ESC 420 Track Drainage: Engineering Standard Civil
ESC 420 Track Drainage: Engineering Standard Civil
Civil
Engineering Standard
ESC 420
TRACK DRAINAGE
Version 2.3
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.
Document control
Version Date Summary of change
2.3 August, 2011 Changes detailed in summary table below
2.2 February, 2011 Section 2.2 - Update references to CAD Manual; Section 4.7 - Change
approving authority for drainage cells to Chief Engineer Civil; Section
6.9 Change minimum lap of geotextile from 300 mm to 200 mm.
2.1 November, Change to position title for Chief Engineer
2009
2.0 May, 2009 Change of format for front page, change history and table of contents;
format change throughout; Section 3.2 new standard drawing for
headwalls; updated standard drawing for ballast cage; new section 5.7
on prohibited configurations; Section 7.1 clarification of requirements for
double vs multiple tracks; Section 7.2: change in design load for pipes
under access roads: new Appendix; new Appendix 2.
1.1 April, 2007 Minimum slope for pipes clarified in 7.2
1.0 September, First issue as RailCorp document. Replaces RTS 3433 Track Drainage
2006 – Design and Construction
© RailCorp Page 2 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
Contents
© RailCorp Page 3 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
This standard does not cover drainage from platforms, buildings, overbridges,
footbridges, airspace developments, external developments, access roads, roads outside
the rail corridor, Council drains or properties adjacent to the rail corridor.
2 References
TMD 0001 - CAD and Drafting Manual – All Design Areas - Sections 1 and 2
© RailCorp Page 4 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
3 Definitions
Cess drain: located at formation level at the side of the track
Catch drain: intercepts overland flow or run-off before it reaches the track and related
structures such as cuttings or embankments
Mitre drain: connected to cess and catch drains to remove water or to provide an escape
for water from these drains
Track drainage: drainage of the track formation including diversion of water away from cuttings
and embankments
Multiple tracks: More than 2 tracks
4.1 Introduction
This document sets out RailCorp design requirements for surface and sub-surface track
drainage.
This standard should be read in conjunction with RailCorp Engineering Manual TMC 421
- Track Drainage which details more fully the design process as well as installation and
maintenance aspects.
No other drainage is to be discharged into the track drainage system without the approval
of the Chief Engineer Civil.
Only staff with the appropriate RailCorp Engineering Authority shall carry out the design
of track drainage.
Subsurface drains are used where adequate surface drainage cannot be provided due to
some restriction or lack of available fall due to outlet restrictions. Locations where these
circumstances may occur are:
• platforms
• cuttings
• junctions
• multiple tracks
• bridges
© RailCorp Page 5 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
Proposed variations to the design ARI due to site constraints or other factors shall be
supported by a risk assessment and shall be approved by the Chief Engineer Civil.
A range of storm events representing varying rainfall duration shall be investigated. The
drainage design shall be carried out adopting the critical rainfall event.
The catchment areas required for peak flow rate calculations shall be determined using
(in order of preference) site survey, site measurements or suitably scaled topographic
maps.
Account shall be taken of water flowing onto the rail corridor from adjoining properties
and streets.
Geometry effects of laying longitudinal pipes adjacent track around curves shall be
considered (eg may require reduced sump centres).
The permanent effects of the drainage system located alongside existing structures such
as overhead wiring structures, retaining walls, platforms, embankments, shall be taken
into account. The possibility of causing instability of an existing structure during the
excavation stage must also be highlighted and accounted for.
Conflict with existing services shall be considered. Service searches shall be conducted
and the locations of these services indicated on the design documentation.
Drainage cell systems shall only be used with the approval of the Chief Engineer Civil.
© RailCorp Page 6 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
footings and signals equipment, the interface with the formation and capping of adjacent
tracks and the potential for ballast to fall into and block the drain.
The installation of additional tracks on the outside of existing tracks shall not compromise
the integrity and effectiveness of the drainage on the existing tracks. Where necessary,
the drainage system for the existing tracks shall be redesigned to comply with the
requirements of this standard. The requirement for multiple tracks is that the water from
one track shall not cross another track to get away. For example, if there are three tracks,
there shall be at least one subsurface centre drain.
For ease of maintenance, over sized channels can be adopted to allow a certain degree
of sediment build up to occur and still work effectively. The minimum dimensions in mm of
an open channel shall be: A= 200, B= 200, C= 300 as detailed in Figure 1.
A A
C
B C B
The location of the open channel shall comply with the formation shoulder distance
specified in RailCorp Engineering Standard ESC 410 - Earthworks and Formation.
