Failure Analyses

U.K. Rail Regulator Publishes Trains Safety Report

The Office of Rail and Road, the economic and safety regulator of Britain’s railway, made a series of recommendations based on a review of how the rail industry responded to a range of potential safety issues, including cracking.

Deadline Nears for 2023 MP Corrosion Innovation Awards

Winning innovations must show potential for a positive impact in corrosion control. Innovations can be related to coatings and linings, materials, design, equipment, testing, monitoring, modeling/risk assessment, cathodic protection, chemical treatment, or beyond.

Pittsburgh Bridge Showed ‘Major Decay’ Months Before Collapse

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation released an inspection report completed on the Fern Hollow Bridge four months before its collapse, which appeared to show major structural decay. Despite findings from the fall 2021 inspection, no immediate repairs were ordered.

U.S. Study Calls for More Oversight of Offshore Oil, Gas Pipelines

According to a study from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a more robust oversight process is needed to ensure the integrity of approximately 8,600 miles of active offshore oil and gas pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico. New proposed rules are expected by late 2022.

Metallurgical Analysis of Hydrotested ERW Pipeline

In this case study, metallurgical analysis was performed on a carbon steel pipeline that leaked during hydrotesting. An inspection indicated the presence of a defect at the electric resistance welded seam, and it was determined to have formed due to incomplete fusion during welding.

Soil Corrosivity Investigation via Physical and Chemical Composition

In this work, soil corrosivity of the central desert of Iran was investigated by analyzing the physical-chemical characteristics of soils, weight loss testing, and electrochemical measurements.

Researchers Develop New Probe to Measure Corrosion of Concrete Rebar

A research team at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has developed a new surface probe to measure the extent of corrosion in concrete rebar, which they say is more sensitive and accurate than conventional measurement techniques.

Water Main Breaks: Case Studies and Analysis

Water main breaks lead to extensive costs and make up a significant portion of municipal budgets due to repair costs, flood damage, loss of revenue for companies impacted, and the disruption to essential public services like health care or fire protection.

How NIST Handles Investigations of Structural Disasters

Tanya Brown-Giammanco, director of disaster and failure studies, explains NIST’s role in investigating structural disasters and why these probes can take years to complete.

Never Again: The Case of Cracking Paint on a Steel Cargo Container

This article focuses on several coating failures on the external surfaces of a carbon steel cargo container. Because this container was newly constructed, a fresh painting system was applied and touched up or spot repaired in some locations.

Causes of High-Temperature Sulfidation in Refineries

To mitigate problems related to high-temperature sulfidation in refineries, suitable materials must be used, along with operating equipment within a specified range. Equipment should also be inspected and replaced at designated intervals.

CO2 Corrosion of Pipe Fittings in Shale Production

This article presents two case studies of failed pipe fittings. A perforated tee and a pipe nipple retrieved from onshore shale production systems were analyzed to determine the mechanism(s) contributing to their corrosion and subsequent failure.

Duplex Zinc Coatings Offer Advantages to Commercial Fishing Boats

Reviewing data from case studies shows the effectiveness of duplex zinc coatings at lessening the effects of corrosion on steel used in commercial fishing boats. These mitigating effects are evident internally and externally, and above and below the waterline.

Effects of Simulated Marine Environments on Steel in Cracked Concrete

The scientists emphasize that improving the quality of concrete used in creating marine structures can be accomplished by making it less permeable and increasing the clear cover. When these steps are taken, the time to corrosion is much longer.

Report: U.S. State Officials Need More Clarity on Bridge Corrosion

Officials from some states told the U.S. Government Accountability Office that they use sealant on bridge decks to prevent corrosion. However, officials from another said they do not, because they do not know how effective it is.