The Encore tie plugging material was sent to a class one railroad research and development department for testing. The ties sent were filled with the material in holes that were dry and holes that contained 20ml of water. Hence the dry and wet insertions and extractions. The spikes were inserted in the ties for both the wet and dry holes and the force needed to insert the spikes recorded in foot pounds of force.

The spikes were then extracted from the wet and dry holes and the force needed to extract the spikes was recorded in foot pounds of force. The deflection test was done with a tie plate and rail on the tie and the spikes inserted to hold the plate and rail to the tie. A lateral force was applied to the rail and the lateral deflection was recorded. A wood tie plug was inserted in an additional tie as a control and comparison of the Encore material.

The Encore material was tested for 8.5 million cycles, which was calculated to be 6.25 years of service in the tie with minimal deflection. Compared to the wood tie plug which showed substantially more deflection and failed at 2.25 million cycles and 2.5 years of service in the tie.