technical note - tn 042: 2016 · esc 215 transit space . esc 310 underbridges . esc 410 earthworks...
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Technical Note - TN 042: 2016
Technical Note - TN 042: 2016
Subject: Update to T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor, version 1.0
Issued date: 10 June 2016
Effective date: 10 June 2016
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
T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor, version 1.0. The update provides
clarification around the requirements for non-Authorised Engineering Organisations (AEO) to
carry out non-rail work within the Sydney Trains Network.
The amendments to T HR CI 12190 ST are provided in the following sections of this technical
note. The section numbers map to the relevant sections of the standard.
2.2 Application Add the following sentence at the end of the last paragraph of the section.
Additional AEO requirements for the design and construction of non-rail services are set out in
Section 6 of this standard.
6. Applications for non-rail infrastructure service installations Delete the first paragraph. Insert the following at the start of the section.
Applications for the installation of non-rail infrastructure services on the rail corridor shall be made
through the Rail Corridor Management Group (RCMG). Technical aspects of the application shall
be undertaken and documented, where feasible, by an appropriate AEO.
However, it is acknowledged that in some cases, organisations carrying out the design and
construction of the crossing may not be AEOs.
© State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 1 of 2
Technical Note - TN 042: 2016
In these instances, the AEO requirements of this standard shall be provided by Sydney Trains.
This is in accordance with the arrangements set out in Clause 25(b)(iii) of the Asset Standards
Authority Charter.
Authorisation:
Technical content prepared by
Checked and approved by
Interdisciplinary coordination checked by
Authorised for release
Signature
Date
Name Dorothy Koukari Richard Hitch Andrea Parker Graham Bradshaw
Position Senior Engineer Standards
Lead Civil Engineer Chief Engineer Director Network Standards and Services
© State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 2 of 2
Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
T HR CI 12190 ST
Standard
Version 1.0
Issued date: 03 September 2015
Important Warning This document is one of a set of standards developed solely and specifically for use on Transport Assets (as defined in the Asset Standards Authority Charter). It is not suitable for any other purpose. You must not use or adapt it or rely upon it in any way unless you are authorised in writing to do so by a relevant NSW Government agency. If this document forms part of a contract with, or is a condition of approval by a NSW Government agency, use of the document is subject to the terms of the contract or approval. This document is uncontrolled when printed or downloaded. Users should exercise their own skill and care in the use of the document. This document may not be current. Current standards may be accessed from the Asset Standards Authority website at www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au. © State of NSW through Transport for NSW
T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
Version 1.0 Issued date: 03 September 2015
Standard governance
Owner: Lead Civil Engineer, Asset Standards Authority
Authoriser: Chief Engineer Rail, Asset Standards Authority
Approver: Executive Director, Asset Standards Authority on behalf of the ASA Configuration Control Board
Document history
Version Summary of Changes
1.0 First issue
For queries regarding this document, please email the ASA at [email protected] or visit www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au
© State of NSW through Transport for NSW
T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
Version 1.0 Issued date: 03 September 2015
Preface The Asset Standards Authority (ASA) is an independent unit within Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
and is the network design and standards authority for defined NSW transport assets.
The ASA is responsible for developing engineering governance frameworks to support industry
delivery in the assurance of design, safety, integrity, construction, and commissioning of
transport assets for the whole asset life cycle. In order to achieve this, the ASA effectively
discharges obligations as the authority for various technical, process, and planning matters
across the asset life cycle.
The ASA collaborates with industry using stakeholder engagement activities to assist in
achieving its mission. These activities help align the ASA to broader government expectations
of making it clearer, simpler, and more attractive to do business within the NSW transport
industry, allowing the supply chain to deliver safe, efficient, and competent transport services.
The ASA develops, maintains, controls, and publishes a suite of standards and other
documentation for transport assets of TfNSW. Further, the ASA ensures that these standards
are performance-based to create opportunities for innovation and improve access to a broader
competitive supply chain.
This standard was developed by the Chief Engineer Rail unit of the ASA and approved by the
ASA Configuration Control Board.
This standard specifies the technical requirements for the design, installation and maintenance
of utility services, cables and pipelines within the rail corridor, and was developed from the
RailCorp standard ESC 540 Service Installations within the Rail Corridor, Version 2.2.
ESC 540 is withdrawn with the publication of this standard.
This standard is a first issue.
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T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
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Foreword
This standard is intended to be used by competent personnel engaged in the provision of
services relating to rail infrastructure. Compliance with the requirements in this standard will not,
by itself, be sufficient to ensure that satisfactory outcomes will be produced. Personnel
providing services based on the standard need to bring appropriate expertise to the matters
under consideration.
In addition to the requirements of this standard, asset decisions shall take into account the life
cycle cost considerations specified in T MU AM 01001 ST Life Cycle Costing.
If, when using the standard, it is considered that the intent of stated requirements is not clear, a
clarification should be sought from the ASA.
