NIST-2659 Standard for Earthworks and Drainage Design

Document Number: NIST-2659
STANDARD Date of Issue: 25/03/2010

Revision Number: 2
Earthworks and Drainage
1. PURPOSE
This Standard describes the requirements for the design, construction and maintenance
of earthworks and drainage.
2. SCOPE
The Standard applies to all earthworks and drainage managed by V/Line Passenger
under the Regional Infrastructure Lease.
3. HISTORY
Replaces NIPR-2659 Rev 01.
4. DEFINITIONS
Please refer to NIMG-2600, Infrastructure Definitions and Terminology for abbreviations
and terms used in this Document..
Batter Slope – is the gradient of a cutting or embankment when viewed as a cross
section. It is expressed as a ratio of vertical to horizontal unit of distance (i.e. A 1:1.5
slope means 1 unit vertical to 1.5 units horizontal).
Capping Layer – The layer of uniformly compacted material, upon which the ballast is
laid, purpose of transmitting loads from the ballast to the material below and for the
prevention of material migration into the ballast.
Cess – The shoulder of the formation outside of the ballast profile.
Earth – Earth is defined to include all materials such as soil, clay, sand, gravel,
weathered or loose rock which can be removed by ripping with a bulldozer of 290 kilowatt
brake power (382 h.p.) with heavy duty tynes.
Earthworks – Is a term used to describe all the natural and made earthen / aggregate
structures. The main purpose of earthworks are to provide a structure of sufficient
strength and size to adequately support the track and of appropriate gradient to allow the
full range of rolling stock to operate on that line section. Earthworks must be designed to
ensure the rail corridor is free draining.
Formation – The formed, graded and compacted material, including fill material, capping
layer material (often referred to as sub-ballast) and any drainage layers or materials, on
which ballast is laid.
Geotextile – A strong synthetic fabric incorporated into the formation design to assist the
capping layer filtering function by acting as a barrier and a drain. Geotextiles are used in
situations where the material below the subgrade contains a high proportion of fine
particles and a high moisture content.
Rock – Rock is defined as material that can only be removed by means of continuous
drilling, blasting, pneumatic tools or ripping by a bulldozer with greater than 290 kilowatt
brake power (>382 h.p.) and includes boulders greater than 1 cubic metre in volume.
Subgrade – Is all material below the formation, made up of either the natural ground and
any ground stabilising materials or suitable fill material.
Approved By: EGM, Asset Management | Printed copies are uncontrolled Page: 1 of 33
Revision Number: 2

5. STANDARD
Earthworks and drainage suitable for railways shall be constructed to this standard, which
applies to all classes of main lines and sidings.
6. EARTHWORKS
There are a range of structures and activities that are covered by the term earthworks,
from site preparation to the construction of engineered earth structures, either cuttings or
embankments. All earth structures, subject to railway superimposed loads, are to be
designed to withstand 300 LA railway traffic loading, as defined in AS 5100 Pt2.
6.1. Earthworks Typical Profiles and Features
The following standards are minimum standards and under various circumstances
(known or suspected ground water flows, swamps, environments subject to flood
conditions, steep or unstable slopes etc.) geotechnical and hydrology investigations
should be carried out to confirm that the:
 soil has sufficient bearing capacity
 slopes are stable
 track will not be subject to erosion/flooding etc
Typical profiles and features for earthworks construction are shown in Figure 1
(embankment) and Figure 2 (cutting) with formation surface finishes indicated in
Table 5 and typical batter slopes indicated in Table 1.
Where the embankment or cutting height / depth is greater than 3m (the difference
between the surrounding ground level and the formation level) the cess width must be
extended to provide maintenance access on one side of the track. In this instance,
an additional drainage ditch may be required adjacent to the access track. Where
more than two tracks are provided, maintenance access may be needed on both
sides of the track.
For determination of the required overall width of the ballast profile, refer to NIPR:
2650 – Use and Laying of Rail, and NIPR: 2654 – Use of Ballast. A diagram showing
dimensions and volumes of common ballast profiles is given in NIPR: 2654 – Use of
Ballast, Attachment 1.
Capping layer
Cess C
L
1000 3000 min 1m *
nom min
1:60 Ballast
150 min
Structural Fill
.5
1:1 General Fill
1:2 Subgrade
Cess Drain * - dimension to suit sleeper type and ballast profile

Figure 1: Standard Earthworks Profile (Embankment)
Revision Number: 2
1000 3000 min

nom C
L
1000 Capping layer
1:60 Fo
1:2 rG
rad
Cess
es
ee
1m *
T ab min
Cut Off Drain Levee bank formed from le
1 Ballast
heaped cut off drain material 150 min 1:60
– min height 500mm
1 Subgrade
1:
Cutting gradient appropriate
to the material being cut
Cess Drain
* - dimension to suit sleeper type and ballast profile

Figure 2: Standard Earthworks Profile (Cutting)
6.2. Site Preparation
6.2.1. Clearing and grubbing
Clearing and grubbing must be undertaken over a zone that has a minimum of 2m
clearance to the final constructed works (ie a clearance of 2m from top of cuttings and
toe of embankments is required).
Clearing includes removal and disposal of unsuitable material, such as trees, stumps,
logs, timber, scrub, vegetation, rubbish, redundant fences and buildings, including
building foundations and other material unsuitable to be used as fill material.
Grubbing is required to remove the above materials, where they extend below the
cleared surface. Holes left after grubbing are to be filled with fill material and
compacted in layers as for embankments.
Waste material should be taken off-site or burned on-site. Natural vegetation may be
burned in suitable disposal areas with due care and the required permits. Disused
sleepers and other industrial waste should be disposed of off-site.
6.2.2. Removal of topsoil
All topsoil shall be removed. Topsoil shall be placed in a stockpile clear of the work
to enable its re-use in landscaping and revegetation.
6.2.3. Subgrade Preparation
All subgrades are to be finished, in preparation for formation construction as follows:
 The subgrade shall be scarified to a minimum depth of 200mm below top of
subgrade level.
 A finishing layer, minimum 200mm deep, with a tolerance of +0mm and –50mm, of
general fill material is then placed and compacted to 98% standard dry density
ratio (RD) (as defined in AS 1289 – Methods of Testing of Soils for Engineering
Purposes and Appendix 3 of this standard). Subgrade capping materials such as
rocky fill, spalls with geofabric may also be considered for use.
 The finished subgrade will then be proof rolled, prior to the construction of the
formation, in accordance with the requirements of Appendix 4.
Revision Number: 2

