Experimental Studies of Welded Joints in Structures Subject to High Impact Vibrations Using Destructive and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Railway Engineering

Background:

• High-strength railway rail joints are critical for track integrity.
• Ensuring the quality of welded rail joints is essential for public safety and operational efficiency.
• Existing standards (PN-EN) provide a framework for rail joint requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present issues related to the control and quality assurance of high-strength railway rail joints.
• To describe test results and requirements for welded rail joints based on PN-EN standards.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of laboratory qualification tests in ensuring rail joint quality.

Main Methods:

• Performed destructive and non-destructive tests: visual inspection, geometrical measurements, magnetic particle testing, penetration testing, fracture testing, micro-/macro-structure observation, and hardness measurements.
• Monitored the welding process and evaluated obtained results.
• Conducted laboratory qualification tests on rail joints welded by stationary welders.

Main Results:

• Laboratory tests confirmed the high quality of rail joints produced in the welding shop.
• Reduced track damage at new welded joints indicates the correctness of the laboratory qualification test methodology.
• The study provides empirical data supporting the effectiveness of the quality assurance process.

Conclusions:

• The methodology of laboratory qualification tests is effective in ensuring the quality of high-strength railway rail joints.
• The research contributes to improved engineer understanding of welding mechanisms and quality control importance.
• Adherence to quality control tests in accordance with applicable standards is crucial for public safety and minimizing rail defects like cracks.