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Table of contents 1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 6
2. Purpose .................................................................................................................................................... 6 2.1. Scope ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 2.2. Application ............................................................................................................................................. 6
3. Reference documents ............................................................................................................................. 7
4. Terms and definitions ............................................................................................................................. 8
5. Safety requirements .............................................................................................................................. 10
6. Applications for non-rail infrastructure service installations ........................................................... 10
7. Services search ..................................................................................................................................... 10 7.1. Methods for locating existing services ................................................................................................. 11 7.2. Marking of services .............................................................................................................................. 11
8. Installation planning of services .......................................................................................................... 12
9. Above ground services ......................................................................................................................... 13 9.1. Design requirement for above ground services ................................................................................... 14 9.2. Collision protection for above ground services .................................................................................... 15
10. Below ground services ......................................................................................................................... 16 10.1. Design requirements for below ground services ............................................................................. 16 10.2. Geotechnical assessment for below ground services ..................................................................... 17 10.3. Design traffic load ............................................................................................................................ 19 10.4. Depth of cover ................................................................................................................................. 19 10.5. Direction of services ........................................................................................................................ 19 10.6. Carrier and encasing pipes .............................................................................................................. 19 10.7. Separation of services ..................................................................................................................... 20 10.8. Service pits ...................................................................................................................................... 20 10.9. Electrolysis ....................................................................................................................................... 20 10.10. Installation methods ......................................................................................................................... 21 10.11. Protection of rail infrastructure ......................................................................................................... 21 10.12. Trenching ......................................................................................................................................... 23 10.13. Markers ............................................................................................................................................ 24
11. Documentation....................................................................................................................................... 24 11.1. Design stage .................................................................................................................................... 25 11.2. Work-as-executed plans .................................................................................................................. 25 11.3. Record keeping ................................................................................................................................ 26
12. Maintenance requirements ................................................................................................................... 26
Appendix A R loading configuration .................................................................................................... 27
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1. Introduction Services are utility assets used to transfer, transmit or transport data, electricity, liquids, solids,
gases and the like.
Services are installed above ground and below ground within rail corridors and outside rail
corridors.
Services may be owned by TfNSW, Transport agencies, or external third party organisations.
The interface requirements between services and the TfNSW rail infrastructure are set out in
Australian standards, TfNSW standards and legislation.
This document cross-references to associated TfNSW standards from the electrical, signals and
control systems, telecommunications and track disciplines. It also incorporates work health and
safety (WHS) and environmental regulations associated with services installations excavation,
and places emphasis on planning and protection of existing TfNSW rail infrastructure.
2. Purpose This standard specifies the technical requirements for the design, installation and maintenance
of utility services, cables and pipelines within the rail corridor to supplement AS 4799 Installation
of underground utility services and pipelines within railway boundaries.
2.1. Scope The scope of this document includes installation of services for the following:
• electrical
• signalling
• telecommunications
• water and sewerage
• stormwater drainage
• combustible liquids
• flammable fluids
The requirements for track drainage are specified in T HR CI 12130 ST Track Drainage.
2.2. Application The requirements of this standard applies to all parties involved in service installations within
TfNSW rail corridors including TfNSW, Transport agencies and external third party
organisations. External third party organisations include commercial organisations such as
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Telstra and Optus, local Government authorities and providers of electrical, communications,
water, sewerage and gas utilities.
The requirements apply to both above ground and below ground services. Technical aspects
shall be undertaken and documented by an appropriate AEO.
3. Reference documents The following documents are cited in the text. For dated references, only the cited edition
applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document applies.
Australian standards
AS 1100.401 Technical drawing – Engineering survey and engineering survey design drawing
AS 1289 Methods of Testing Soils for Engineering Purposes
AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules
AS 4799 Installation of underground utility services and pipelines within railway boundaries
AS 5100 Bridge Design
AS 5488 Classification of Subsurface Utility Information (SUI)
AS/CA S009 Installation Requirements for Customer Cabling
Transport for NSW standards
ESC 215 Transit Space
ESC 310 Underbridges
ESC 410 Earthworks and Formation
EP 10 01 00 05 SP Requirements for Electric Aerials Crossing RailCorp Infrastructure
EP 20 00 04 01 SP Cable Route Selection Guide
