technical note - tn 022: 2016 · pdf filefrom use railcorp standard esc 350 platforms and...

Technical Note - TN 022: 2016

Technical Note - TN 022: 2016

Subject: Withdrawal of ESC 350 Platforms and Retaining Walls

Issued date: 17 March 2016

Effective date: 17 March 2016

For queries regarding this document [email protected]

www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au

This technical note is issued by the Asset Standards Authority (ASA) as a notification to remove

from use RailCorp standard ESC 350 Platforms and Retaining Walls, Version 2.3.

ESC 350 is presented as a legacy document and shall be used for reference purpose only. ASA

standards T HR CI 12060 ST Retaining Walls, Version 1.0 and T HR CI 12065 ST Station

Platforms, Version 1.0 supersede this document.

Authorisation:

Technical content prepared by

Checked and approved by

Interdisciplinary coordination checked by

Authorised for release

Signature

Date

Name Dorothy Koukari Richard Hitch John Paff Graham Bradshaw

Position Senior Engineer Standards

Lead Civil Engineer A/Chief Engineer Director Network Standards and Services

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW of 1

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au/

TN 077: 2014

A3697189 Asset Standards Authority © State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 1 of 3

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Technical Note TN 077: 2014

Subject: Update to RailCorp Standard ESC 350 Platforms and Retaining Walls

Issued date 11 September 2014 Effective date 11 September 2014

For queries regarding this document [email protected]

www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au

This technical note is issued by the Asset Standards Authority as an update to RailCorp

standard ESC 350 Platforms and Retaining Walls, Version 2.3.

1. Background This technical note clarifies various requirements for platforms and retaining walls including

derailment loading, design life, limitations on use of gabions and crib walls and minimum

founding depths.

This technical note applies to Section 4 Design criteria – Retaining walls and Section 5 –

Platforms.

This technical note also provides reference to interpretation guides that provide guidance and

clarity regarding the interpretation of RailCorp documents.


http://www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au/

TN 077: 2014


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2. Amendments to section 4 Design criteria – Retaining walls Delete paragraph four.

Replace current paragraph six with the following:

Retaining walls that are greater than two metres high, measured from the underside of the

footing, and any retaining wall supporting railway embankments or railway cuttings shall have a

minimum design life of 120 years. These walls shall be Classification C in accordance with

Table 1.1 of AS 4678 where the walls are located to provide for main lines.

Replace current paragraph seven with the following:

Gabion walls shall only be used to support railway embankments or railway cuttings where the

height of the wall is one metre or less and the distance from the track side face of the wall to the

centerline of track exceeds five metres.

Add new paragraph, as per below, after paragraph seven:

Crib walls shall not be used to support railway embankments or railway cuttings or in locations

where failure of the wall might affect rail operations.

Replace current paragraph eight with the following:

The footings for retaining walls supporting railway embankments, where not founded in sound

rock, shall be founded at a minimum depth of 500 mm below finished ground level. The footings

for retaining walls supporting railway cuttings, where not founded in sound rock, shall be

founded at a minimum depth of 500 mm below finished ground level (example. top of capping

level) or 1300 mm below the adjacent rail level, whichever is deeper. Where the footings will be

founded in sound rock, the depth to foundation level may be reduced by 200 mm. Sound rock

shall be rock with unconfined compressive strength, UCS ≥ 3.0 MPa. The effect of passive

pressure shall be ignored to a minimum depth of 500 mm below finished ground level. Refer

also to following requirements for cantilevered piled walls. The depth to foundation level shall

be increased as required to account for adjacent drainage or service installations.

3. Amendments to section 5 Design criteria – Platforms Section 5.1 General

Add the following sentence:

Platform walls shall have a minimum design life of 120 years and shall be Classification C in

accordance with Table 1.1 of AS 4678.

Section 5.3 General configuration and drainage

Replace paragraph ten with the following:

TN 077: 2014


To facilitate ballast cleaning and track reconditioning and to ensure that the platform is not

undermined during such activities, the following conditions apply:

The top of any footing that projects beyond the face of the wall shall be located a

minimum of 1000 mm below rail level.

Footings, where not founded in sound rock, shall be founded at a minimum depth of

400 mm below top of capping level or 1200 mm below the adjacent rail level, whichever is

deeper. Sound rock shall be rock with unconfined compressive strength, UCS ≥ 3.0 MPa.

