Iron-based materials still constitute most of the metals used in the world today. Due to their high strength, versatility, and low cost, steel, and iron products are all around us. Rimkus has extensive experience and testing capabilities of ferrous metals, assisting clients in various industries such as construction, oil and gas, automotive, machinery, and commercial and residential buildings.

From structural component failure in the building, pressure vessel explosions, broken drive axles, and crane failures, to water leaks in pipes and hoses, Rimkus experts can perform metallurgical testing, determine the cause of the failure, assist the client in materials selection, and propose the proper remediation.

Corrosion poses the biggest challenge to ferrous metals. Corrosion damage often results in damage to the properties and environment, loss of equipment, business delay, and even personal injuries. Rimkus experts can investigate the type and origin of the corrosion, determine if the incident was caused by other factors, and provide prevention/control methods.

2 Case studies

1. Pinhole leak on a welded steel water pipe

Background: Pinhole leak occurred on the steel pipe in a recently installed cooling water system. The leak caused substantial concerns about the sustainability of the system.

Services Provided: Rimkus was retained to determine the cause of the leak and evaluate the integrity of the rest of the pipe system. Several issues relating to corrosion, manufacturing, and operations were discovered during our investigation. We performed the following analysis.

• Conducted an on-site joint inspection of the pipe system.
• Reviewed applicable codes and standards, and other expert reports.
• Performed metallurgical tests and determined the cause of the incident.
• Evaluated the condition of the system based on the materials test results.
• Proposed recommendations for replacement and operation.

2. Dredging barge failure

Background: A dredging barge sank during the operation at a job site. The steel pontoons were damaged, and the barge turned over resulting in the total loss of the equipment on the barge. It was later retrieved and disassembled for investigation.

Services Provided: Rimkus was retained to examine the barge and investigate the origin and cause of the incident. During our investigation and analysis, Rimkus examined the morphology of the fracture, the sequence of the incident, and the condition of the barge.

Rimkus concluded:

• The dredge sank due to the impact damage to the pontoon.
• Several welds cracked and failed due to the overload during the barge’s capsizing or retrieval process, instead of manufacturing defects.
• The balance and loading condition of the barge, and the corrosion and general condition of the steel pontoon were evaluated and determined not to be contributing factors to the incident.