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Abstract
Impact loads caused by flat spots on railcar wheels impose a major maintenance burden on railroads and can cause severe damage to both railcar and track components. This paper discusses the dynamic behaviour of the railroad track system under impact loads. A finite element (FE) model with multiple crossties and their accompanying fastening systems is developed and validated using field data. The results of the parametric study indicate that impact loading consists of direct wheel impact loads and track system vibration–induced impact loads. Both of these impact mechanisms are sensitive to the stiffness of rail pad. It is observed that rail pad with a moderate stiffness provides the most effective impact attenuation.