Where track drainage is incorporated within existing track constraints (eg cuttings,
between tracks) and the shoulder distance cannot be achieved, open channels are to be
at an adequate distance from the track to prevent ballast spill into the channel area. In
this case, the edge of the channel closest to the track shall be a minimum of 2800 mm
from the design track centre. This minimum edge distance shall be increased as required
based on track configuration (rail size, sleeper type, ballast depth) and track curvature.
The top of lined channels shall be no higher than the top of the adjacent track
formation(s).
The material forming the open channel shall to be capable of withstanding the maximum
permissible design velocity. Table 1 below gives maximum velocity values for varying
lining types.
© RailCorp Page 7 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
Catch drains shall be provided on the uphill side of embankments to divert water from the
embankment toe. Drains shall be 1000mm minimum from the toe of the embankment.
Catch drains may be either lined or unlined depending on the local soil conditions. Half
round pipes or dish drains may be used instead of lined channels.
The location of drains shall comply with the requirements of ESC 410.
The ends of mitre drains shall be splayed to disperse water quickly and reduce scouring.
6.1 General
Subsurface drains are used where adequate surface drainage cannot be provided due to
some restriction or lack of available fall due to outlet restrictions.
Subsurface drainage shall be provided in locations where the water table is at or near
earthworks level.
Subsurface drainage shall be provided along the cess, between, across, or under tracks
as required.
With double and multiple tracks, the requirement is that the water from one track shall not
cross another track to get away. Drainage shall be provided by sumps and pipes in the
‘six-foot’ as required.
© RailCorp Page 8 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
Advice should be sought from the Principal Geotechnical Engineer before designing and
installing sub-surface drainage.
Subsurface drainage systems shall be designed to take surface runoff, ground water and
seepage, and water collected from other drainage systems to which the new system is
being connected.
The volume of water from other systems is determined from the outlet capacity of that
system.
6.2 Pipes
The capacity of the proposed drainage system shall be determined using the peak flow
rate calculated by the Rational Method, with adjustment made for subsurface water and
water collected from other systems. The peak flow velocity within the pipe shall be less
than the manufacturer recommended maximum limits.
Pipes larger than the design size may be adopted to reduce the likelihood of the system
becoming blocked and also enable easier cleaning. The minimum pipe diameter shall be
225 mm (for ease of maintenance cleaning).
The slope of pipes shall be 1 in 100. Where this is not achievable, the pipe shall be laid at
the maximum achievable slope. Slopes flatter than 1 in 200 require the approval of the
Chief Engineer Civil.
Depth of pipes under the track shall be 1600 mm minimum from top of rail to top of pipe
or pipe encasing.
Depth of pipes running parallel to the track shall be 600 mm minimum from the design
cess level to top of pipe.
At specific sites where it is not feasible to comply with these pipe depth requirements and
achieve an effective drainage system design, the pipe depth may be reduced to:
• 1200 mm minimum from top of rail to top of pipe or pipe encasing for under track
pipes
• 300 mm minimum from the design cess level or 1000 mm from top of adjacent rail
(whichever produces the lowest invert level) to top of pipe for pipes running parallel
to the track.
• reinforced concrete
• fibre reinforced concrete
• steel
• products listed in Appendix A.
Approved proprietary products shall be designed and installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s specifications.
Steel pipes shall be designed to mitigate the effects of electrolysis and stray track
currents. Designs shall be in accordance with the requirements of RailCorp’s Chief
Engineer Electrical Systems.
© RailCorp Page 9 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
Both slotted and unslotted pipes may be used depending on the system type and its
means of collecting and carrying water.
Slotted pipes are preferred, as these do not rely on surface flow between sumps to collect
water.
Slotted pipes and perforated pipes are not suitable for under track pipe work.
If railway live loads are applicable, then the pipes must be designed for train loads
specified in RailCorp Engineering Standard ESC 310 - Underbridges. The Bridge Design
Code AS 5100 - Bridge design, does not provide guidance on a suitable impact factor for
railway loads distributed on fill. A dynamic load allowance (DLA) shall be adopted which
varies 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).
Where slotted pipes are used, strength reductions for the slots shall be included in the
design and shall be based on manufacturer’s recommendations.
Pipes located under sections of the rail corridor used for road vehicle access along the
rail corridor, shall be designed for the R20 design load. See Appendix B for details of the
R loading configuration.
Refer to RailCorp drawing CV 0205421 - Track Drainage - Typical Sections and Notes for
details of typical cross sections.
The minimum trench width shall be pipe diameter plus 150 mm on each side.
For longitudinal drains located either within 2500 mm of the track centre line or between
tracks where track centres are less than 6000 mm, the minimum trench width shall be
pipe diameter plus 100 mm on each side.
