Quality assurance method for flash butt welds at high speed trains construction sites

Abstract

For many years, gas pressure welding has been used for the primary welding of rails for the high speed trains construction. In response to the recent labor shortage, flash butt welding was fully adopted from the construction of the Hokuriku Shinkansen (between Kanazawa and Tsuruga). We have established methods to address issues that arise due to the hot and humid environment in summer and the cold environment in winter, and to ensure continuous quality.