Welding Failure on Truck Ladder
Metallurgical Failure Analysis was requested after the
re-welded rung of a ladder failed on a trailer used to
haul grain. An overall view of the failed truck
ladder is shown in Photograph A.

Photograph A Ladder failure on grain truck.
The failure was the result of
metal
fatigue. Visual and microscopic inspection revealed
that the ladder and a variety of components had been re-welded numerous times. These facts indicated that
the truck had been subjected to significant
vibration stresses while driven on "washboard" roads
within the company facilities. The truck
manufacturer was found to have produced adequate
welds when the truck was originally manufactured. Close-up views of welding
cracks
are shown in Photographs B and C.

Photograph B Weld cracking in step to hand
rail joint resulting from metal fatigue

Photograph C Weld cracking in step to hand
rail joint resulting from metal fatigue
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