cross-section 2395 can be cut out from an outer portion (e.g., 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830) to an inner portion (e.g. 120, 220, 320, 180, 280, 380) to achieve weight savings.

[0123] Support element 2355 can be similar or identical to support element 1175, support element 2055, support element 2155, and/or support element 2255. In some embodiments, the length of support element 2355 can be greater than the distance from the left side portion 2350 to the right-side portion 2360. In some embodiments, support element 2355 can be a W shape with a support structure extending downwards from the center of the W. In some embodiments, support element 2355 can have a thickness of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, support element 2355 can form one or more triangles in the front hollow cross-section 2395. In some embodiments, support element 2355 can form six triangular shaped areas in the front hollow cross-section 2395. Support element 2355 can provide extra strength and durability to a railroad tie element in order to prevent cracking and/or other undesired deformation of the rail system.

[0124] FIG. 23 illustrates a flow chart for a method 1700 of providing a railroad tie element, according to an embodiment. The railroad tie element can be similar or identical to similar railroad tie element 100, 200, 300, 700. The railroad tie element can include edge geometries similar to or identical to the railroad tie elements 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800. The railroad tie element also can include cross-section geometries similar to or identical to the cross-sections of railroad tie elements 100, 200, 300, 700, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300. Method 1700 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The method can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 1700 can be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 1700 can be performed in any suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more of the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 1700 can be combined or skipped.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 23, a method 1700 can include an activity 1710 of providing a body portion disposed between the inner portion of the front portion and the inner portion of the back portion. The body portion can be similar or identical to body portions (e.g. 140, 240, 340, 740, 1840). In a number of embodiments, method 1700 also can include an activity 1720 of providing a front portion. The front portion can be similar or identical to front portions (e.g. 105, 205, 305, 705, 1805). In some embodiments, method 1700 can also include an activity 1730 of providing a front hollow cross-section, wherein the front hollow cross-section is located between an outer portion of the front portion and an inner portion of the front portion. The front hollow cross-section can be similar or identical to front hollow cross-sections (e.g. 195, 295, 395, 795, 995, 1095, 1195, 1295, 1395, 1495, 1595, 1695, 1895, 2095, 2195, 2295, 2395). In some embodiments, method 1700 can also include an activity 1740 of providing a back portion. The back portion can be similar or identical to back portions (e.g. 170, 270, 370, 770, 1870). In some embodiments, method 1700 also can include an activity 1750 of providing a back hollow cross-section, wherein the back hollow cross-section is located between an outer portion of the back portion and an inner portion of the back portion. The back hollow cross-section can be similar or identical to back hollow cross-sections (e.g. 185, 285, 385, 1885). In some embodiments, method 1700 also can include an activity 1760 of providing one or more of a right side portion, a left side portion, a top portion, or a bottom portion extending from the outer portion of the front portion to the outer portion of the back portion. The right side portion can be similar or identical to right side portions (e.g. 160, 260, 360, 760, 1060, 1860, 1960, 1962, 2060, 2160, 2260, 2360). The left side portion can be similar or identical to left side portions (e.g. 150, 250, 350, 850, 1050, 1850, 1950, 1952, 2050, 2150, 2250, 2350). The top portion can be similar or identical to top portions (e.g. 110, 210, 310, 710, 810, 1010, 1810, 1910, 2010, 2110, 2210, 2310). The bottom portion can be similar or identical to bottom portions (e.g. 115, 215, 315, 715, 815, 1015, 1815, 1915, 2015, 2115, 2215, 2315).

[0126] In yet other embodiments, method 1700 can include an activity of providing a thickness of one or more of the right side portion, the left side portion, or the bottom portion that is approximately 0.25 inches to approximately 4.0 inches. In yet other embodiments, method 1700 can include an activity of providing a thickness of one or more of the right side portion, the left side portion, or the bottom portion that is approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 2.0 inches. In yet other embodiments, method 1700 can include an activity of providing a thickness of the top portion that is approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 6.0 inches. In yet other embodiments, method 1700 can include an activity of providing a thickness of the top portion that is approximately 1.0 inches to approximately 3.5 inches.

[0127] In yet other embodiments, method 1700 can include an activity of providing a fill inside of the body portion of the railroad tie element. The fill can be made out of rubber, foam, plastic, wood, cardboard, steel, a polymer or plastic of a different composition than the material that is used in the manufacturing of that portion of the railroad tie element, a different composite than the railroad tie element, reclaimed or used railroad ties, carbon sequestration material, non-recyclable plastic, material eligible for carbon credits, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the carbon sequestration material can include one or more of expandable polystyrene (EPS), unrecyclable plastic, carbon-intensive gas, resin, carbon, biochar, wood, asbestos, or contaminant. The carbon-intensive gas can require high energy to incinerate. The resin can contain hard to dispose of gases. The contaminant can be a solid form industrial contaminant. In yet other embodiments, method 1700 can include an activity of providing a cap. The cap can be disposed between the hollow cross-section (e.g. 195, 185, 295, 285, 395, 385, 995, 1095, 1195, 1295, 1395, 1495, 1595, 1695, 1885, 1895, 1954, 1964, 2095, 2195, 2295, 2395) to prevent material from entering or exiting the hollow cross-section of the railroad tie element. In other embodiments, a cap may be disposed over the outer portions (e.g. 130, 190, 230, 290, 330, 390, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1830, 2030, 2130, 2230, 2330) of the railroad tie element (not shown) to prevent material from entering or exiting the hollow cross-section of the railroad tie element. In yet another embodiment, method 1700 can include an activity of coupling the cap to one of the outer portion of the front portion of the railroad tie element or the outer portion of the back portion of the railroad tie element. In some embodiments, activities 1730 and/or 1750 of providing one of the front hollow cross-section or the back hollow cross-section, further can include providing a rounded or rectangular cross-section.

[0128] In yet another embodiment, method 1700 also can include providing a second front hollow cross-section. The second front hollow cross-section can be located between one of the right side portion of the front portion or the left side portion of the front portion and the front hollow cross-section. In yet another embodiment, method 1700 also can include providing a second back hollow cross-section. The second back hollow cross-section can be located between one of the right side portion of the back portion or the left side portion of the back portion and the front hollow cross-section.

[0129] In yet another embodiment, method 1700 also can include an activity of providing a shape cut out from an edge of a section of one or more of the right side portion, the left side portion, the top portion, or the bottom portion. The activity of providing the shape cut out further can include providing a semi-circular cut out shape. The activity of providing the shape cut out also can include providing the shape cut out wherein the shape cut out extends from the front portion of the railroad tie element to the back portion of the railroad tie element.

[0130] Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are stated in such claim.

[0131] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.