EP 20 00 04 05 SP Cable Pits
EP 20 00 04 06 SP Underground Cable - Location Recording
SPC 207 Track Monitoring Requirements for Undertrack Excavation
SPG 0705 Construction of Cable Routes and Signalling Civil Works
SPG 0706 Installation of Trackside equipment
SPM 0123 Reinforced Pre-cast Concrete Cable Pits
T HR CI 12030 ST Overbridges and Footbridges
T HR CI 12070 ST Miscellaneous Structures
T HR CI 12111 SP Earthwork Materials
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T HR CI 12130 ST Track Drainage
T HR EL 08006 ST Services Erected Above Overhead Wiring
T HR EL 12002 GU Electrolysis from Stray DC Current
T HR EL 20002 ST 1500 V DC Cables and Cable Ratings
T HR EL 20003 ST Underground Installation Configurations for High Voltage and 1500 V DC
Cables
T HR TE 01001 ST Communication Outdoor Cabling
T MU AM 01001 ST Life Cycle Costing
TMA 0491 Accurate Field drawing
TMA 0492 Data Capture Procedure
TMA 0493 Scope Procedure
TMA 0494 Work as Executed Procedure
TMA 0495 Infrastructure Services Data Policy
TMA 0496 Specification for Collection of Services Data
TMA 0497 Code and Layer Definitions for Services Identification
TMA 0511 Plan Symbols and Interpretation Guidelines
TMG 1440 Requirements for the Locating of Underground Services in the Rail Corridor
TN 016:2015 Overbridges and Footbridges – Earthing and Bonding Requirements
TS 20001 System Safety Standard for New or Altered Assets
Other references
Dial before you dig website - http://1100.com.au
NSW Sustainable Design Guidelines
RailSafe website - railsafe.org.au
RCMG website - www.transport.nsw.gov.au/railcorp/building-near-railway
WorkCover 2014, Excavation Work: Code of Practice, NSW
4. Terms and definitions The following terms and definitions apply in this document:
AEO Authorised Engineering Organisation
DSS detailed site survey; surveys for the acquisition of field data for the preparation of plans,
cross sections and long sections of underground and above ground services. © State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 8 of 27
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GPR ground penetrating radar
non-rail infrastructure infrastructure that is not considered necessary to enable a railway to
operate and includes services owned by external third party organisations such as Telstra,
Optus, local government authorities and other non-rail utility providers for electrical,
communications, water, sewerage, energy, gas and so on
rail corridor comprises the full volume, both above and below ground, between the centre-line
of opposing boundary fences. If no boundary fences are present, the extent of the rail corridor
shall be taken as 15 m from the centre-line of the outermost rail
rail infrastructure the facilities that are necessary to enable a railway to operate and includes -
(a) railway tracks and associated railway track structures; and
(b) service roads, signalling systems, communications systems, rolling stock control systems,
train control systems and data management systems; and
(c) notices and signs; and
(d) electrical power supply and electric traction systems; and
(e) associated buildings, workshops, depots and yards; and
(f) plant, machinery and equipment,
but does not include -
(g) rolling stock; or
(h) any facility, or facility of a class, that is prescribed by the national regulations not to be rail
infrastructure
RCMG Rail Corridor Management Group
RIM rail infrastructure manager; (as defined in the Rail Safety National Law (NSW)) "rail
infrastructure manager" , in relation to rail infrastructure of a railway, means the person who has
effective control and management of the rail infrastructure, whether or not the person-
(a) owns the rail infrastructure; or
(b) has a statutory or contractual right to use the rail infrastructure or to control, or provide,
access to it;
ULX an underline crossing which is a service crossing beneath a rail line
URX an under road crossing which is a service crossing beneath a roadway (for example, an
access road)
Definitions of other standard terms used in this document are provided in AS 4799 Installation of
underground utility services and pipelines within railway boundaries.
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T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
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5. Safety requirements The design of service installations within the rail corridor shall consider safety for the
construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning workers and of the potential users
of the infrastructure.
The Authorised Engineering Organisation (AEO) shall establish and implement a design
process system that manages safety assurance across the full life cycle of the assets. The
design process system shall be developed in accordance with TS 20001 System Safety
Standard for New or Altered Assets.
6. Applications for non-rail infrastructure service installations Applications for the installation of non-rail infrastructure services on the rail corridor shall be
made through the Rail Corridor Management Group (RCMG) TfNSW. Technical aspects of the
application shall be undertaken and documented by an appropriate AEO.
The RCMG distributes the application to internal TfNSW stakeholders for review and
engineering assessment including the appropriate configuration management board.
Subject to meeting all engineering and configuration requirements and reaching a satisfactory
agreement, the RCMG then advises the applicant whether approval is granted to proceed with
the installation of the service. Site work within or near the rail corridor shall not be undertaken
unless written permission is received from TfNSW via the RCMG.
All non-rail infrastructure service installations within the rail corridor shall be covered by an
appropriate agreement (Master Access Deed or Individual Access Deed) with TfNSW.
7. Services search A comprehensive services search shall be undertaken in order to identify any existing services
that may be affected by the proposed installation.
Services searches for non-rail infrastructure services shall be undertaken in accordance with
industry standard procedures and in consultation with the relevant authorities, including Dial
Before You Dig (DBYD). A services search is also required where footings in the ground are
proposed for service installations.
Service searches for TfNSW railway services within areas covered by an existing detailed site
survey (DSS) shall be undertaken in accordance with the following DSS procedures:
• TMA 0491 Accurate Field Drawing
• TMA 0492 Data Capture Procedure
• TMA 0493 Scope Procedure © State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 10 of 27
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• TMA 0494 Work as Executed Procedure
• TMA 0495 Infrastructure Services Data Policy
• TMA 0496 Specification for Collection of Services Data
• TMA 0497 Code and Layer Definitions for Services Identification
• TMA 0511 Plan Symbols and Interpretation Guidelines
In areas not covered by an existing DSS, service searches shall be undertaken in accordance
with the requirements of the rail infrastructure manager (RIM).
7.1. Methods for locating existing services Methods to confirm the location of existing underground services onsite shall be non-destructive
to the service and any protective elements. Following are some of the methods used to locate
existing services:
• use of electronic cable locating equipment
• use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment
• potholing by hand digging
• potholing by vacuum excavation, which is a method that uses compressed air or water to
break up the ground and a vacuum to remove the loosened material
Electronic cable locating equipment may interfere with the operation of the signalling system.
The use of electronic cable locating equipment shall be in accordance with TMG 1440
Requirements for the Locating of Underground Services in the Rail Corridor.
Potholing to expose a service provides a greater guarantee of the precise location of a service
than the electronic or GPR methods.
