Is thermite welding permitted on rail ends that have already been repair welded?

Thermite welding on rail ends that have already been repair welded is prohibited primarily due to the integrity and structural reliability concerns related to the welding process. When rail ends undergo repair welding, the material properties can be altered, which may lead to weaknesses or defects in the weld zone. Thermite welding involves a high-temperature exothermic reaction, which can further affect the heat-affected zone and potentially compromise the original repairs or the structural integrity of the rail itself.

In jurisdictions and industry standards, it is critical to ensure that all welding processes maintain the necessary strength and safety measures for railway operations. Allowing thermite welding on previously repaired rails could introduce risks of failure, which goes against safety protocols established in the rail transport industry. Therefore, such practices are prohibited to uphold the standards for reliability and performance in railway infrastructure.