Performance of aluminothermic rails welding technology

Abstract

It is well known that rails are very important part of railway traffic so their quality must be satisfactory, especially their welding joints. This work describes aluminothermic welding of rail using aluminothermic mixtures which are produced in our country. The work also contains proper testing of achieved level of quality in welding joints, in rails types: 700 and 900-VIC 860V. Quality of rails joints that were welded with aluminothermic welding was examinee with: visually, chemical analysis, ultrasonic testing, determination of strength properties, determination of toughness, determination of hardness and microstructure testing. The quallity of domestic produced aluminothermic mixtures improved rail welding and also assured the railway traffic safety.