7.2. Marking of services When the existing underground services are identified, they shall be ground marked using the
colour coding provided in Table 1.
Table 1 – Marking of services
Type of service Colour code
Sample of colour
Signalling or communication Pink
LV and HV power – internal and external Orange
External telecommunications White
Gas Yellow
Water, sewerage or drainage Green
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Type of service Colour code
Sample of colour
Compressed air Light blue
Fuel, combustible and flammable liquids Red
8. Installation planning of services The installation of services within and near the rail corridor shall be carefully planned in order to
ensure that people, environment and property remain safe.
The planning process shall identify hazards associated with the proposed installation and work
methods and shall develop work methods to mitigate the hazards.
The planning of installation work by the responsible AEO shall incorporate the following
activities:
• Prepare an excavation work plan and safe work method statement (SWMS). The SWMS
shall address specific site factors relating to the proposal.
• Assess the installation process of the undertrack crossing (ULX) and the way it affects the
track settlement, any displacements and the safe passage of trains. Appropriate safe
working methods and worksite protection shall be developed.
• Ascertain the need to monitor any movement of the track or other adjacent infrastructure by
survey, real time monitoring during and after installation and the preparation of a track and
structures monitoring plan and alarming criteria.
• Organise and obtain applicable permits and approvals from the relevant authorities.
Services installations shall be carried out in accordance with relevant and current Work Health
and Safety (WHS) and environmental legislation, and WorkCover regulations. WHS and
environmental impacts shall be considered across the full asset life cycle. The latest railway
safe working information is available from RailSafe website. Environmental protection of the site
shall consider, assess and minimise environmental impacts in accordance with the relevant RIM
procedures and systems. NSW Sustainable Design Guidelines shall also be incorporated.
Service installations shall not affect the operation and maintenance of existing railway assets.
Locations of services shall consider future rail corridor usage and shall be installed to minimise
the services footprint within the rail corridor.
Excavation work shall comply with the requirements of the relevant RIM safety management
system documents including any guides to excavation and earthworks and Excavation work
code of practice 2014.
© State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 12 of 27
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The Excavation work code of practice gives specific direction on legal requirements for the
following:
• shoring of excavations
• periodic inspections
• safety fencing
• excavations adjacent to buildings and structures
• flooding risks
• stacking of materials
• protection from falling objects
• work adjacent to or under overhead power lines
• manual handling
• lighting
• ladders and scaffolding
• mechanised plant and heavy machinery
• working in confined spaces
• use of personal protective equipment
• environmental protection
General earthworks and formation requirements including managing associated construction
hazards are referenced in ESC 410 Earthworks and Formation.
Where there is a potential for the track to be displaced during or after installation, a track
monitoring regime shall be implemented in accordance with SPC 207 Track Monitoring
Requirements for Undertrack Excavation.
Signal sighting shall comply with the requirements of SPG 0706 Installation of Trackside
Equipment.
Services installation shall be undertaken in accordance with the RIM safety management
system and with appropriate configuration change approval.
9. Above ground services Above ground services include aerial lines such as electrical and communication services,
free-standing structures carrying pipelines and services attached to bridges.
These services may run along the rail corridor or across the rail corridor.
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Permitted installations of non-rail infrastructure above ground services include high and low
voltage power, telecommunications, water, sewerage and gas.
Valves, compressor stations and flare points for combustible liquids or flammable fluids shall not
be permitted within the rail corridor.
9.1. Design requirement for above ground services Electrical aerial crossings shall be designed and installed in accordance with
T HR EL 08006 ST Services Erected Above Overhead Wiring and EP 10 01 00 05 SP
Requirements for Electric Aerials Crossing RailCorp Infrastructure.
Electrical requirements for service crossings erected above overhead wiring, including those
suspended from bridges or similar structures are also contained in T HR EL 08006 ST.
Electrical earthing and bonding for bridges and structures located above railway tracks on the
TfNSW network shall comply with TN 016:2015 Overbridges and Footbridges – Earthing and
Bonding Requirements.
Rail infrastructure signalling trackside equipment shall comply with SPG 0706 Installation of
trackside equipment.
Aerial crossings for telecommunications and other services shall be designed and installed in
accordance with AS/CA S009, AS/NZS 3000 and T HR TE 01001 ST Communication Outdoor
Cabling.
Freestanding structures carrying services shall be designed in accordance with
T HR CI 12070 ST Miscellaneous Structures.
9.1.1. Services attached to bridges and structures Electrical requirements are provided in relevant standards including ESC 310 Underbridges,
T HR CI 12030 ST Overbridges and Footbridges and T HR CI 12070 ST Miscellaneous
Structures.
Design loadings for services attached to bridges shall be in accordance with relevant standards
including AS 1170, AS 5100, ESC 310, T HR CI 12030 ST and T HR CI 12070 ST. The bridge
or structure shall be assessed for the structural capacity to support the service loadings.
Services and fixings attached to bridges or structures shall be designed and installed by an
appropriate AEO as follows:
• in accordance with design codes and practices
• not have an impact on the structural integrity of the bridge or structure
• not create an obstruction that causes water to pond or debris to accumulate
• not infringe the clear walking space of walkways and the clear space of refuges
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• not reduce the effective height of balustrades
• not obstruct or reduce access for inspection and maintenance, including the structure
immediately behind the service
• not adversely impact upon the performance of the asset and the network across the full life
cycle
• to accommodate bridge lifting by at least 100 mm in height for bridge maintenance
purposes such as bearing replacement
No services shall be attached to bridges or structures without the approval of the appropriate
RIM technical representative and with appropriate configuration change approval. The RIM
technical representative shall be an appropriately experienced and qualified senior bridges and
structures engineer.
