AWS RELEASES NEW RAIL WELDING STANDARD

MIAMI - February 17, 2004 - The American Welding Society's D15 Committee on Railroad Welding has released the first revision of AWS D15.2:2003, Recommended Practices for the Welding of Rails and Related Rail Components for Use by Rail Vehicles, since 1994.  The 48-page standard covers repair, joining, maintenance, and inspection procedures for rails and austenitic manganese steel components.

The welding of rails and related rail components is vital to the safe and economical operation of American railroads. The Association of American Railroads and the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association are represented on the AWS D15 Committee, as are users and suppliers from all segments of the railroad industry.

This document should enable welding personnel to improve welding quality on railroad, crane, guard, electrical-contact, girder, and retarder rails. Related rail components include rail crossings and turnouts such as switch points, stock rails, switch point guards, spacer blocks, connecting rods, switch rods, plates, frogs, and frog components.

AWS D15.2:2003, Recommended Practices for the Welding of Rails and Related Rail Components for Use by Rail Vehicles, includes three tables and 13 figures and is developed in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Purchase this standard on line at www.global.ihs.com or call Global Engineering Documents at (800) 854-7179.