Failure Analysis of a Mobile Crane: A Case Study

摘要

This paper presents metallurgical failure analysis method to find the root cause of a mobile crane turret bolts failure. Focus of the metallurgical analysis was to identify the root causes of the failure of turret bolts which led to the collapse of the mobile crane. The turret bolts were made of high strength steel. Comprehensive engineering analysis suggested that the turret bolts failure was initiated with fatigue. The fatigue was most likely initiated by the corrosion at the bolt surface and accelerated by the loosening of bolts due to long servicing life and/or fluctuating tensile load. Based on the investigations, recommendations are provided to guide the operation of the mobile crane to prevent the premature failure.