9.1.2. Locations of above ground services Service installations shall comply with the minimum clearances specified in ESC 215 Transit
Space.
Other criteria for locating above ground services are as follows:
• access to TfNSW rail infrastructure shall be maintained as specified for the particular site
• provision shall be made for any future railway track or facility advised by TfNSW
• design of any structure supporting an aerial service shall be such that the number of
elements that are likely to be struck by a derailed train is minimised
• signal sighting shall comply with SPG 0706 Installation of trackside equipment
The structure shall not have any adverse effects such as reduced walking areas for railway
employees or reduced access for inspection and maintenance of the structure or the rail
corridor.
9.2. Collision protection for above ground services The design of piers or columns supporting service structures within the rail corridor shall comply
with the provisions of collision protection and loading as described in AS 5100 Bridge Design
and T HR CI 12030 ST Overbridges and Footbridges.
The principal requirement is to protect the piers and columns against damage from a derailed
train, which in turn may result in collapse of the structure onto the train. Requirements for risk
assessment are also described in T HR CI 12030 ST.
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9.2.1. Location of piers and columns
The minimum clearance to track centre line from any pier or column shall be as specified in
ESC 215 Transit Space.
Piers or columns shall not be located between tracks except on platforms in accordance with
T HR CI 12030 ST Overbridges and Footbridges.
10. Below ground services Below ground (or underground) services include low or high voltage electrical, signalling and
telecommunication cables and pipelines conveying water, compressed air, sewerage,
combustible liquids such as petroleum, and flammable fluids such as gas.
The services may run along or across the rail corridor and pass beneath a rail line (ULX) or
roadway (URX). Although there are many existing non-rail infrastructure services that have
been installed longitudinally along the rail corridor, further installations shall not be permitted
unless approved by the Lead Civil Engineer, ASA.
Valves, compressor stations and flare points for combustible liquids or flammable fluids shall not
be permitted within the rail corridor.
10.1. Design requirements for below ground services Non rail infrastructure underground cables and pipelines shall be designed and installed in
accordance with AS 4799 Installation of underground utility services and pipelines within railway
boundaries and the requirements of this standard.
Rail infrastructure power cable installations shall comply with TfNSW standards including the
following:
• T HR EL 20002 ST 1500 V dc Cables and Cable Ratings
• T HR EL 20003 ST Underground Installation Configurations for High Voltage and 1500 V
DC Cables
• EP 20 00 04 01 SP Cable Route Selection Guide
• EP 20 00 04 05 SP Cable Pits
• EP 20 00 04 06 SP Underground Cable – Location Recording
Rail infrastructure signalling and communications service installations shall comply with
SPG 0705 Construction of Cable and Routes and Signalling Civil Works.
Rail infrastructure communication service installations shall also comply with T HR TE 01001 ST
Communication Outdoor Cabling and SPM 0123 Reinforced Pre-cast Concrete Cable Pits.
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10.1.1. Locations of below ground services
Minimum clearances for non-rail infrastructure below ground service installations to the nearest
rail and adjacent structures and vulnerable areas such as drains, toes of embankments,
shoulders of embankments and tops of cuttings shall be in accordance with AS 4799.
Excavations for below ground rail infrastructure services along the rail corridor should be
located at least 3 m horizontally from the nearest rail of any track and may be located in the
formation including shoulder areas, in restricted locations. All services shall also be installed in
accordance with the requirements in Section 10.11 of this standard.
Services which are attached to bridges or structures shall not adversely affect the performance
of the asset and the network across the life cycle. Such attachments shall also be in accordance
with Section 9.1.1 of this standard.
When installation of a pipe through a concrete culvert opening is approved in accordance with
Section 9.1.1 of this standard, the pipe shall be located close to the culvert wall and as close to
the soffit as possible. The pipe shall be positioned by grouting under and over the pipe to
present a smooth surface to the water passing through the culvert. The pipe shall return
underground at each end of the culvert as quickly as practical.
Services shall not be installed in an open channel drainage system.
ULX underboring or open cut trenching shall not be carried out under or within 10 m of turnouts
or special trackwork (for example, catch points, expansion switches, diamonds, slips) without
the approval of the Lead Track Engineer, ASA.
Guidelines for selecting cable routes for high voltage electrical services, which minimises the
risk of damage to the cables or the potential to create a hazardous situation, are detailed in
EP 20 00 04 01 SP Cable Route Selection Guide.
Rail infrastructure signalling and communication cable routes requirements are contained in
SPG 0705.
Rail infrastructure communications routes requirements are also contained in
T HR TE 01001 ST and SPM 0123.
Trenching is permitted for below ground services running along the rail corridor and not crossing
under a track or access road, subject to the requirements of Sections 8 and Section 10 of this
standard.
10.2. Geotechnical assessment for below ground services An assessment of the geotechnical conditions shall be undertaken for all proposed below
ground service installations within the rail corridor. The geotechnical conditions may dictate the
most suitable installation location and method.
