Spike-pulling tests apply to problems of railroad maintenance, and the results are used to compare the spike-holding powers of various woods, both untreated and treated with different preservatives, and the efficiency of various forms of spikes. Special tests are also made in which the spike is subjected to a transverse load applied repetitively by a blow.

For details of tests and results see:

Cir. 38,
U.S.F.S.:
Instructions to engineers of timber tests, p. 26.
Cir. 46,
U.S.F.S.:
Holding force of railroad spikes in wooden ties.
Bul. 118,
U.S.F.S.:
Prolonging the life of cross-ties, pp. 37-40.