scope:

This specification covers the requirements for flash butt welding in the following situations:

a) Depot, to form welded rail strings using the following rail types:

I. 56E1 rail in grades R220, R260 and R350HT;

II. 95RBH rail in grades R220, R260 and R350HT;

III. Section 75 conductor rail.

b) Mobile (i.e. on-site), using the following rail types:

I. 56E1 rail in grades R220, R260 and R350HT

II. 95RBH rail in grades R220, R260 and R350HT;

III. Section 75 conductor rail.

c) Welding of leg-ends to cast crossings, using 56E1 rail in grade R260.

This specification covers the entire flash butt welding process, i.e.

a) approval of welding contractor or organisation;

b) procedure and machine approval;

c) approval of other profiles and grades following procedure and machine approval;

d) production welding;

e) production weld testing and acceptance criteria;

f) weld identification and records.

Purpose

This specification sets out the requirements for flash butt welded rail joints for installation in the LU infrastructure.