Where the footings will be founded in sound rock, footings may be founded at a minimum

depth of 300 mm below top of capping level or 1100 mm below rail level, whichever is

deeper.

4. Interpretation guides ESC 350 is presented as a legacy RailCorp document and shall be read in conjunction with and

interpreted according to the interpretation guidelines published:

Table 1 – Interpretation guides

Reference No Title Version Issue date TS 10762 Legacy RailCorp Standards Interpretation -

Management Overview 1.0 28/06/2013

TS 10760 Guide to interpretation of organisational role and process references in RailCorp standards

1.0 17/06/2013

TS 10760 - SMS Interpretation guide RailCorp SMS References within RailCorp engineering standards

1.0 17/06/2013

Authorisation

Technical content prepared by

Checked and approved by

Interdisciplinary coordination checked by

Authorised for release

Signature

Name Malcolm Peake Richard Hitch David Spiteri Graham Bradshaw

Position Senior Engineer Structures

Lead Civil Engineer Chief Engineer Rail Principal Manager Network Standards & Services

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http://www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/asa/asa-standards/ts-10762.pdf




http://www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/asa/asa-standards/ts-10760-sms.pdf

http://www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/asa/asa-standards/ts-10760-sms.pdf

PLATFORMS AND RETAINING WALLS

ESC 350

Engineering Standard Civil

Engi

neer

ing

Stan

dard

Version 2.3

Issued June 2012

Owner: Chief Engineer Civil

Approved by:

John Stapleton Principal Engineer Technology & Standards

Authorised by:

Richard Hitch Chief Engineer Civil

Disclaimer This document was prepared for use on the RailCorp Network only. RailCorp makes no warranties, express or implied, that compliance with the contents of this document shall be sufficient to ensure safe systems or work or operation. It is the document user’s sole responsibility to ensure that the copy of the document it is viewing is the current version of the document as in use by RailCorp. RailCorp accepts no liability whatsoever in relation to the use of this document by any party, and RailCorp excludes any liability which arises in any manner by the use of this document. Copyright The information in this document is protected by Copyright and no part of this document may be reproduced, altered, stored or transmitted by any person without the prior consent of RailCorp.

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RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil Platforms and Retaining Walls ESC 350

© RailCorp Page 2 of 15 Issued June 2012 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3

Document control

Version Date Summary of change 2.3 June, 2012 Changes detailed in Summary table below 2.2 July, 2010 Update version details. Minor editing, correction of

formatting and correction of internal references. Section 3.2: add requirements to be considered when replacing or refurbishing platforms. Section 4 add design requirements for retaining walls: reference to RTA Specification R57; amendment to deformation limits used in R57; surcharge loads; design life; limitations on use of gabion walls; passive fill effects; standard drawings for post & panel type walls. Section 5.3: add preference for level access.

2.1 November, 2009 Format change throughout; minor editing; Section 3.2 add list of standard drawings for strengthening brick platforms

2.0 July, 2007 Minor changes to requirements for approved materials; surface finishes; electrical requirements; clearances; earthworks; services; maintenance; Design criteria specified for formwork; steel platforms; shallow footings; movement joints; ground anchors and soil nailing; Reference to RailCorp standard construction specifications; Limited clearance sign criteria updated. This document replaces CTN 06/31 “Limited Clearance Signs”.

1.0 March, 2006 First issue as a RailCorp document. Replaces TS 30 000 3 01 SP, C 4010

Summary of changes from previous version

Summary of change Section

Format in new template All

Update references 2

Update Station Design Guide to Station Design Standard Requirements 2.2, 3.1, 5.3

