Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 280, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 November 1914 — Fissures in Steel Rails. [ARTICLE]

Fissures in Steel Rails.

Concerning the prevalence of transverse fissures in steel rails, not referring at this time to those microscopic, of such dimensions as are menacing to the safety of railway travel, they are believed to be numerous. . Forty-six transverse fissures of recent occurrence have been reported in 32 rails. Instances have been reported in which five transverse fissures have been found in the same rail within the limits of three feet. They are present in both open-hearth and Bessemer steels.

In their maximum state of development they have been witnessed in 100-pound rails, having attained a superficial area of 3.3 square inches, leaving practically only the web and the base intact Our investigation shows without question that these hidden fissures in some rails reach such a statq of development before discovery as 'to destroy nearly the entire head of the rail, therefore it is not reassuring that other rails of similar composition, working under similar conditions of service, are not free from these Interior defects. The continuance of conditions which have resulted in derailments, attended with loss of life and injury to passengers and employes, places a great responsibility upon all who can in any manner aid in the inauguration of measures which will tend immediately to ameliorate these grave conditions.