Trenches shall be backfilled with suitable material and compacted to not less than 95%
maximum dry density as determined by AS.1289 Methods of testing soils for engineering
purposes - Tests 5.1.1 and 5.3.1 (Standard Compaction).
© RailCorp Page 10 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
the more stringent requirements for placement and compaction of bedding material
cannot always be achieved.
For under track crossings that are to be constructed during a limited track possession,
type “U” bedding in accordance with AS 3725 shall be used in design.
The ground covering at the pipe exit points shall be capable of withstanding the exit flow
rates. Scour protection or energy dissipating devices may be required if existing ground
cover cannot withstand the design rate.
Where the sediment load of the water being discharged from a drainage system is high, a
silt trap shall be included.
6.6 Sumps
Sumps are required as access points for surface water as well as for maintenance of the
drainage system.
The minimum internal plan dimensions of a sump shall be 600 mm x 600 mm for depths
greater than 1m. Minimum internal plan dimensions of 450 mm x 450 mm are acceptable
for depths less than 1m.
Precast sumps with risers used to accommodate varying depths are to be adopted in
preference to cast-in situ sumps.
All sumps are to be provided with a heavy-duty cast iron grate cover. In addition, all
sumps within 2800 mm of a track centre, or where site restraints dictate the possibility of
ballast covering a pit, then a ballast cage (lobster pot) shall be provided. Refer to
RailCorp drawing CV 0400998 for details. For locations where access for off-track
equipment is limited, the grates shall be designed for ease of removal manually e.g
grates on a sump to be manufactured in two sections rather than one. These grates shall
be lockable.
Where the internal sump height (including risers) exceeds 1200 mm, the following must
be provided:
Step rungs are to be provided at 300 mm vertical centres. If possible, the step runs shall
be located on the face looking at the oncoming train traffic (ie either Sydney face for the
down track or Country face for up track).
Sump riser heights are to be selected such that step rungs do not come within 50 mm of
the top or bottom of the riser.
Where sumps are located in the 6-foot between tracks, the internal dimensions of the
sump shall be increased to a minimum of 600 mm wide (perpendicular to the tracks) x
© RailCorp Page 11 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
900 mm to accommodate inspection access. The width shall be the maximum size
available to enable proper placement of the sump and ballast cage (lobster pot) without
clashing with the sleepers.
The internal dimensions of the sump in areas excluding the 6-foot, shall to be increased
to a minimum of 900 mm x 900 mm to accommodate inspection access.
Flushing points shall consist of “T” or “L” connections in the sub-surface pipe, with pipe
connections extending to the surface for regular flushing with water to clear the sub-
surface drain of fouling material.
The design of permeable drains may be carried out using Darcy’s equation.
The permeability of clean gravel can range from 0.01 to 1.0 m/s. The aggregates used in
aggregate drains are either 20 mm nominal diameter or 53 mm diameter (ballast), the
permeability of these aggregates is:
6.9 Geotextiles
The main purpose of a geotextile used in subsurface drainage is to act as a filter, which
helps prevent silting-up of the drain it is protecting. The selected geotextile is to achieve
the following characteristics:
Geotextiles used in subsurface drainage shall fully line the trench and have a minimum
lap at the top of 200 mm but not exceeding 50% of the width at the top. The wrapped
trench is to be covered by a minimum of 100 mm of aggregate.
© RailCorp Page 12 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
7 Documentation Requirements
7.1 Drawings
All drawings are to comply with the relevant sections of the following RailCorp
Engineering Manuals:
TMD 0001 - CAD and Drafting Manual – All Design Areas - Sections 1 and 2
1. Material properties:
• Creep – testing to show tensile stress at which polymer strain virtually stops
increasing with time
• 50 year and 100 year Modulus and Stress
• Short term tensile stress and strain at yield.
• Long term UV resistance of polymer with >2% finely dispersed carbon black
© RailCorp Page 13 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
– Melt flow
– Density
– IZOD impact test
• Deflection.
• Long term strain check
• Combined axial strain and bending strain check
• Buckling – Factor of safety check
3. Tests on Pipe:
Note: As the stiffness of plastic products degrades over time, long term stiffness is
particularly important. Adequate performance over long term service life in rail
applications has to be demonstrated.
10. Cost comparison with conventional equivalent material such as Concrete or FRC
pipes
© RailCorp Page 14 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
© RailCorp Page 15 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3
RailCorp Engineering Standard — Civil
Track Drainage ESC 420
Standard
T44
Vehicle
1800
3700 1200 Variable 1200
3000-8000
To produce maximum loading effect
R20
Vehicle
© RailCorp Page 16 of 16
Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 2.3