Weld Failure on Concrete Pumping Truck

Metallurgical failure analysis was requested on a failed piece of construction equipment.  A leveling outrigger arm attached to a concrete pumping truck cracked through a weld resulting in an accident.  Metallurgical testing of the weld and surrounding metal was conducted.  A design analysis was also conducted on the stabilizing outrigger arm.  Metallurgical testing in addition to macro and microscopic examination determined that the cause of the cracking and failure of the outrigger was metal fatigue.  The properties of the weld and surrounding metal were satisfactory.  As a result of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) , it was determined that the cause of the accident was faulty design and a lack of proper inspection and maintenance.