FABRICATION OF WELDS All welds employed in this study were fabricated using AREA 136 lb/yard RE carbon steel rail and were supplied to the investigators in a ready-to-test condition. The welds were made using a single-use crucible system and a premium composition thermite charge that matched the rail hardness. Five series each consisting of 10 weldments were created. Standard welding procedures were followed except as noted. Each of the five series had a different weld geometry and/or welding procedure: see