6.3. Batter Slopes
Batter slopes shown in Figures 1 and 2 are nominal standards for shallow cuts and
fills (ie less than 1m vertical height of earthworks), which should be applied only when
they can be shown to be stable. All embankment batter slopes should be designed
considering the structural properties of the fill material.
Guidelines for cutting typical maximum batter slopes in various materials are shown
in Table 1. When the depth of cut exceeds 1m, specific geotechnical design should
be undertaken.
Maximum Slope
Material
(Vertical : Horizontal)
Sand, wet clay, loose gravel 1:2
Sandy clay, boulders and clay, compact
1:1.75
gravely soil
Poor rock 1:1.5
Shale, tightly cemented gravel, ordinary
1:1
rock
Rock 1:0.25
Table 1 – Guidelines for Cutting Typical Maximum Batter Slopes
6.4. Excavation for Cuttings
The excavated faces shall be neatly trimmed and the top edges of the cuttings neatly
rounded. Overhanging, loose or unstable material likely to slip should be cut back,
removed or stabilised. Batters in cuttings shall be carried around curves in an even
and regular manner.
Finished batters shall not have a slope steeper than that specified in Table 1. Batter
slopes in rock cuttings in excess of 1m high shall be determined on the advice of the
nominated V/Line Geotechnical representative. Excavation shall be carried out in
such a manner as to prevent erosion or slips. Working faces shall be limited to safe
heights and slopes, and surfaces shall be drained to avoid ponding. The location of
the finished construction must be no closer to the railway tracks than the agreed
design. It should also consider top of cutting construction requirements and these
should be no less than the dimensions shown in Fig 2.
6.5. Embankment Preparation & Construction
Where a drainage blanket is to be provided at the base of an embankment, it will
comprise of a geotextile laid along the base and around a layer of free draining filter
material to a depth of 300mm, with spall protection at the outlet. The free draining
filter material shall be crushed rock, river gravel or slag composed of hard, strong
and durable particles, and complying with the properties listed in Table 2.
The material shall be spread in uniform layers to give the specified compacted
thickness in such a manner as to avoid damage to the fabric. If unstable areas are
encountered (eg seepage or springs) during embankment preparation, additional
treatment may be required, and the advice of the V/Line nominated Geotechnical
representative should be sought.
Revision Number: 2
Test Method Description Criteria

Requirement
AS1289, Test C6.1 Particle Size Distribution:
- % passing 53.0mm sieve 100
- % passing 37.5mm sieve 90 - 100
- % passing 26.5mm sieve 20-55
- % passing 19.0mm sieve 0-5
AS1141, Section 32 Soft and friable particles max. 5%
AS1141, Section 30 Clay lumps max. 0.5%
AS1141, Section 23 Los Angeles Value (Grading A) max. 30%
AS1141, Section 6 Particle density min. 2.3t/cu.m
Table 2: Free Draining Filter Material Requirements for the Base of Embankments
6.6. Fill Material
Embankments are to be constructed from fill material in layers of uniform thickness,
not exceeding 200 mm loose. Fill material shall be free of stumps, weeds or other
vegetative material and be tested in accordance with AS 1289 – Methods of Testing
of Soils for Engineering Purposes and Appendix 3 of this standard.
Embankments shall be constructed of two zones of fill material, as follows:
General Fill Material – material used to construct the majority of the embankment,
compacted to a minimum 98% standard dry density ratio (RD) and have a CBR ≥
2%. It must be free of particles greater than 150 mm in diameter.
Structural Fill Material – material used to construct the top 0.2 - 1m of embankment,
directly below the capping layer and compacted to a minimum 95% modified dry
density ratio (RD) and have a CBR ≥ 8%. The product of the liquid limit and the
percentage passing a 425 micron sieve must not exceed 1800. Structural Fill
Material must have a particle size distribution that conforms to that in Table 4.
The depth of structural fill material is dependant on the strength of the general fill
material (after compaction) and is determined as shown in Table 3. General and
structural fill material compaction is to be confirmed by proof rolling (see Appendix
4).
General Fill Material CBR (%) Depth of Structural Fill Material Required (mm)
2–3 1000
3–5 500
5–7 300
>7 200
Table 3 – Depth of Structural Fill Material
Revision Number: 2

Material for use in the structural zone shall comply with the requirements of Table 4.
Test Method Description Criteria

Requirement
AS1289, Test C6.1 Particle Size Distribution:
- % passing 75.0mm sieve 100
- % passing 425m sieve 5 - 70
- % passing 75m sieve 0 - 30
AS1289, Test C1.1 Liquid Limit max. 40
AS1289, Test C3.1 Plasticity Index max. 20
AS1289, Test E1.1 Maximum dry density min. 1.8 t/m3
AS1289, Test F1.1 Soaked California Bearing Ratio min. 8%
(Standard compaction)
Table 4: Structural Zone Fill Material
Note: If the fill material has a plasticity index of less than 6, special consideration
should be given to the need to protect the fill from erosion.
6.7. Finish Tolerance
Finished tolerances for the interfaces between subgrade and formation and each
distinct layer making up the formation (ie between general fill and structural fill and
between structural fill and capping layer) are shown in Table 5.
Situation Tolerance
Surface level of completed formation + 0mm to -50mm from design level

Variations in completed surface + 50mm to -0mm from 3 m straight edge
Formation width Not less than design width
Table 5 – Finished Tolerances for Formation Layers
6.8. Capping Layer Material Selection
Capping layer material shall be a well graded natural or artificially blended
gravel/soil. It shall have sufficient fines to permit it to be compacted to high densities
by static or vibratory steel-tyred rollers or by ballasted pneumatic-tyred rollers.
Capping layer compaction is to be confirmed by proof rolling (see Appendix 4).
Materials such as natural ridge gravel free from vegetable matter, ripped sandstones
with low clay content and crushed and blended tough, durable rock or slag, have
been found to meet the material properties. Natural gravels and / or crushed rock
shall include such added material as necessary for the combined material to satisfy
the requirements of this standard.
Samples of capping material for laboratory testing shall be taken and handled fully in
accordance with AS 1726, AS 1141 and Appendix 3 of this standard.
Revision Number: 2