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The geotechnical assessment shall consider the effect of the proposed installation on the track,
overhead wiring structures, embankments, cuttings and other infrastructure, including any
effects from changes in the water table. The geotechnical assessment shall also include an
investigation of the in-situ material where the proposed crossing will be located.
Any application to install non-rail infrastructure below ground services within the rail corridor
shall be accompanied by a geotechnical investigation report undertaken and prepared by an
appropriate AEO.
The geotechnical investigation for proposed ULXs shall include (but not restricted to) the
following:
• Boreholes or test pits at entry and exit points which shall have a minimum investigation
depth (below the base of proposed excavation entry/exit points and ULX invert) of
1000 mm or 4 times the underbore diameter whichever is greater.
• Boreholes or test pits at the toe of the ballast on either side of the line which shall have a
minimum investigation depth (below the base of the proposed excavation and ULX invert)
of 1000 mm or 4 times the underbore diameter whichever is greater. For double track lines,
an additional borehole or test pit shall be carried out in the six foot if feasible. For multiple
track lines, additional boreholes or test pits shall be carried out as required by the RIM (and
advised by the RCMG for non-rail infrastructure service applications).
The geotechnical assessment and investigation report for proposed ULXs shall be undertaken
and prepared by an appropriate AEO and shall include (but not restricted to) the following items:
• site description and results of investigation
• an accurately surveyed cross section along the ULX alignment showing current ground
surface, rail levels and positions, position of proposed ULX, existing underground services,
borehole or test pit information and correlation lines of subsurface layers between
boreholes or test pits, ground water levels and any other relevant information
• prediction of possible ground subsidence during the ULX installation, long term
deformations and assessment of effects of the proposed installation to track and nearby
structures
• recommendation for the most suitable installation method
• an assessment to determine whether or not a geotechnical engineer is required in
attendance during construction to monitor any suspect ground conditions and ground
movement and proposed monitoring if any
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T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
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10.3. Design traffic load Pipelines and earthworks carrying underground services within the rail corridor shall be
designed for R20 vehicle loading as a minimum. Refer to Appendix A for details of the R loading
configuration.
Pipelines carrying underground services crossing under the tracks shall be designed for train
loads as specified in ESC 310 Underbridges. The impact factor (α) shall vary linearly from 1.5 at
0.3 m depth to 1.0 at 3.5 m depth or greater, where the depth is measured from the top of rail.
This load shall be applied as specified in AS 4799.
10.4. Depth of cover The minimum cover to underground services shall be as set down in AS 4799, except for
crossings under the track.
For crossings under the track the minimum depth below rail shall be the depth specified in
AS 4799 or 1600 mm, whichever is greater.
Where practicable, non-rail infrastructure ULXs shall be installed at greater than the minimum
depths specified. This ensures that the service is well clear of other existing services and future
TfNSW maintenance activities. The recommended minimum depth of cover for non-rail
infrastructure ULXs is 4 m below finished surface level, including drainage channel inverts and
planned future rail corridor surface levels.
10.5. Direction of services Non-rail infrastructure ULXs shall cross at an angle between 60° and 90° to the track if all of the
following conditions are satisfied:
• installation method is not by open cut trenching
• service pipeline is not more than 450 mm diameter
• depth is more than 4 m below finished surface level, including drainage channel inverts and
planned future rail corridor surface levels
All other non-rail infrastructure ULXs and all open cut trenched ULXs shall cross at an angle of
90° ± 5° to the track.
Non-rail infrastructure ULXs shall not have bends in plan view within the rail corridor.
10.6. Carrier and encasing pipes In addition to AS 4799 requirements, the need for an encasing pipe for a ULX shall be assessed
on a case-to-case basis by an appropriate design AEO.
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T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
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Encasing pipes shall be provided for all ULXs conveying pressure pipelines and pipelines
carrying combustible liquids and flammable fluids.
Steel encasing pipes are not permitted in, or within 1 km of, electrified traction areas.
10.7. Separation of services Service trenches may be shared by high voltage cables, signalling and communications cables
and other services.
Different services shall be separated in accordance with the following standards:
• T HR EL 20003 ST Underground Installation Configurations for High Voltage and 1500 V
DC Cables
• AS 4799 Installation of underground utility services and pipelines within railway boundaries
• AS/CA S009 Installation Requirements for Customer Cabling
• AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules
The horizontal clear distance between separate ULX service trenches shall be at least 3 m.
10.8. Service pits The design of service pits for rail infrastructure underground power cables shall comply with
EP 20 00 04 05 SP.
The design of cable pits for rail infrastructure signalling services shall comply with SPG 0705.
The design of cable pits for rail infrastructure telecommunication services shall comply with
T HR TE 01001 ST, SPG 0705 and SPM 0123.
Pits and access chambers for non-rail infrastructure services shall be located outside the rail
corridor.
Rail infrastructure service pits within the rail corridor shall be located in accordance with
Section 10.1.1 of this standard.
Pits within the rail corridor shall be designed for road vehicle loads and rail vehicle loads (if
applicable) in accordance with Section 10.3 of this standard.
10.9. Electrolysis Electrolysis occurs in the electrified areas of TfNSW rail corridors. The issue of potential
corrosion and protection of the service from electrolysis shall be managed in accordance with
AS 4799 and T HR EL 12002 GU Electrolysis from Stray DC Current.