Update RTA to RMS 2.2.1, 4

Length of platform specified for new and reconstructed platforms 5.3

Clarify level access requirement to be consistent with ESC 215 5.3

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Contents


1 Purpose, Scope and Application...........................................................................................4 2 References...............................................................................................................................4 2.1 Australian and International Standards.....................................................................................4 2.2 RailCorp Documents .................................................................................................................4 3 General Requirements............................................................................................................5 3.1 Design Standards......................................................................................................................5 3.2 Existing Structures ....................................................................................................................5 3.3 Approved Materials ...................................................................................................................6 3.4 Formwork ..................................................................................................................................6 3.5 Surface Finishes .......................................................................................................................6 3.6 Electrical Requirements ............................................................................................................6 3.7 Clearances ................................................................................................................................7 3.8 Earthworks ................................................................................................................................7 3.9 Safety ........................................................................................................................................7 3.10 Protection of the Environment...................................................................................................7 3.11 Heritage.....................................................................................................................................7 3.12 Design Procedure – New or Infrequently Used Products .........................................................7 3.13 Drawing Standards....................................................................................................................8 3.14 Construction ..............................................................................................................................8 3.15 Maintenance..............................................................................................................................8 4 Design Criteria – Retaining Walls..........................................................................................8 5 Design Criteria – Platforms....................................................................................................9 5.1 General......................................................................................................................................9 5.2 Design Loads ............................................................................................................................9 5.3 General Configuration and Drainage ......................................................................................10 5.4 Steel Platforms........................................................................................................................10 5.5 Platform Copings.....................................................................................................................11 5.6 Services...................................................................................................................................11 6 Design Criteria – Other.........................................................................................................11 6.1 Movement Joints .....................................................................................................................11 6.2 Ground Anchors ......................................................................................................................11 6.3 Soil Nailing ..............................................................................................................................12 7 Safety Refuges and Handhold Devices ..............................................................................12 7.1 Provision of Safe Areas...........................................................................................................12 7.2 Locations with Limited Clearances .........................................................................................12 7.3 Locations with Adequate Clearances......................................................................................13 7.4 Location of Refuges, Handhold Devices and Signs................................................................13 7.5 Refuge Details.........................................................................................................................14 7.6 Handhold Device Details.........................................................................................................14

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1 Purpose, Scope and Application This document specifies the design requirements for retaining walls and station platforms on the RailCorp network.

This Standard covers the structural design of the platform. It does not cover the design of the platform surface, except the coping, or the building and architectural design of elements associated with platforms.

It specifies requirements for both permanent and temporary structures.

2 References

2.1 Australian and International Standards AS 3600-2001 Concrete structures

AS 4678-2002 Earth-retaining structures

AS 5100-2004 Bridge design

2.2 RailCorp Documents ESC 100 Civil Technical Maintenance Plan

ESC 215 Transit Space

ESC 302 Structures Defect Limits

SPC 301 Structures Construction

EP 08 00 00 07 SP Safety Screens for Bridges over 1500V OHW Equipment

EP 12 10 00 21 SP Low Voltage Installations Earthing

EP 12 20 00 01 SP Bonding of Overhead Wiring Structures to Rail

EP 12 30 00 01 SP Electrolysis from Stray DC Current

ESB 000 Station Design Standard Requirements: Introduction

ESB 001 Station Design Standard Requirements: Design Context and Process

ESB 002 Station Design Standard Requirements: Design Principles

ESB 003 Station Design Standard Requirements: Station Functional Spaces

ESB 004 Station Design Standard Requirements: Station Services and Systems

SMS-12-PR-0371 Managing Engineering Design Control

Drawings:

CV 0046177 Brick Platform Stabilising – Sample General Arrangement CV 0212088 Brick Platform Stabilising – Ground Anchors CV 0212089 Brick Platform Stabilising – Anchor Ties CV 0212090 Brick Platform Stabilising – Dead Man Anchors

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CV 0212048 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Example of Typical General Arrangement

CV 0212049 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Posts CV 0212050 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Panels CV 0212051 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Miscellaneous Details

2.2.1 Other References RMS Specification R57 Design of Reinforced Soil Walls

3 General Requirements

3.1 Design Standards Retaining walls and station platforms are to be designed to AS 4678 - Earth-retaining structures, AS 5100 - Bridge design, other relevant Australian Standards and the requirements of this Standard.

The design of station platforms shall also comply with the requirements of RailCorp Stations and Buildings Station Design Standard Requirements. The design is to take into account requirements for services and utilities, drainage, public safety and disabled access.

3.2 Existing Structures When replacing or refurbishing an existing retaining wall or station platform, the design shall comply with Section 3.1 and provide for the current and proposed future line usage and business requirements.

