An extensive experimental program investigating the concrete crosstie and fastening system behavior was executed in July 2012 at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC). The program recorded loads, strains, and displacements of the track components under passenger consists traveling at speeds of 2-102mph, freight consists with car weights ranging from 263-315kips, and static responses from a track loading vehicle (TLV). The field experimentation served as part of a larger research program funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to improve the design and performance of concrete crossties and fastening systems. The results of this experimentation have provided insight into the transfer of forces and validation of a comprehensive finite element model.- rexsum15 on YouTube.
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