This seminar is presented by Marcus Dersch, a Principal Research Engineer at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is titled " Timber Crosstie Spike Failures: Overview, Loading Demands, and Mitigation Considerations". Abstract: At least 10 wide-gage derailments since 2000 have been attributed to broken spikes in track constructed with premium elastic fastening systems. Premium fasteners on timber crossties were introduced into heavy axle load (HAL) freight service in North America over the past few decades and have gained popularity given they are thought to reduce maintenance costs, reduce rail-rollover risk, and do not generally require rail anchors. However, given recent derailments and identification of failed spikes during field testing at higher rates than traditional fasteners, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is investigating the stress state of cut spikes in premium fasteners. This presentation provides an overview of the broken spike problem, documents the loading environment that the fastening systems are subjected to, and provides an overview of mitigation methods that could be considered in reducing spike stress and resulting failures.
