Investigation of Rail Fastener Performance Requirements

Abstract

An investigation was conducted to develop qualification requirements which reliably duplicate the service performance of rail fasteners. The study included a review of available data from qualification tests, measurements of rail/tie deflections and fastener clip strains at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST), and laboratory tests at Battelle which simulated the FAST environment. Several aspects of service performance at FAST were successfully duplicated in the laboratory tests. Recommendations are made for the design of improved fastener qualification tests.

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