1

Railway surcharge Load and partial factors to Eurocode standard

1.0 Surcharge load based on Eurocode

The nominal vertical surcharge load based on Eurocode is 52.1 kN/m2. A classification factor
α of 1.1 has been recommended for GEO limit states design (See NR/L3/CIV/020, see
appendix) and to national annexes N.A 2.48.

Tables below taken from RSSB report, page 53. Note: Loadings in Tables are per m width.

2.0 Option 1: Modification to the classification factor

Even though, a classification factor α of 1.1 has been recommended for GEO limit states
design (See NR/L3/CIV/020), a lower classification factor can be justified for lighter rail
traffic. The classification factor of 1.1 for vertical loading is based on LM71 load model
which is based on 250 kN axle load. As the expected real train ( Class 377) axle load is
approximately half of this value;( see calculations in reference/ It has also been stated in
Form A ,N401- PBR-FOA-CV-000001 that the anticipated real train axle load is half of this
value), from engineering judgement ; it is safe to adopt a minimal classification factor α of
0.75 from cl 6.3.2 (3) of BS EN 1991-2-2003 as the train is lighter than the normal rail traffic
specified in Eurocode.

For half the axle load specified in Eurocode, we can assume that classification factor is
halved; 1.1/2 = 0.55.Hence, by adopting the factor α of 0.75, it can be said that an additional
20% Factor of safety has been applied to the classification factor α value. The train axle load
is also based on a ‘fully loaded train’ with a UDL of 5 kN/m2 which is very conservative.

Surcharge due to vertical load taking account of lighter rail traffic

Design standard Nominal applied α γQ ULS applied

load load
BS EN 1991-2 52.1 kN/m2 0.75 1.5 58.6 kN/m2

Classified vertical load = 52.1 kN/m2 x 0.75 = 39 kN/ m2

 2

3.0 Option 2- Modification to Load model 71

Instead of using a lower classification factor α, modification is made to the Load model 71 by
adopting a lower axle load of 126 kN (approximated from calcs- see appendix). The nominal
vertical surcharge load from reduced axle load will be 26.3 kN/m2. The Classification factor
of 1.1 for GEO limit states (NR/L3/CIV/020) is maintained.

Design standard Nominal applied α γQ ULS applied

load load
BS EN 1991-2 26.3 kN/m2 1.1 1.5 43.34 kN/m2

4.0 Option 3- Adopting UDL for unloaded train

It is anticipated the trains will be unloaded; mainly parked at railway for servicing purposes.
Based on BS EN 1991-2:2003 (cl. 6.3.4), the load model for “unloaded train” consists of a
vertical uniformly distributed load with a characteristic value of 10 kN/m. Check has been
carried out based on the weight specification of a standard class 377 train where the UDL
from the self-weight of the train alone is below 10 kN/m2.

Design standard Nominal applied α γQ ULS applied

load load
BS EN 1991-2 10 kN/m2 1.1 1.5 16.5 kN/m2

Note: Please refer to the appendix for Eurocode references, relevant documents and
calculations
 3

APPENDIX

Calculation for train axle load

Unloaded train

Estimation based on British Rail Class 377

Estimated Weight per car based on train specification – 22 tonne/220 kN

Load Spread over four axle – 220 kN/4 = 55 kN

Loaded train

Typical width x car length = 2.8 m x 20.4 m Net area = 57 m2

Assumed conservative variable load of 5 kN/m2 x 57 m2 = 285 kN

Load per axle = 285 kN/4 = 71 kN

Estimated Total load per axle for loaded train = 55 kN + 71 kN = 126 kN

 4

Referring to BS EN 1991-2:2003,

Note: It is worth to note that the vertical loading will be distributed at a level 0.7 m below the
running surface of the track; important information for carrying out geotechnical design.

 The actual surcharge loading can be worked out by referring to the LM71 load model
( equivalent to the RU load model in BS 5400-2) for normal railway loading or load
model SW/2 to represent heavy loads (BS EN 1991-2:2003) .LM71 is adopted as an
example as shown below.
 5

 Based on the report by a published by “RSSB 2009, Design of railway structures to

Eurocode part 1”. The equivalent characteristic vertical loading due to rail traffic
actions can be assumed that the four point load (250 kN x 4) is a distributed over 6.4
m length between the 80kN/m UDL. The width assumed is 3 m based on cl 6.3.6.4 for
surcharge loading.

This equates to: 1000 kN/ (6.4 m x 3 m) = 52. 1 kN/m2 (value higher than 50 kN/m2 from
BS 5400)

 A factor α must be applied to the load. The factor α can be referred to UK national
annex N.A 2.48. A value of 1.1 should be adopted unless a specific value is provided
for the project. A factor of 1.5 for variable load must also be applied for Ultimate
limit state design.
 6

The classification factor based on NR/L3/CIV/020 page 70:

Reference taken from BS EN 1991-2:2003 Pg. 69