Platform reconstruction or refurbishment work shall consider the requirements of all stakeholders. Design options shall consider the following requirements:

• track geometry • clearances to overbridges, footbridges, overhead wiring structures • current and future rolling stock types • platform height (level access preferred) • platform length • platform cross fall (slope away from track) • building levels • drainage • end of platform access stairs • lighting • station furniture • platform fencing • service conduits • removal of trees • heritage issues • potential impact on existing buildings, structures, ticket machines, entrances, riser

height to bridge stairs • potential impact on signal sighting or signal positioning.

When strengthening existing brick platforms, reference shall be made to the following standard drawings:

CV 0046177 Brick Platform Stabilising – Sample General Arrangement

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CV 0212088 Brick Platform Stabilising – Ground Anchors

CV 0212089 Brick Platform Stabilising – Anchor Ties

CV 0212090 Brick Platform Stabilising – Dead Man Anchors

3.3 Approved Materials Approved construction materials for main structural elements are steel and concrete. With the exception of retaining walls less than 900mm high, timber materials shall not be used as structural elements in the design of platforms and retaining walls.

Masonry is approved for existing structures and for cladding of new structures where this is required in special circumstances such as for heritage reasons.

3.4 Formwork Permanent formwork may be used in the design of retaining walls and platforms, but shall not be structurally significant. The design of steel permanent formwork shall include the mitigation of the effects of stray currents.

3.5 Surface Finishes Designers shall consider aesthetic factors when selecting the form and finishes for retaining walls and should provide a feature finish to large expanses of plain concrete.

At locations where vandalism may be an issue, walls shall have an anti-graffitti coating applied.

Where shotcrete is used in refuges, the shotcrete surface shall be steel-floated.

3.6 Electrical Requirements Designs shall provide for earthing and bonding of metallic components on retaining walls and platforms to mitigate touch potential hazards and corrosion of steel.

The design strategy should be to “design out” earthing and bonding issues by separation and isolation of metallic structures. Where this is not possible, the design shall achieve an appropriate balance of the risks associated with touch potentials and with corrosion due to stray currents.

Design requirements are:

a) Overhead wiring structures on platforms shall be bonded via a spark gap.

b) Other metallic components attached to the platform or retaining wall shall be insulated from the retaining wall or platform structure.

c) Utility services, such as water, gas, communications and lights, shall be insulated from the retaining wall or platform structure.

Insulation panels may be required in fences on retaining walls and platforms to prevent transfer of potential.

Electrical requirements are specified in RailCorp Electrical Engineering Standards for Earthing, Bonding and Electrolysis, in particular:

• EP 08 00 00 07 SP - Safety Screens for Bridges over 1500V OHW Equipment

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• EP 12 10 00 21 SP -Low Voltage Installations Earthing • EP 12 20 00 01 SP - Bonding of Overhead Wiring Structures to Rail • EP 12 30 00 01 SP - Electrolysis from Stray DC Current.

3.7 Clearances Horizontal and vertical clearances for retaining walls and station platforms are to comply with RailCorp’s Engineering Standard ESC 215 Transit Space.

The area extending one metre below design rail level of Normal Structure Gauge 1994 as detailed in ESC 215 Figure 1 shall be kept clear of structures and structure footings.

The design of retaining walls shall also provide clearances for safe places as detailed in Section 7 of this standard.

3.8 Earthworks Earthworks associated with the backfill of retaining walls and station platforms are to be designed in accordance with AS 4678 for compaction and drainage.

3.9 Safety The design of retaining walls and station platforms including the refurbishment of existing structures is to take into account safety considerations for construction and maintenance personnel, and the future users of the structure. Provision will need to be made for a safety handrail on top of a retaining wall where the wall height exceeds 2 metres.

The requirements of the RailCorp Safety Management System, particularly SMS-12-PR-0371 Managing Engineering Design Control, are to be observed and incorporated in all designs.

3.10 Protection of the Environment The design of retaining walls and station platforms including the refurbishment of existing structures is to take into account environmental impacts during construction and maintenance activities, with a view to minimising any such impacts.

3.11 Heritage Heritage considerations and classifications must be observed in all retaining wall and station platform designs. This may have particular application in circumstances where an existing structure is being refurbished or modified, or where a new structure is being proposed in the vicinity of existing heritage items.