The material shall be tested in accordance with Australian Standards, AS 1289.
Samples of material proposed for use shall be tested and results considered in final
selection of material. The material selected for use is to:
 Contain no vegetative material; and
 Comply with the grading shown in Table 6; and
Sieve Size (mm) % Passing (by Mass)

% passing a 53.0mm sieve 100
% passing a 37.5mm sieve 95 - 100
Table 6 – Grading of Capping Layer Material
 Comply with the following specified requirements for Atterberg Limits, maximum
dry density and soaked CBR.
6.8.1. Atterberg Limits
Liquid Limits AS.1289 Test 3.1.1 Maximum 30 (35 for arid areas)
Or AS 1289 Test 3.9
Plastic Limit AS. 1289 Test 3.2.1 Maximum 20
Plasticity Index AS. 1289 Test 3.3.1 2 – 10 (2 – 15 for arid areas)
AS. 1289 Test 3.3.2
Linear Shrinkage AS. 1289 Test 3.4.1 Maximum 3%
6.8.2. Maximum Dry Density
AS 1289 Test 5.2.1 Minimum 2.0/ m3
6.8.3. Soaked CBR
AS 1289 Test F 1.1* Minimum 20, compacted to 99% (min)
modified dry density.
6.9. Capping Layer Construction
The final layer of embankment fill material shall be placed and compacted to a level
30 mm above the base of the capping layer. Immediately prior to the placement of
the capping, the fill shall be trimmed, by grading, to the final profile and compacted
by a minimum of three passes of a smooth steel drum roller which has a static mass
not less than 10 tonnes.
Revision Number: 2

The finished, rolled surface shall be true to profile and to a tolerance in accordance
with Table 5. No traffic shall be allowed on the finished surface.
The capping layer shall be constructed in one or several layers to a total compacted
thickness of 150 mm unless otherwise specified. The material shall be spread in
uniform horizontal layers. Spreading shall be undertaken by a method which will
provide the specified compacted thickness for the full width of the capping layer and
be which will ensure segregation does not occur, and must not rut or disturb the
compacted material beneath it. No single layer shall have a compacted thickness
greater than 150 mm or less than 100 mm.
Where required for compaction purpose, water shall be added as necessary to
achieve optimum moisture content and mixed uniformly with the capping material by
approved mechanical means.
6.9.1. Capping Layer Tolerances
Rock and rock fines shall be distributed throughout each layer so that all voids are
filled. The top of the final layer shall be graded and trimmed, and material shall be
added as necessary to produce an even surface. The following tolerances are
required for the capping layer.
The capping layer shall be such that:
 The finished surface is within 25mm, but not above, of the level shown on the
drawings.
 The algebraic difference of the deviations from the correct level for any two points
20metres apart on the centreline shall not exceed 15mm.
 The deviation from a three (3) metre straight edge laid on the surface parallel to
the centreline shall not exceed 10mm.
 When tested with a three (3) metre straight edge laid perpendicular to the centre
line the deviation from design shall not exceed 10mm concavity.
6.10. Earthworks Near Structures
When constructing earthworks, within 5m of existing structures, additional care shall
be taken as follows:
 Non vibratory equipment shall be used within this distance, with requirements for
works directly adjacent to the structure further limitations, as defined in Table 7,
apply.
 Backfill material complying with the requirement for structural fill material, shall be
used adjacent to structures as detailed in Table 4.
Revision Number: 2
Structure Minimum Width & Compaction Method

Height of Selected Fill
Bridge abutment and 2m wide for full height Hand held compaction equipment for full
wing walls structure height for a distance of 2/3 H
(H = 0verall height of structure)
Pipe Culverts 300mm width each side Hand held compaction equipment for
and above top pipes distance D from pipe to top of pipe (D=
diameter of pipe)
Box culverts & culvert H/3 wide for full height Hand held compaction equipment for full
wing walls & retaining (H = overall height) structure height for a distance 2/3 H from
wall wall (H = overall height)
Table 7 – Compaction Methods near Structures
6.11. Widening Embankments or Placing Fill on Steep Sideling Slopes

Where a fill is to be constructed on steep sideling ground or against an existing
embankment with side slope steeper than 4 horizontally to 1 vertically, benches shall
be progressively cut over the full area to be covered by the new fill. The width of
each bench shall be such as to permit safe and effective operation of plant but shall
be not less than 1m. Each bench shall be sloped inwards at a slope no flatter than
10 horizontal to 1 vertically.
When directly adjacent to operational railway lines, each bench shall be filled with
compacted material or the bank reinstated at the end of each day so that the
distance from the toe of any bench or batter shall not be any closer than 2+1.5H
metres to the existing track centre (where H is the height below rail level).
The new filling shall be placed and compacted in layers as specified for
embankments, until the surface reaches the top of the vertical face of each bench,
and then a new bench shall be cut; this process shall continue for the full height of
the fill.
Existing culverts and drains are to be located, extended and repaired / cleared to
ensure satisfactory flow of watercourses. Care is to be taken to ensure that moisture
is not trapped between the existing and the widened embankment, and water does
not pond against the toe of the embankment.
A drainage blanket is to be laid at the base of the embankment in accordance with
section 6.5.
A windrow is to be provided on the embankment shoulder in sandy soils. Drains
down the embankment are to be protected from erosion. In environmentally
sensitive areas, appropriate erosion control is to be carried out including topsoiling,
mulching and re-vegetation of embankment slope with grass and native plants.
6.12. Upgrading Track on Existing Formation

When track is to be upgraded on existing formation, the formation should be free of
identifiable defects such as:
 Excessively narrow shoulders;
Revision Number: 2

