Abstract
This paper presents a failure analysis of connecting bolts used for holding streetlights inside the tunnels of a mountain highway. The fracture occurred in correspondence to crevices formed in bolted joints. Fractographic and metallurgical studies indicate that the bolt failure is due to a deep crevice corrosion process that is further aggravated by the presence of chlorides coming from the spray formed inside tunnels during the winter when sodium chloride is spread for de-icing roads.Metallographic studies highlighted also that corrosion affects only bolts, while all the other joints’ components are intact. EDS analyses revealed that the bolt material was a Cu-bearing stainless steel that, in chloride media, has a bad corrosion resistance because Cu destabilises the alloy passive film. Therefore, it is recommended that the bolt material should be changed to prevent similar failures and that in such environment crevices should be avoided in design.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