In all instances, safety is the main priority and unsafe structures/components should be replaced if they do not satisfy RailCorp’s safety standards.

3.12 Design Procedure – New or Infrequently Used Products If any products specified in the design documentation can reasonably be deemed to be new or infrequently used, these must be identified by the designer and referred to the Chief Engineer Civil for approval. The designer must be satisfied that the manufacturer/constructor/maintainer understands any special requirements/practices relating to the product prior to release of the design documentation.

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3.13 Drawing Standards Construction drawings are to comply with RailCorp’s standard procedures and formats, and are to detail the design loadings, horizontal and vertical clearances, and any other information that is relevant to ensuring that the new structure is constructed and maintained in accordance with the design.

3.14 Construction RailCorp has a suite of technical specifications for construction of structures. The specifications are detailed in Engineering Specification SPC 301 Structures Construction and are to be incorporated in the design and construction documentation of platforms and retaining walls.

The design of retaining walls and station platforms including the refurbishment of existing structures is to take into account construction constraints, particularly live rail operating conditions and track possession constraints.

3.15 Maintenance The design of retaining walls and station platforms including the refurbishment of existing structures is to take into account the ability to access components for inspection and maintenance purposes.

Materials and finishes should be chosen to minimise future maintenance due to the close proximity of the structure to the tracks and commuter usage. Stainless steel fasteners are to be specified where access for inspection and replacement purposes is difficult.

Maintenance requirements are to be specified in the design documentation for structures. Requirements are to include examination tasks and frequencies, damage limits, and repair standards. In most cases, ESC 100 Civil Technical Maintenance Plan and ESC 302 Structures Defect Limits will apply. However site specific maintenance requirements may need to be provided.

4 Design Criteria – Retaining Walls All retaining walls over 900 mm high shall be designed by a structural engineer or shall comply with an approved standard design.

Design of retaining walls and soil-reinforced structures shall comply with AS 4678 and RMS Specification R57 Design of Reinforced Soil Walls. The deformation limits in R57 are not necessarily appropriate for rail embankments. The requirements for deformation limits for walls subject to rail loading shall be assessed and the limits in R57 modified appropriately.

Design of soil-supporting structures for bridges shall comply with AS 5100.

Retaining walls shall also be designed for horizontal and vertical surcharge due to derailment loads. The design shall be based on the derailment load cases in AS 5100 and shall consider the worst load case for a structure.

Designs shall take into account site-specific geotechnical parameters.

Retaining walls greater than 2 metres high and any retaining wall supporting rail embankments shall have a design life of 100 years.

Gabion walls shall only be used to support rail embankments where the height of the wall is one metre or less.

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The effect of the top one metre of passive fill in front of retaining walls shall be ignored in the design of retaining walls. The passive resistance of shear keys however may be included.

For cantilevered piled walls, the effect of the passive fill in front of the wall to a depth of 1.5 times the pile diameter shall be ignored.

The design of steel components such as ground anchors and soil nails shall include the mitigation of the effects of stray currents.

For retaining walls within 3 metres of a track centreline, the top of the footings shall be located at least 1 metre below rail level. This will permit the proper functioning of cess drainage and future ballast cleaning and track reconditioning activities.

Designs shall include appropriate provision for back of wall drainage (e.g. drainage layer, collector pipes and weep holes).

For post and panel type retaining walls, RailCorp has developed standard drawings. Post and panel walls shall be designed in accordance with the details on these drawings.

Standard drawings are:

CV 0212048 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Example of Typical General Arrangement

CV 0212049 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Posts

CV 0212050 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Panels

CV 0212051 Post & Panel Type Retaining Walls – Miscellaneous Details

5 Design Criteria – Platforms

5.1 General Retaining type platform walls shall be designed in accordance with AS 4678.

5.2 Design Loads

5.2.1 Permanent Platforms Permanent station platforms are to be designed for the following loading:

• Vertical: 10 kPa live load • Lateral: 200 kN ultimate load at any point along the platform • Longitudinal: 200 kN ultimate load resisted by the end 20 metres of platform

(concurrent with lateral load).

5.2.2 Temporary Platforms The provision of temporary station platforms may be required during new construction works or as part of major maintenance work.