 Retained moisture;
 Ballast settlement; or
 Formation deformation.
Where formation reconstruction or strengthening is required, the standards specified
for new construction should be applied.
6.13. Landscaping (section to be developed)
Revision Number: 2
7. DRAINAGE
7.1. General
Sound formation is necessary for retention of good track geometry and the best way
to achieve this is to have a good drainage. Drainage can take two forms:
1. Surface drainage – are cut into the surface of the earthworks, thereby
influencing the earthworks surface profile and are used to incept and convey
surface runoff.
2. Subsurface drainage
 Porous Pipes – laid in trenches, backfilled with free draining gravel with
catchpits placed at regular intervals. They intercept surface and
subsurface water flow and convey to an outlet or collection point.
 Stormwater Pipes – used to convey drainage water from one area to
another only.
The principal functions of the drainage system are to:
 Intercept water from surrounding areas and prevent it from flowing onto the
formation; and
 Remove water rapidly from the formation.
Drainage must be designed so as to limit the erosion effects of the drained water,
whilst ensuring the drains do not become blocked with silt.
7.2. DRAINAGE DESIGN
7.2.1. Site Investigation
The design process should commence with a site investigation. The main objective
of a site investigation is to establish the requirements of the drainage system and
any restrictions that may be imposed on the system.
The procedure for carrying out a thorough site investigation is as follows:
a. Identify the problem; and thus the area to be drained and the reason.
b. Determine the information required.
c. Collect and study all existing information available. Available information
from surrounding sites and locality should be studied before embarking on
field work. This may highlight particular problems or aspects that should
receive special attention. This stage should include a full services search.
Types of information that may be sourced include: aerial photographs and
maps (topographic, geological, soil, etc); charts; meteorological and
hydrological information.
d. Site inspection. A check list should be prepared prior to the field investigation
to ensure efficiency in gathering information. (See Form NIFO-2659.1). Items
to be investigated during the site inspection include:
i. Access to and from site, including restrictions.
ii. Type, function and location of existing drainage systems.
Revision Number: 2

iii. Structure(s) requiring drainage
iv. Position and condition of existing drainage outlets.
v. Any other likely drainage outlets.
vi. The fall available and invert levels for the inlet and outlet.
vii. Site safety requirements
viii. Location of existing services
ix. Catchment area estimation. The catchment area for the drainage
system needs to be estimated during the site inspection. This may be
checked by comparison with maps of the area.
7.2.2. Selection of Drainage System
Once the site investigation process is completed, and the collected information as
been compiled, a decision can be made on the type of drainage system needed.
Drainage should be designed so that the land on which the railway is constructed is
adequately dewatered and drained; therefore the system chosen for each location is
dependent on both the water source and the track structure. If possible surface
drains should be used in preference to subsurface drains since they are easily seen
and maintained. Where surface drains cannot provide adequate drainage,
subsurface drains must be installed.
Runoff, such as from platforms, roadways, or above cuttings shall be directed away
from the track drainage system. Drainage runoff must be controlled where it is
designed to run down embankment faces. Cut off drains may be required across the
tracks, to intercept and remove drainage water, where the tracks are on long
continuous gradients or at locations like level crossings and stations.
Subsurface drainage shall be provided in locations where the water table is at or
near earthworks level. Subsurface drainage may be required to run along the rail
corridor (typically to replace the surface cess drains shown in Figs 1 & 2, but may
also be required between multiple tracks) or across the rail corridor under the tracks.
With multiple tracks, drainage shall be designed so that surface water from one track
will not flow under the ballast on an adjoining track, unless it is transferred in a solid
drainage pipe. The minimum strength for under track drainage pipes shall be Class
4 (as defined in AS 4058) or equivalent. They shall have a minimum diameter of
375mm. The minimum cover to a subsurface drainage pipes shall be determined in
accordance with AS 3725..
Levee banks shall be provided on the rail side of all cut off drains at the top of
cuttings. Where water flow and ground conditions dictate, a concrete or other
approved cut off drain may be provided in lieu of the levee bank. Levee banks must
be designed to prevent surface runoff accessing the cutting, should it overtop the
cut off drain. Levee banks should be to a minimum height of 500mm.
7.2.3. Drainage Capacity Estimation
Sizes for pipes and open drains are determined from:
 Design Calculations – based on the Rational Method for initial sizing of pipes or
channels (See Appendix 1 for details);
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 Design Verification – utilising local knowledge, maintenance requirements, sizes
of existing pipes feeding into the designed pipe (a designed pipe should never be
smaller than the combined diameter of those feeding it), allowance for future land
developments where know.
Sizing may be increased above calculated values to make allowance for
maintenance requirements, such as:
i. Use of over sized channels to reduce maintenance requirements. For
example, catch pits are usually difficult to maintain due to access problems.
These pits may be over sized to allow a certain degree of sediment build up to
occur, but still work effectively.
ii. Use of larger pipes that become blocked less easily and are easier to clean.
For example, a 200mm pipe may be adequate to carry the peak flow expected
based upon design calculations but a 300mm pipe may be chosen instead
because it is easier to maintain and blocks less frequently.
The two most critical elements required to determine drainage size are the drainage
slope and the water quantity needing to be drained.
For both surface and subsurface drains the volume of water that the drain will need
to carry can be estimated from the following equation:
Q = QR + QS + QC
Where;
Q = Total drain water quantity (m3/s or l/s)
QR = Runoff quantity collected (at peak flow) (m3/s or l/s)
QC = Water from other systems (m3/s or l/s)
QS = Intercepted subsurface water (m3/s or l/s)
In order to estimate the runoff quantity QR the Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) for
the drainage area needs to be determined. The ARI used in design increases with
the importance of the track or related structure to be drained. Refer Table 8.
Track Class Recurrence Interval

Class 1 & 2 50 Years
Class 3 & pass sidings 25 Years
Class 4, 5 & freight sidings 10 years
Table 8 - Typical recurrence intervals for various track classes.

