The WEL-D’STRESS® hammer has been developed by Pandrol to improve the fatigue resistance of aluminothermic welds.
The WEL-D’STRESS® hammer introduces residual stresses of compression and prevents the appearance of fatigue stains when traffic is intense. The hammering procedure involves using the hammer for one minute from the web/head connection to the tip of the foot on either side of the collar (i.e. a minimum of four minutes for one weld).
When traffic is heavy, fractures can occur in welds in sensitive areas within six months of welding. Use of the WEL-D’STRESS® hammer completely removes this risk. Customers using the equipment since 2007 have found that the life expectancy of welds in high-traffic areas is identical to that of the rail.
