The primary source of welding information relating to the construction of new railway equipment is the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices prepared by the Mechanical Division, Association of American Railroads (AAR). This manual includes specifications, standards, and recommended practices adopted by the Mechanical Division. Several sections of the manual relate to welding, and the requirements are similar to those of ANSVAWS D1.l, Structural Welding Code-Steel. This code is frequently referenced for weld procedure and performance qualification. In 1986, the American Welding Society published AWS D15.1, Railroad Welding Specification, which has been endorsed by AAR.

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