Note: Drainage shall be designed to ensure a 1 in 100 rainfall event does not
overtop the formation capping layer.
The recurrence interval should be adjusted if:
a) Flood hazards in the vicinity of the site are unusually severe.
b) The track classification is likely to be upgraded or downgraded after construction.
Revision Number: 2

Once the ARI is established the volume of water that the drain will carry can be
calculated.
7.2.4. Calculating the Runoff Quantity
The Rational Method is a commonly used method for calculating the runoff water
volume (QR), which we may also refer to as peak flow (QPF). The formula used is:
QR = QPF = F x C x I x A
Where;
F = A conversion factor of 0.278 (if A is in km2) or 0.000278 (if A is in Hectares (ha))
C = The Runoff Coefficient
I = Average Intensity (mm/h)
A = Catchment Area (km2 or ha)
Appendix 1 and Form NIFO 2569.2 provide further details to calculate QR.
7.2.5. Designing Surface Drainage Systems
Recommended slopes for surface drains are, are dependant on the surface material,
but typically fall with the ranges as follows:
Minimum – 1 in 200;
Standard – 1 in 100;
Maximum – 1 in 50 (if material is not readily erodible).
To estimating the size of a surface drain the required capacity must either be known
or calculated using the formula:
Q = QR + QS + QC
For surface drains QS and QC can usually be neglected. Thus the equation
becomes:
Q = QR = QPF (m3/s)
For explanation of the method for calculating the capacity QR / QPF, see section
6.2.4.
When drainage slope and the peak capacity required are known the surface drain
may be sized. The steps involved are explained in detail in Appendix 1.
7.2.6. Designing Subsurface Drainage Systems
The flow of water Q to be conducted by a subsurface drainage system has three
main sources. These are:
a) Surface runoff (QR)
b) Water from other systems (QC)
c) Intercepted subsurface water (QS)
The value of surface runoff QR is determined using the methods detailed previously.
The value of intercepted subsurface water QS is difficult to determine and will usually
require a detailed hydrological / geotechnical investigation.
Revision Number: 2

The volume of water conducted from other systems, QC, is estimated from the outlet
capacity of the system to which the new system is being connected. If this capacity
is not known, it may be estimated using the equation
QC = 1/n x S0.5 x X
and the known dimensions (drain area and slope) of the existing system, see
Appendix 1.
Note: QC may also be estimated using Table A4, if the pipe diameter, type and slope
(or grade) are known the maximum flow can either be read directly from the table or
approximated.
Once QR, QC and QS are known these may be substituted into the equation for Q,
to determine the maximum flow Q. The drain size required may then be read directly
from Table A4 in Appendix 2 based upon the drainage slope and the chosen pipe
material.
7.3. CONSTRUCTION OF SURFACE DRAINS
7.3.1. Site Preparation and marking
The drainage trench or ditch should be constructed at a uniform, even grade with no
low sections where water may pond and seep into track formation.
This is typically achieved by establishing and marking out reference points. Marking
out may consist of paint marks on the datum rail or star pickets. The interval used
for the reference marks depends on the length of the drainage system and
topography of the terrain.
The site should be cleared to ensure optimal drainage system performance. This
may involve relocation of signal troughs, services and cables, vegetation clearing
etc.
7.3.2. Excavation
Trenches are usually formed by excavating with a tracked or wheeled excavator.
Care should be taken when selecting the size of excavator to ensure:
 the surround ground can bear the weight
 there is sufficient clearance to any operational railway tracks
 the excavator has sufficient reach and capacity for the job
 a bucket size is selected that is appropriate for the drain being cut.
Once the trench has been constructed, level and compact the base making sure that
no low points exist. If any soft earth is discovered, it should be removed and
replaced with a suitable fill material – see section 6.3.1.
Where the risk of erosion is high the drain may require lining or other erosion
protection measures (cross channel pits or straw bales).
Clean up the site and ensure excavated material is removed.
Notes: It is good practice to work from the lowest to the highest point. That way if
work is interrupted for any reason at least part of the drainage system will function
correctly in the event of any rainfall occurring before completion.
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All precautions must be taken against accident or damage to the works. Support the
sides of excavations as necessary to ensure safe working. Guard against the
formation of voids outside sheeting or sheet piling if used. Fill any voids and
compact them to a dry density similar to that of the surrounding material. The
requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation must be adhered to at all
times.
7.3.3. Erosion Protection
Where there is a serious risk of hydraulic erosion, additional protection shall be
installed as follows:
a) Reno Mattress Lining - Reno Mattress units are of rock filled cells, formed from
wire mesh. Units can be laid next to each other and must be securely wire tied
together to form a continuous protective layer over the area required. All wire
used in the fabrication of Reno Mattresses and in the wiring operations during
construction shall be to AS 1391 with a tensile strength of not less than 40
kilograms per square millimetre, and be heavily galvanised in accordance with AS
1650 and to be PVC coated.
b) Riprap Lining - Riprap shall consist of a well-graded mixture of hard, dense and
durable rock fragments. Areas to be covered by riprap shall be compacted so as
to provide a firm and uniform surface, and then covered with a layer of geotextile
prior to placing riprap (refer Section 5 of this specification for guidance concerning
suitable geotextiles for erosion protection environments).
c) Gabions
In addition to serious risk areas, all inlets and outlets will be provided with erosion
protections. Typical methods are as follows:
 Precast concrete units
 Grouted sand bags
 In-situ Concrete
 Reno mattresses and / or gabions
 Revetment mattress
 Spalls grouted or hand packed
7.4. CONSTRUCTION OF SUBSURFACE DRAINS

7.4.1. Site Preparation and marking
Establish and mark out reference points to enable the depth of the trench and pipe
invert level to be measured accurately.
Removal of topsoil. Strip the topsoil to a minimum depth of 150 mm. This topsoil shall
be stockpiled on site in a designated area or removed from site.
7.4.2. Excavation
Excavate the trenches to the lines and levels required by the design with allowance
for any bedding material. The bottom of trenches shall be compacted to a minimum
98% standard compaction.
Revision Number: 2

