Concrete ties play a supporting role, fixing the train tracks in position. On average, 2.7 million ties are used by DB every year. Whenever possible, Deutsche Bahn refurbishes old ties to conserve resources and reduce emissions.

In recent years, DB has reused around 270,000 recycled ties annually. Ties that can no longer be used in the DB rail network are processed and deployed elsewhere as valuable building materials.

Old tie, new purpose

For example, the DB Bahnbau Group refurbishes concrete ties, which are then used as stable pillars for charging infrastructure. This makes prefabricated foundations and conventional charging columns unnecessary. These so-called “charging ties” were installed for the first time in summer 2024 at a DB Bahnbau Group site in Berlin. In the future, the use of “charging ties” is also planned at other sites.

The charging station made from disused concrete ties at a DB Bahnbau Group site in Berlin.