Fauzri FAHIMUDDIN, Taufiq ROCHMAN
This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the mechanical properties, crack behavior, and fatigue performance of friction stir welds (FSWs) and flash butt welds (FBWs) on the structural steel construction. Friction stir welding (FSW) gained significant traction in various industries due to its capability to join different materials, including pure, alloy, and composite materials, and its application in aerospace, shipbuilding, railway, and automotive sectors. Despite its advantages, challenges such as high heat-induced weakening of residues and formation of defects in dissimilar material welds persist. This review also covers advancements in flash butt welding (FBW), particularly for rail joining, which includes analyses of temperature distribution, joint strength, and the impact of process parameters on weld quality. The paper further explores the heat-affected zone (HAZ) in both FSW and FBW processes, detailing the microstructural changes and their implications on weld performance and fatigue life. Key findings include the effects of temperature on HAZ microstructure and the development of novel methods for evaluating weld quality and fatigue resistance. This study aims to provide insights into ongoing research and potential improvements in welding technologies. © (2025), (NIRD URBAN-INCERC). All rights reserved.
Civil Engineering Department, State Polytechnic of Jakarta, Indonesia; Civil Engineering Department, State Polytechnic of Malang, Jawa Timur, Malang, Indonesia