Trenches shall be excavated to a width, sufficient to allow 100mm between each the
side of the trench and the outside of the pipe collar. To allow the proper handling,
jointing and packing of all types of pipes specified, additional excavation shall be
carried out where necessary.
For bedding on earth foundation, the trench shall be excavated over its full width to a
level at least 75 mm below the underside of the pipe collar before bedding material is
placed. Unless otherwise specified trench excavation for bedding on rock shall be a
minimum of 200 mm below the underside of the pipe collar. All loose material shall be
removed from the bottom of trenches prior to the placing of approved granular
bedding material.
All precautions must be taken against accident or damage to the works. Support the
sides of excavations as necessary to ensure safe working. Guard against the
formation of voids outside sheeting or sheet piling if used. Should any voids form, fill
and compact them to a dry density similar to that of the surrounding material.
Remove temporary supports progressively as backfilling proceeds.
7.4.3. Laying Pipe Sections (Geotextile, Bedding, Pipes)
Before laying pipes remove all debris and loose material from inside the pipe and
thoroughly clean the outside of spigots and the inside of sockets to ensure they are
free from foreign matter. Commence laying the pipes at the outlet or discharge end
of the line and proceed upstream to uniform gradients (falling to the outlets). Lay the
pipes in straight lines between the required changes of direction, ensure they are
properly supported, joints are watertight and aligned flush at internal surfaces, and
spigot ends point in the direction of flow. Some elements of methodology depend on
the type of subsoil and other local conditions, as follows:
(i) Impervious soil (most clays are relatively impervious).
 Line the trench with geotextile and allow excess to cover the top of the trench
when completed. Where joints need to be made in the geotextile use a minimum
overlap of one metre. Refer Section 5 of this standard for guidance concerning
suitable geotextiles for drainage.
 Place aggregate in the bottom of the trench in a layer approximately 50mm thick.
The aggregate used should be 20mm nominal diameter.
 Lay the pipe one section at a time on top of the aggregate.
 Check and adjust the level and grade of the pipe by packing aggregate under the
pipe.
 Place aggregate around and over the pipe, tamping the aggregate as the trench is
filled. Once the pipe is covered, complete the filling of the trench compacting the
aggregate in layers no greater than 150 mm, use a vibrating plate compactor or
similar.
 Fold the geotextile over the top of the trench, making sure that the ends are
overlapped.
 Cover the drain and complete associated works.
(ii) Pervious soil (for example sandy soils).
Before laying a drain in a pervious soil, place an impervious layer in the base of the
trench sloping towards the centre of the trench. Suitable materials include concrete,
Revision Number: 2

cement or lime stabilised fill or clayey fill. Once an impervious layer is installed the
follow steps "a" to "f" for drains in impervious soils above.
7.4.4. Fill and Compaction
Suitable material for fill includes sand, soil or broken rock with 100% passing a 75mm
sieve. The material must be capable of being brought to moisture content suitable for
compaction. The percentage of the standard maximum dry density (Dry Density
Ratio) for materials other than sand shall be calculated in accordance with AS 1289.5
Cl4.1. The maximum and minimum densities for sands shall be determined in
accordance with AS 1289.5 Cl5.1. The Density Index for sands shall be calculated in
accordance with AS 1289.5 Cl6.1. The standard maximum dry density for materials
other than sand shall be the maximum standard dry density as determined in
accordance with AS 1289.5 Cl1.1. The field density referred to herein for all materials
shall be the dry density of the material in place as determined in accordance with AS
1289.5 Cl3.1.
Fill material shall be placed and compacted in successive horizontal layers for the full
width of the cross section. The loose depth of the material in each layer shall be such
that, when compacted the layer thickness shall not be more than 150 mm. Fill shall
be compacted to 98% standard compaction at moisture content within 1 -
Optimum Moisture Content.
Grade the surface and dispose of surplus excavated material. All surplus and/or
unsuitable material shall be stockpiled or removed from the site. Disposal of surplus
spoil shall comply with Relevant Authority regulations.
7.5. OTHER DRAINAGE ELEMENTS
7.5.1. Blanket Drains
Blanket drains are usually constructed during embankment construction,
embankment widening or repairs to a slip. The construction steps are as follows:
a) Excavate – for embankment widening or slip repair, benches should be cut into the
existing embankment in accordance with section 5.8.
b) Level and compact the base with a fall away from the embankment centre.
c) Lay out the geotextile. Any joints should have a minimum 1 metre overlap. Refer
Section 5 of this specification for guidance concerning suitable geotextiles for blanket
drains.
d) Place aggregate, usually 20 - 53 mm aggregate up to 300mm thick. (This should
be laid and compacted in layers).
e) Fold sides of geotextile up over the top of the aggregate, and then cover with a
layer of geotextile over the top of the aggregate.
f) Place riprap (100 - 150 mm stone) over the exposed face of the drainage blanket
as protection. The selection of the geotextile needs to be puncture resistant to the
effects of laying the riprap.
7.5.2. Pits
Pits are placed at intervals ranging from 10 - 50 metres, depending on the system's
drainage ability, or at changes in the pipe direction.
At pit locations, trenches must be widened and made deeper, to accommodate the
pit. The base of the excavation should be levelled and covered with a layer of
Revision Number: 2

