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. 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.
Photograph A: Ladder Failure on Grain Truck
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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Dr.
R. Craig Jerner, Ph.D., PE specializes in accident
investigation and metallurgical failure analysis,
with over 30 years experience as a metallurgical
consultant and accident investigator. He has
testified as a metallurgical expert in over 250
depositions and more than 70 court appearances. If you or someone you know should need the services of Dr. Jerner and J.E.I. Metallurgical, please visit our web site at the buttons below, or e-mail Dr. Jerner --- 