Abstract
The effects of crosstie and fastener configurations on rail performance in heavy axle load service was evaluated in a controlled experiment. Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) has conducted rail wear analysis on a variety of tie and fastener test zones on Section 25 at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST). The performance of this premium rail in the 6-degree curve of Section 25 was monitored over 563 million gross tons (MGT). The analysis determined the interactive effects of ties and fasteners on rail wear and track gage.