compacted sand or road base to at least 150 mm deep. This layer may be added to
so that the pit is positioned at the correct height.
Prior to placing the pit, the material at the inlet and outlet is removed to approximately
the desired size. Once the pipe is in place any remaining gaps between the pipe and
the pit are filled. The excavation is then filled and compacted in a similar manner to
laying a pipe.
Revision Number: 2
8. GEOTEXTILE
8.1. Introduction
The type and nature of geotextile used, within drainage systems and earthworks is
determined by the function required (drainage, separation (CBR > 3%), stabilisation
(CBR < 3%), erosion control etc), which then allows selection of suitable fabrics the
particular application. Given the importance of the long term performance of the
earthworks, drainage and formation works, within which the geotextiles will be used,
it is essential to select the appropriate product for each environment and application.
Where several fabric types meet the required criteria then cost, availability and other
factors should be considered. Unique local environmental issues may further require
the need for a more specific and unique design solution.
The use of geotextiles under compacted fill or above Capping Layer should be
considered in the following situations:
 Where poor subgrade conditions exist (i.e. where CBR value is 3 or less);
 Through road crossings (refer NIPR: 2687 − Level Crossings); and
 For the full length of passenger platforms.
The following criteria will provide guidance in the selection of the best geotextile in a
given situation.
Reference is made to AS 3705 - 2003 Geotextiles - Identification, marking and
general data and AS 3706 - 2003 Geotextiles - Methods of test, which must be
adopted.
8.2. Quality Control
Geotextiles must be supplied by manufacturers with quality systems in place,
certified to AS 9002 or equivalent. Product data sheets must be supplied, for all
required results to Australian Standard AS 3706-2003.
All geotextiles must be stabilised against ultra violet radiation (tested to AS 3706.11
– retaining at least 70% after the standard period).
8.3. “G’ Ratings
“G” Ratings were first publicised by Austroads in “Guide to Geotextiles – 1990”. The
“G” Rating is defined as the geometric mean of the Drop Cone and CBR Burst test
results. The Drop Cone test is used as a measure of a geotextile‟s resistance to
puncture from falling rocks, while the CBR test measures a geotextile‟s resistance to
puncture from placed and compacted aggregate. As such, the “G” Rating is
considered to provide a good measure of a geotextile‟s resistance to both static and
dynamic puncture.
Woven geotextiles have higher strength per unit mass than non-woven geotextiles,
however they are susceptible to being more easily damaged in the field. So when
selecting a woven geotextile for use, one with a higher “G” Rating is preferred to
compensate for this susceptibility. Refer Table 8 for comparison.
8.3.1. MARV Product Acceptance Criteria.
Acceptable values of “G” ratings for geotextiles, are to be determined using a
Minimum Average Roll Value (MARV) to overcome the variability inherent in
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geotextile manufacturing processes. Product values derived from testing across
multiple samples, such as MARV, will be expected to be more reliable than a single
sample test.
The MARV is the value exceeded by 97.5% of test data and is derived statistically as
the average minus two standard deviations. The MARV of a „lot‟ of geotextile is
found by testing across a number of rolls in the lot. The average value of each tested
roll is found and then the minimum of all tested rolls is adopted as the MARV.
8.4. Geotextile Strength Classes & Application Categories
Three strength classes have been developed, defined for both woven and non-woven
geotextiles in terms of their MARV “G” Rating – see table 9.
Strength Class Elongation (1) G Rating

(MARV)
Class 1 <50% (Typically Woven) 3000

>50% (Typically Non-woven) 2000
Table 9 – Strength Classes for Geotextiles

Notes to Table 9:
(1) As measured in accordance with AS2001.2.3, woven geotextiles will typically have
elongation less than 50%.
8.5. Application Categories
Six different geotextile applications have been described in terms of their strength
class, permittivity and equivalent opening size (EOS), in order to guide designers.
These categories are indicative only and the final selection must take account of any
local conditions (eg harsh environments, large rocks or problem soils, will require a
unique design solution). These applications are summarized in Table 10.
8.5.1. Subsurface Drainage
For subsurface drainage applications a light weight (140gsm) non-woven geotextile is
recommended. Relatively high permittivity of 0.2 s-1 and EOS between 85 - 230 µm.
Minimum required strength of Class 3.
8.5.2. Separation of Subgrade from Earthworks
For separation of subgrade and aggregate base a Class 2 geotextile is preferred.
Either medium weight non-woven or a 155gsm woven. Minimum permittivity of 0.02
s-1 and maximum EOS of 600 µm.
8.5.3. Stabilisation
Where saturated conditions require a geotextile to provide both filtration and
separation capabilities; such as drainage blankets, a Class 1 geotextile is required.
Permittivity of 0.05 s-1 and a maximum EOS of 430 µm. Heavy weight non-woven
geotextiles are most common for this application, however woven may also meet the
requirements.
Revision Number: 2

8.5.4. Erosion Control
When a geotextile is used for permanent erosion control purposes; such as beneath
rip-rap, a Class 1 should be used. Medium weight (around 260gsm) non-woven,
mono-filament woven or fibrillated-tape woven. Minimum permittivity of 0.2 s-1 and
EOS between 85 and 230µm. Slit-film (flat tape) woven geotextiles should not be
used in this application.
8.5.5. Temporary Silt Fence
Required strength is Class 3 and minimum permittivity 0.05 s-1, together with max
EOS of 600μm.
8.5.6. Paving Fabric
The most important performance characteristic of a paving fabric is it‟s bitumen
retention. This should be a minimum of 1.2 l/m2. A strength Class 3 is required and
melting point of 150°C. Most purpose made paving fabrics have a minimum mass of
135 gsm.
Application Strength Permittivity EOS Other

Class
Subsurface Drainage 3 0.2 85-230µm

Separation 2 0.05 600 µm (max)
Stabilisation 1 0.05 430 µm (max)
Erosion Control 1 0.2 85-230 µm
Silt Fence 3 0.05 600 µm (max)
Paving Fabric 3 N/A N/A Bitumen Retention
1.2L/sqm (min);
Melting Point 150ºC
Table 10 – Geotextile Application Categories and Properties
Revision Number: 2
9. REFERENCES
9.1. Earthworks & Formation
AS 5100 – Bridge Design
AS 1289 − Methods of Testing Soils for Engineering Purposes
NIPR-2650 – Use and Laying of Rail
NIPR-2654 – Use of Ballast
NIPR-2687 − Level Crossings
9.2. Drainage
Australian Rainfall and Runoff
9.3. Geotextiles
AS 3704 - 2005 Geosynthetics - Glossary of terms
AS 3705 - 2003 Geotextiles - Identification, marking and general data
AS 3706 - 2003 Geotextiles - Methods of test.
Revision Number: 2
APPENDIX 1 – CALCULATING DRAIN SIZE

I. Determine the soil type
Fine sand, silt loam, fine gravel, stiff clay, coarse gravel, shale.
II. Determine the maximum permissible water velocity for this soil type
Table A1 provides maximum velocities for various soil types
Channel Material Type Maximum Velocity
(m/s)
Unlined Channels
Fine Sand 0.45

Silt Loam 0.60
Fine Gravel 0.75
Stiff Clay 0.90
Coarse Gravel 1.20
Shale, Hardpan 1.50
Lined Channels
Grass Covered 1.8

Stones (100-150mm diam) 2.5 – 3.0
Asphalt 3.0
Boulders (> 250mm diam) 5.0
Hard Packed Rock 6.0
Concrete 6.0
Table A1 – Maximum Permissible Velocities

