**6.9 Lateral resistance**

Due to recent development in train speed and freight and the use of CWR technology, lateral resistance is a key parameter to provide track safety and stability and counteract buckling. Lateral resistance of railway track measures using four methods mentioned below [39]:

1. single tie push test (STPT),

2.panel displacement test,

3.mechanical track displacement test, and

4.continues dynamic measurements of lateral resistance.

In this study, the STPT test was selected and used (**Figure 11**). In ballasted tracks, the most important components that affect lateral resistance are sleeper and ballast layer specifications such as shape, material, geometry, thickness, and interaction between them.