If a temporary platform is required to be in service for twelve months or more, it is to be designed for full loading as specified in Section 5.2.1 of this Standard.

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If a temporary platform will be required for less than 12 months, relaxation of the loading requirements may be allowed as follows:

• Vertical: 5 kPa live load, subject to the platform being used for passengers only and no heavy equipment

• Lateral: 100 kN ultimate load at any point along the platform • Longitudinal: 100 kN ultimate load resisted by the end 20 metres of platform

(concurrent with lateral load).

5.3 General Configuration and Drainage Concrete platform structures are preferred. Steel platform support structures may be used, but they shall comply with the requirements of Section 5.4. Platform slabs are to be concrete.

Platform ends are to be finished vertically; ramped ends are not permitted as they facilitate the mounting of the platform by a derailed train.

The length of new and reconstructed platforms shall be 172 metres for suburban trains and 200 metres for intercity trains (V sets).

The height of platforms shall be in accordance with ESC 215. Level access platform design is preferred and shall be applied in all new and reconstructed platform designs.

The width of platforms is to be determined on the basis of usage requirements and in accordance with the RailCorp Station Design Standard Requirements.

Platform surfaces (including temporary platforms) are to be constructed in durable and impermeable materials that will resist warping, slipping and tripping.

Unrestrained earth slopes beneath open platforms are to be designed to prevent spillage of material onto the track.

Vertical platform walls or piers adjacent to the track are to be placed no closer than 750mm to the edge of the cantilevered coping, to allow for adequate ballast profile and drainage.

Track drainage is to be specifically designed at platforms, particularly in cases where natural run-off from the track structure is interrupted by the platform wall.

The top of footings shall be located a minimum of 1 metre below rail level, to facilitate future ballast cleaning and track reconditioning and to ensure that the platform is not undermined during such activities. If shallow or strip footings are proposed, the footing shall be sufficiently deep below the capping layer to mitigate against platform instability during track reconditioning works.

The slope of the platform surface is to be designed so that run-off is directed away from the track. A positive drainage system is to be provided to collect and dispose of all stormwater.

5.4 Steel Platforms The design of steel platforms shall ensure a minimum life to first maintenance of 40 years.

The design shall provide for ease of access for inspection and maintenance of steelwork.

The design shall mitigate against the effects of stray currents to the satisfaction of RailCorp’s Chief Engineer Electrical Systems.

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The steel shall have protective coatings in accordance with SPC 301.

Copings shall not be steel and shall comply with Section 5.5.

5.5 Platform Copings The lateral and vertical placement of platform copings in relation to the track is to be in accordance with ESC 215.

Coping edge materials are to be designed to be non-conductive.

When refurbishing an existing platform coping, a steel edge may be used subject to the installation of an insulating material to the top of the steel edge. Paint shall not be used as insulating material.

The use of materials such as fibreglass is subject to the approval of the Chief Engineer Civil.

5.6 Services For new structures, services shall be located within utility ducts within the platform.

For existing structures, service cables and ducting may be attached to the platform wall under the coping. Services shall be located no lower than 500 mm from the underside of the coping and extend laterally no more than 300 mm from the platform wall towards the track.

6 Design Criteria – Other

6.1 Movement Joints Provision is to be made in new concrete retaining walls, platform walls and platform slabs for control of cracking caused by shrinkage and thermal effects.

Movement joints are to be designed to accommodate both contraction and expansion. Design shall be in accordance with AS 3600 - Concrete Structures.

Horizontal construction joints are not allowed in walls.

Movement joints shall be provided around fixed objects located in slabs, e.g. structure footings, to prevent damage to the slab.

Movement joints in brickwork / blockwork facing to be designed to suit facing material.

6.2 Ground Anchors Ground anchors shall have a design life of 100 years.

Ground anchors shall comply with the requirements of AS 4678 and Technical Specification S38 - Permanent Rock Anchors in RailCorp Engineering Specification SPC 301.

The design of ground anchors shall include mitigation against the effects of stray currents.

The designer shall specify requirements for testing. Test procedures shall comply with Technical Specification S38.

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The designer shall specify requirements for long term monitoring, if any.

Anchor heads shall be protected so as not to be an obstruction. They shall be recessed or protected by a continuous smooth surface of shotcrete, concrete etc.

