DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE BASE SOFTWARE FOR INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THERMIT ,WELD JOINT OF STEEL RAILS

Abstract

safety and reliability of A.T. weld requires. well managed inspection and maintenance which avoids catastrophic failure. A reliable inspection and maintenance schedule requires a *highly analytical decision on complex situation of service & the characteristics of rail weld To analyse the entire situation a user friendly software has been developed with an intention to formulate the schedule of inspection and maintenance of rail joint for safety under different service conditions. Studies have beencarried out to review latest information regarding defect generation in Alumino Thermit weld joints of steel rails, during its preparation and service. The type, size, location and orientation of the commonly observed defects, in rail welds, are analysed, with an emphasis to identify the maximum susceptibility of formation of any type of defect in the weld joint. Studies have also been carried out to arrive at recommended practices of inspection and maintenance of A.T. weld joint of rails in service..