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The picture above with the arrow pointing at the I-Bar shows that it is in compression. This is an indication of an I-Bar that is in need of being shortened to put it back into tension with the proper oscillations.
I-Bars become loose over the years due to heavier loads and increased train traffic. Which, in return cause some of the problems listed below:
1. Excessive wear at the pin and at the eye.
2. Bottom cord flexes from I-Bars being too loose
3. Rivets popping on angle connection where floor beam and
stringer meet.
4. Angle connection crackling at the bottom.
Most often the Flame Straightening process can be completed with very little interruption to train traffic, and within a reasonable and efficient amount of time.
