Custom Testing Solutions and Engineering Services

Originally founded in 1983, LRA has decades of expertise in developing custom solutions to diagnose and prevent hydrogen embrittlement (HE) and stress corrosion cracking (SCC).

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Hydrogen Embrittlement and Stress Corrosion Cracking

Innovative Testing Using Rising Step Load Method

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LRA uses the RSL (Rising Step Load) test method to determine the onset of subcritical crack growth due to hydrogen embrittlement. The RSL test method can be used on typical fracture mechanics type specimens to determine the threshold KIscc or KIEHE thresholds of your part or material in a simulated service environment.

FRACTURE TOUGHNESS AND MECHANICAL TESTING

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LRA uses custom built equipment to run tests measuring fracture toughness and related factors. We specialize in testing small pieces or in testing pieces where it may not be possible to obtain a standard specimen geometry

Publicly Accessible Projects

LRA has successfully managed programs for hundreds of clients. Here are some of our recent notable programs that are accessible in the public domain:

TEST V: Evaluation of ASTM A354 Grade BD Anchor Rods for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge

After several anchor rods were found to have failed during construction of the Bay Bridge due to HE, LRA was tasked with determining the threshold for the onset of hydrogen induced stress cracking. LRA developed a fracture mechanics-based methods to analyze small laboratory coupons to predict the performance of the full-sized bolts.




RSL Testing of Various Alloys for Naval Applications

In 2018 LRA was awarded a sole source contract for fracture toughness and RSL testing of various materials in simulated service environments to determine the threshold for the onset of subcritical crack growth due to EHE.

Effect of Thread Rolling on Susceptibility of Bolts to HE

LRA has been involved in numerous rounds of testing for the American Petroleum Institute to determine the effect of thread rolling on the performance of bolts in subsea environments. Concepts from the Bay Bridge program were expanded upon to present a new fracture mechanics-based approach to ensuring ductile failure of bolting material. In 2024, these findings were published in a technical report, "API TR21D: A Study of the Effect of Thread Forming on the Susceptibility of Precipitation Hardened Ni-Based Alloy Fasteners to Hydrogen Embrittlement"