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T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
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10.10. Installation methods Depending on the particular site conditions and specific geotechnical requirements, alternative
methods for the installation of underground services under tracks or access roads within the rail
corridor include the following:
• Cased auger boring (refer to AS 4799): This method is suitable where precise accuracy is
not crucial.
• Laser-guided micro-tunnelling: This method uses a laser-guided vacuum borer head with
articulated positive steering.
• Pipe jacking (refer to AS 4799): Pipe jacking methods are generally suitable for larger pipe
diameters and may be employed up to a distance of 100 m. Accuracy in alignment is
achieved by using a laser beam. In addition to requirements of AS 4799, for jacking
through non-cohesive soil where the pipe can be advanced ahead of excavation, removal
of soil in the pipe shall only proceed to within one pipe diameter behind the leading edge of
the pipe. Excavation shall not exceed more than 50 mm ahead of the leading end of the
pipe before the pipe is jacked forward. Excavation and soil removal staging is subject to
site specific geotechnical conditions and requirements.
• Directional drilling: This process is surface launched and may be tracked down to a depth
of over 100 m below the surface. Services may be laid up to a distance of 1000 m in a
single bore. Advantages include elimination of trenching and associated excavation and
shoring costs, greater safety, less disruptions to rail traffic and less delays owing to
unfavourable weather conditions.
• Tunnel boring: This method employs a steel cylinder equipped with a hydraulic excavator in
the front. Extracted material is removed with an auger or conveyor and a liner plate is
installed in the rear section as the borer progresses forward. Using this method, tunnels up
to 2400 mm in diameter may be installed.
• Trenching: Trenching with rail baulks or temporary tunnelling under tracks is permitted in
exceptional circumstances only. This method may necessitate a complete close-down of
the track.
10.11. Protection of rail infrastructure Excavation for services installation can be done by open cut trenching or trenchless methods
such as directional drilling or underboring and the like.
Care shall be exercised when excavating within the foundation influence zone of rail
infrastructure as there is a risk that the rail infrastructure may be disturbed or damaged. When
excavating adjacent to structures, there is a risk that the footings may be undermined or the
structure destabilised, resulting in structural failure and potential collapse.
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T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
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Excavation shall not be permitted within 6 m or the influence zone of any structure unless a
prior documented structural stability analysis advice related to the effects of the excavation and
approval are obtained.
When installation of a service under or near a bridge or structure is approved, the associated
excavation shall not undermine the bridge or structure footing or lead to instability or sliding of
the abutment or pier or support. The stability of the abutment or pier or support shall be checked
for the temporary open trench condition and shall be demonstrated that the requirements of
AS 5100 have been met.
Excavation shall not be permitted within 6 m or the influence zone of the base, slope or top of
embankments and cuttings unless a prior documented geotechnical engineering stability
analysis advice and approval are obtained.
The approval shall be based on the results of an appropriate geotechnical and structural
investigation and shall be in the form of a certification by an appropriately experienced and
qualified senior geotechnical or structural engineer from the design AEO.
Following are examples of critical excavation areas:
• excavation at the base or slope of railway embankments, which may lead to destabilisation
and failure of the embankment
• undercutting of the base of railway cuttings
• trenching at the top of soil or soft rock cuttings and embankments, which may result in
water ingress and slope failures
• excavation in the vicinity of overhead wiring structure footings
• excavation adjacent to bridges, retaining walls, reinforced soil structures, buildings or other
structures that might undermine or destabilise the foundations
Some examples of disturbance or damage to the rail infrastructure are as follows:
• track subsidence
• disturbance to drainage systems and particularly drainage systems over railway cuttings
that may lead to failure of the cutting slopes or fouling of the tracks below
• damage to railway cess drains and disturbance to the flow of stormwater runoff
• damage to train examination or staff walkway areas
• damage to above ground railway equipment, such as signalling and communications
infrastructure
• damage to other existing underground services
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T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
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10.12. Trenching Trenching shall be carried out in accordance with requirements set down in Section 8 and
Section 10 of this standard.
10.12.1. Width of trenches The width of trenches shall only be wide enough for installation and soil compaction around the
service or service ducts. The minimum requirement is the pipe diameter with an additional
clearance of at least 150 mm on each side.
10.12.2. Backfill and compaction Excavations under the tracks and for a distance of at least 3 m beyond the outer rails, and
including the whole of any embankment and any URX, shall be backfilled to the underside of the
capping layer with structural zone fill that complies with the requirements set down in
T HR CI 12111 SP Earthwork Materials. The structural zone fill shall be compacted to not less
than 95% of maximum modified dry density, as determined in accordance with AS 1289
Methods of Testing Soil for Engineering Purposes (all parts), for the top 1 m as measured from
formation level, and to at least 90% of maximum modified dry density for the remainder of the
open excavation.
Other excavations located further than 3 m from the outer rails or beyond the toe of an
embankment shall be backfilled with general fill or structural zone fill material that complies with
the requirements set down in T HR CI 12111 SP. The material excavated may be re-used if it
satisfies T HR CI 12111 SP requirements.
The general fill materials shall be compacted to not less than 95% of maximum standard dry
density determined in accordance with AS 1289 (all parts).
All specifications and limitations provided for general fill materials, shall also apply to the
subgrade.