Ground anchors shall not extend under private property without the approval of the Chief Engineer Civil.

6.3 Soil Nailing Soil nailing shall comply with the requirements of AS 4678 and Technical Specifications S45 - Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls and S46 - Soil Nailing in RailCorp Engineering Specification SPC 301.

7 Safety Refuges and Handhold Devices

7.1 Provision of Safe Areas The design of retaining walls must make provision for a safe area for infrastructure and other authorised staff to stand during the passage of a train. Provision for a safe area is not required in the design of platforms.

A safe area must be provided along a retaining wall where the wall is longer than 20 metres.

In lieu of calculating kinematic envelopes, the default clearances to the front of the safe area’ are:

• 2230 mm on tangent track • 2500 mm on curved track.

7.2 Locations with Limited Clearances

7.2.1 Clearance less than kinematic plus 600 mm: When the clearance dimension from the track centreline to the retaining wall is less than kinematic plus 600 mm, refuges are to be provided for retaining walls longer than 20 metres.

7.2.2 Clearance between kinematic + 600 mm and kinematic + 1200 mm When the clearance dimension from the track centreline to the retaining wall is between kinematic plus 600mm and kinematic plus 1200 mm, handhold devices as specified in Section 7.6 are to be provided for retaining walls longer than 20 metres.

7.2.3 Limited Clearance Sign Owing to physical constraints, it may not always be possible to provide refuges or handhold devices along new or existing retaining walls.

Where refuges or handhold devices are required but are not provided, retaining walls shall have warning signage attached.

Warning signs should be considered for retaining walls less than 20metres in length where clearance is less than kinematic plus 1200 mm.

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The sign is a warning that there is insufficient clearance to stand safely when trains are passing.

Warning

Limited

Clearance

150 mm

150 mm

7.3 Locations with Adequate Clearances When the clearance dimension from the track centreline to the retaining wall is greater than kinematic + 1200 mm, no physical protection or signage is required.

7.4 Location of Refuges, Handhold Devices and Signs The spacing of safe areas/ refuges/ handhold devices along a retaining wall is not to exceed 20 metres. The spacing at each location is to be determined by a risk assessment, taking account of factors such as train speed, available sighting distances, existence of warning light systems.

Refuges/ handhold devices shall be provided on one side only of a single track where there are structures closer than the clearances for safe places on both sides of the track.

Where clearances are restricted on only one side of a single track, refuges/ handhold devices are not required. Signage is required on the side of the obstruction as detailed in 7.2.3.

Where refuges/ handhold devices are required on multiple tracks, they shall be provided in a staggered pattern on both sides of the track group.

The limited clearance sign is attached to the wall structure so as to be clearly visible to personnel standing on or adjacent to the track. The sign is required at access points to the limited clearance area.

The sign is to be attached at each end of the wall structure e.g. ends of retaining walls, tunnel portals, entrance to cuttings etc, and at locations along the structure wall where access is available to the track adjacent to the structure.

If access is only available from the end of the structure, no signs are required along the wall.

If access is continuously available, for instance the structure is on one side only, signs are to be installed at maximum 20 metre intervals along the structure.

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7.5 Refuge Details


The floor of the refuge is to be at cess level or with a maximum step up above the cess level of 200 mm.

The minimum dimensions of refuges are to be:-

Height: 2000 mm Width: 1500 mm Depth: 700 mm

If the refuge is to contain telephones, fire extinguishers or other essential items, the width is to be increased to provide the same clear floor area.

The floor of the refuge is to be level. The refuge is to be kept clear of cables, pipes or other obstructions.

Handrails must be installed in all refuges to assist staff in keeping their balance during the passage of a train.

7.6 Handhold Device Details A schematic layout for a handhold device is shown below.

It comprises two vertical pipe handrails of 40mm diameter, located 1000 mm apart and each protruding 400 mm from the fixing point on the structure.

The pipes are to be manufactured from galvanised steel.

Each handrail extends vertically from 900 mm above cess level to 1800 mm above cess level.

The horizontal and vertical elements of each handrail are connected by a bend of 200 mm radius.

A level standing area at cess level is to be provided between the handhold devices.

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Handhold Device

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200 mm radius

CESS LEVEL

900 mm

900 mm 1000 mm

40 mm dia

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