Superior
Testing that Reaches the World
Rail Car Component Testing and Evaluation
Our Structural & Transportation Laboratory offers qualification testing for a wide range of passenger and freight railcar components. We assess performance under operational and fatigue loading, helping manufacturers and operators validate component designs and manufacturing processes.
Tested Components Include:
- Bolsters, side frames, and fabricated trucks
- Brake beams, couplers, draft gears, knuckles, and yokes
- Locomotive engine components
- Transit and trailer car suspension systems
- Friction wedges, side bearings, and primary suspension pads
- Trailer kingpin assemblies
Specialized Testing Capabilities:
- Bolster Fatigue Testing (AAR M-202):
Cyclic testing with periodic visual inspections to detect crack initiation using penetrant aids. - Side Frame Fatigue Testing (AAR M-203):
Performed using multi-axial fatigue machines applying vertical, transverse, and torsional loads. - Knuckle Fatigue Testing (AAR M-216):
Horizontal load frames apply up to 1 million lbs. of force across millions of load cycles. - Bogie Testing (Passenger & Locomotive):
Complex load simulations including up to 35 simultaneous load conditions and over 350 data acquisition channels monitoring strain, displacement, temperature, and load.
Rail Track & Tie Testing
Clark Testing provides full-scale structural testing for concrete and composite rail ties, rail joints, and other track components to meet AREMA and local authority standards.
Track & Tie Testing Services:
- Static & Fatigue Testing of Rail Ties
Evaluates tie strength and durability under long-term loading conditions. - Fastener Pull-Out Testing
Measures retention strength and performance of fastener systems. - Rail Joint Fatigue Testing
Simulates bending moments caused by rail wheel loads across joints. Performed at test variety of frequencies.
Why Choose Clark Testing?
- Accredited Testing to AAR & AREMA Standards
- Full-Scale Load Simulation Capabilities
- Multi-Axial Fatigue Equipment & High-Channel Data Acquisition
- Proven Expertise in Failure Analysis & Design Validation
- Custom Test Configurations for Unique Project Requirements