Thermit Welding for Railway Construction: A Review

Thermit welding is a valuable welding technology for the railway industry because of its simplicity, portability and economy. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a comparative study of Thermit Welding (TW) and Flash Butt Welding (FBW) on their advantage for long-life of rail welding. Based on the comparative study, the paper aims to recommend the best one to be developed in Ethiopia railway welding construction as joining method and to provide such idea for any researcher who has an interest in the process. In this paper, some of the numerous steps of thermit welding to be followed and the most common defect of thermit also is assessed with its root cause. Finally, the authors conclude by suggesting a best suit welding method for railway joining performance that will remain free from welding defect to reduce failure.