Technology Digests / Preliminary Evaluation of Crossties and Fasteners at FAST®

TD25-007

June 25, 2025
Authors
  • Yin Gao
  • Christopher Johnson
  • Stephen Wilk
  • Alexander Keylin
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Key Findings

  • All the evaluated tie and fastener test zones maintained the track geometry of the Class 4 track without major issues.
  • The track moduli in test zones comprised of concrete ties and wood ties were within the typical ranges, although values at the newly constructed FAST® facility were slightly lower than those from the previous facility. This is likely due to the subgrade at the new facility still compacting.
  • Compared to wood ties with AREMA tie plates, concrete ties interspersed with wood ties increased the track gage holding strength.
  • The tested composite ties met the AREMA specification of spike holding power after re-spiking without spike plugging materials.

Preliminary Evaluation of Crossties and Fasteners at FAST®

MxV Rail has been evaluating and reporting on the improvements and evolution of railroad ties and fasteners designed for heavy axle loads since 1988. Under the Association of American Railroad’s (AAR) Strategic Research Initiatives program, the Tie and Fastener Systems project evaluates the performance of new and existing tie and fastener designs. Additionally, this project can improve the understanding of tie and fastener failure mechanisms to inform best practices in maintenance and inspection.  In November 2023, MxV Rail’s Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST®) began accumulating tonnage from heavy axle load train traffic on a newly constructed track loop.1 Tie and fastener test zones were newly built or re-established at FAST. Since the start of operations at the new FAST, most of the test zones have accumulated over 145 million gross tons (MGT) as of late 2024. Test measurements including gage strength, track modulus, spike holding resistance, and more have…