Railway Track and Structures (RT&S) magazine published an article in its July 2019 issue detailing research done by RailTEC researchers Marcus Dersch, Tom Roadcap and Riley Edwards. This article discusses the completed first phase of an investigation into timber crosstie spike fastener failures on North American railroads. The research included a review of derailment reports and literature, an industry survey and an extensive program of field visits. A validated finite element model was developed to better understand the spike failure modes and underlying causes. This research was sponsored funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and supported by multiple Class 1 railroads and several industry partners. To read the article click here.