Experimental Determination of Track Friction Coefficients

The sliding friction resistance between rail crossties and ballast material was examined. Testing focusing on the equivalent (or average) coefficient of friction spread over the crosstie contact area was performed for high density polyethylene (HDPE) smooth and dimpled crossties as well as for dry and wet wood crossties. Ballast rock included common gravel and two supplied types. The ballast shapes were characterized as were the compressive properties of the ties (in compression perpendicular to the wood, both dry and wet). Indentation tests and finite element models were used to verify the compressive properties and to examine the effect of friction for a direct indention as well as an indention followed by lateral movement, akin to what a crosstie may see when subjected to lateral forces. The results present initial findings relating to material properties and friction properties that could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of crosstie-ballast lateral resistance in different situations, and methods to improve the resistance.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.utrgv.edu/railwaysafety/_files/documents/research/infrastructure/i5cy24_experimental-determination-of-track-friction-coefficients_093025.pdf
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/88688
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  University Transportation Center for Railway Safety

  University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
  1201 W. University Dr.
  Edinburg, TX  United States  78539

  Texas A&M University, College Station

  College Station, TX  United States  77840

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Cordes, Roger
  • Peña, Curtis
  • Allen, David H
• Publication Date: 2025-9-30

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 51p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Coefficient of friction; Finite element method; Railroad ties; Railroad tracks; Sliding friction; Track ballast
• Subject Areas: Materials; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01977804
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: UTCRS-TAMU-I5CY24, CRR-2025-04
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348340
• Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 28 2026 2:42PM