Compaction shall be homogeneous throughout the lift thickness. Loose fill layer thickness shall
be 200 mm maximum when using hand held compacting equipment. Field compaction testing
requirements shall be as determined by the AEO responsible for design and construction.
The drainage and ground surface above and around backfilled excavations shall be reinstated
and graded to prevent ponding and to ensure that the flow of surface water is unrestricted.
Any disturbed URX or associated pavement materials shall be reinstated.
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T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
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10.12.3. Capping layer
Where the service installation has disturbed the capping layer, the capping layer shall be
reinstated for a minimum depth of 300 mm from formation surface level. The extent of capping
layer shall be to the full width of the formation.
The material used to construct the capping layer shall comply with the requirements set down in
T HR CI 12111 SP.
The capping layer shall be compacted to not less than 95% maximum dry density (modified
compaction) determined in accordance with AS 1289 (all parts).
10.12.4. Disposal of excavated materials Disposal of excavated material shall be in accordance with AS 4799.
Any surplus excavated material and any decommissioned service materials shall be removed
from the rail corridor and disposed of at an approved location.
10.12.5. Ponding of water in open trenches At no time shall water be allowed to pond in open trenches. During rain or when rain is forecast,
or if there is active seepage into the open trench, then the trench shall be filled on the same day
as the excavation.
10.13. Markers Marker signs shall be installed in accordance with the technical requirements and procedures
set down in AS 4799. Marker signs shall also indicate depth and direction of the service.
In addition to above ground marker signs and if not specified in other referenced documents,
plastic warning tape shall also be laid in the trench at a depth of 300 mm below ground finished
surface level to act as a warning during subsequent excavation, fire break grading or access
road maintenance and so on.
The requirements of T HR EL 20003 ST shall apply for high voltage and 1500 V dc underground
cables.
Markers for rail infrastructure signalling and communication cable routes shall be installed in
accordance with SPG 0705.
11. Documentation Documentation requirements for service installations within the rail corridor comprise design
stage documentation, work as executed plans, and general record keeping.
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T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
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11.1. Design stage Documentation complying with AS 1100.401 Technical drawing – Engineering survey and
engineering survey design drawing and AS 4799 shall be provided as part of the planning and
design process.
General requirements include a site survey and scaled plans and cross-sections showing the
following details:
• proposed location in plan view and rail kilometrage of the crossing, relative to the railway
boundary, tracks and other adjacent rail infrastructure to at least 10 m from the proposed
service
• proposed reduced levels of the crossing, relative to the ground, track, other infrastructure
and survey reference
• angle of the crossing
• details of the proposed type and construction of the crossing
• locations and details of affected drainage
• location of proposed valves, pits, masts, poles and other fixtures and fittings
• details of markers or other protection devices to be installed
• details of other adjacent services as determined from the services search
All engineering surveys for service installations within the rail corridor shall be established using
the coordinate system required by the RIM and the Australian Height Datum (AHD).
For underground services, the process for ensuring that the documentation complies with
TfNSW standards and the scope of data required to be captured are outlined in TMA 0492,
TMA 0493 and TMA 0495.
11.2. Work-as-executed plans Work-as-executed plans shall be prepared and submitted on the completion of all new service
installations and changes to existing services within 30 working days after practical completion
of each service constructed. Any variations to the approved plans shall be clearly marked,
particularly with respect to any change in location, changes in depth of services below ground or
direction of services.
For underground services, the plans shall be formatted as specified in TMA 0491, TMA 0496
and TMA 0497. Measurements shall be sufficient to enable the update or replacement of the
registered DSS plans in the TfNSW Central Planroom, the associated CAD files and the
information in the TfNSW corporate database.
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All work-as-executed plans shall have an allocated TfNSW Central Planroom drawing number
and shall be recorded and managed by the relevant configuration management procedures
(refer to TMA 0494).
Specific procedures apply to the recording of the location of electrical underground cables,
including high voltage and 1500 V dc and these are detailed in EP 20 00 04 06 SP.
Additional requirements for work-as-executed plans are contained in AS 5488 Classification of
Subsurface Utility Information (SUI).
11.3. Record keeping Master copies of each Individual or Master Access Deed shall be maintained by the RCMG.
The relevant RIM shall maintain records of the technical aspects of service crossings.
Information including technical aspects, agreements, maintenance responsibilities and contact
details shall be available to relevant parties including TfNSW upon request.
12. Maintenance requirements The responsible RIM shall ensure the following:
• marker signs are not damaged, obscured or removed
• services are not damaged, particularly when undertaking earthworks such as clearing the
right-of-way, cutting firebreaks or installing and maintaining drainage
• installations on bridges are examined as part of the cyclic bridge examination program
• technical maintenance plans (TMPs) shall be updated to include any structure or service
specific requirements
Non-rail infrastructure service Installations shall be maintained by the service owner.
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T HR CI 12190 ST Service Installations within the Rail Corridor
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Appendix A R loading configuration The ‘R’ vehicle is a general access vehicle. R20 is a 3 axle configured rigid body truck with
gross vehicle mass of 20 tonnes. The wheel load contact areas shall be equivalent to the
leading three axles of the T44 truck load shown in Appendix A of AS 5100.7.
© State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 27 of 27
Figure 1 - ‘R’ loading configuration