Field statistical and finite element analysis of rail squats.

Highlights: [•] Field results are statistically analyzed and effects of different parameters on squat growth rate investigated. [•] A 3D finite element model is created and effects of some parameters are assessed. [•] Both FEM and statistical studies confirmed sleeper type and curve radius affect squat growth rate. [•] The correlation between field results and FEM validates results obtained from FEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]