III. Select the drainage channel type and material
IV. Type - Closed, Lined Open, Unlined etc.
V. Material - Concrete, corrugated steel, clay, asphalt, gravel, fibre cement etc.
VI. Determine the roughness coefficient for the channel material
VII. Table A2 provides roughness coefficients for various channel types.
VIII. Calculate the capacity of a trial drain
A trial flow rate can now be calculated by selecting a trial drain size and plugging its
characteristics in to the formula:
QT = 1/n x S0.5 x X
Where:
QT = Trial Drain Capacity (m3/s)
n = Rougness Co-efficient (from Table A2)
Revision Number: 2

S = Slope (in decimals i.e. 1:200 becomes 0.005)
X = Area Factor (based on trial drain size and read from Table A3)
Channel Type and Material Roughness Co-efficient

“n”
Closed Conduits
Corrugated Steel Pipe (Helical) 0.020
Concrete Pipe or Box 0.012
Vitrified Clay Pipe 0.012
Fibre Cement Pipe 0.010
Steel Pipe 0.009 – 0.011

PVC Pipe 0.009
Lined Open Channels
Gravel Bottom Rip Rap Sides 0.023 – 0.033
Gravel Bottom Concrete Sides 0.017 – 0.020

Concrete Lining 0.013 – 0.017
Asphalt Rough 0.016
Asphalt Smooth 0.013
Unlined Channels
Jagged and Irregular Rock 0.040 – 0.045
Smooth and Uniform Rock 0.035 – 0.040

Clean Earth Sides Cobble Bottom 0.030 – 0.040
Earth with Dense Weeds 0.030 – 0.035
Earth with Grass and some Weeds 0.030 – 0.035
Clean Earth Sides Gravel Bottom 0.025 – 0.030
Uniform Earth with Short Grass 0.022 – 0.027
Fairly Uniform Earth with no Vegetation 0.022 – 0.025
Uniform Gravelly Soil 0.022 – 0.025
Clean Earth Channel 0.016 – 0.018

Table A2 – Roughness Co-efficient “n” for various Channel Types and
Materials
Revision Number: 2
Type Height (mm) Flat Base Sloping Side Channel Area

Width (mm) Width (mm) Area (m2) Factor X
Rectangular 200 300 N/A 0.060 0.012
Rectangular 200 450 N/A 0.090 0.020
Rectang/Trap 200 300 200 0.100 0.024
Rectang/Trap 200 300 300 0.120 0.029
Rectang/Trap 200 450 200 0.130 0.033
Rectangular 300 450 N/A 0.135 0.034
Rectang/Trap 300 300 200 0.150 0.042
Rectang/Trap 300 300 300 0.180 0.052
Rectangular 450 450 N/A 0.203 0.057
Rectang/Trap 300 450 200 0.195 0.059
Rectang/Trap 300 300 450 0.225 0.067
Rectang/Trap 300 450 300 0.225 0.070
Rectang/Trap 300 600 200 0.240 0.077
Rectang/Trap 300 450 450 0.270 0.085
Rectangular 450 600 N/A 0.270 0.086
Rectang/Trap 300 600 300 0.270 0.088
Rectang/Trap 300 600 450 0.315 0.103
Rectang/Trap 300 900 200 0.330 0.114
Rectang/Trap 450 450 300 0.338 0.123
Rectang/Trap 300 900 300 0.360 0.125
Rectangular 450 900 N/A 0.405 0.150
Rectang/Trap 450 450 450 0.405 0.154
Rectang/Trap 450 600 300 0.405 0.157
Rectang/Trap 300 900 450 0.405 0.174
Rectang/Trap 450 600 450 0.473 0.188
Rectang/Trap 450 900 300 0.540 0.227
Rectang/Trap 450 900 450 0.608 0.260
Rectang/Trap 600 600 600 0.720 0.332
Rectang/Trap 600 900 600 0.900 0.440
Table A3 – Area Factor “X” for Open Channels
IX. Check / Revise Trial Drain Size

Once the trial drain capacity QT has been calculated it is compared to the required
drain capacity QR or QP. If the trial capacity is less than (or much greater than) the
required capacity then a new trial drain size (with a new X factor) must be selected.
This iterative process continues until the calculated trial drain capacity QT is equal to
or slightly greater than required capacity QR or QP
Revision Number: 2

X. Confirm the Calculated Velocity
Calculate the peak velocity for the trial drain size using the formula:
VPF = QPF / A
Where:
VPF = Peak Water Velocity (m/s) for trial drain size
QPF = Required Peak Flow Capacity (m3/s)
A = Area of Channel for Trial Drain Size (m2)
If the calculated peak water velocity is greater than the maximum permissible velocity
for the selected channel type (refer Table A1) then either change the channel lining
material or increase the trial drain size until it meets the required velocity limit.
Flow Chart 1 illustrates this iterative design process.
XI. Example Calculation of the Peak Flow Capacity (QPF)
The Rational Method is a commonly used method for calculating the runoff water
volume (QR), which we may also refer to as peak flow (QPF). The formula used is:
Where;
F = A conversion factor of 0.278 (if A is in km2) or 0.000278 (if A is in Hectares (ha))
C = The Runoff Coefficient (Refer Table A5)
I = Average Intensity (mm/h)
A = Catchment Area (km2 or ha)
Example:
Known Data: Drainage Area = 80 acres (30% Residential, 10% Streets/Pavements,
10% Parkland, 50% Unimproved Area), I = 2.3 in/hr, Peak Rainfall Event = 60mm/hr
Table A5:> C for Residential = 0.9, Streets/Pavements = 0.9 Parkland = 0.1,
Unimproved = 0.4
F = 0.278 (given conversion of acreas to km2)
C = 0.57 (weighted average for drainage area = 10%x0.9 + 10%x0.9 + 10%x0.1 +
50%x0.4)
I = 60 mm/hr
A = 0.32375 km2 (conversion of 80 acres to km2)
So,
QR = QPF = 0.278 x 0.57 x 60 x 0.32375
QR = QPF = 3.078 m3/s
Revision Number: 2

Flow Chart 1 - Flow Chart for surface drainage design
From section 7.2.4 Peak Flow rate Qpf
Determine the local soil type such that the maximum permissible velocity
and roughness can be established
Determine the slope from the preliminary investigation survey (preferably not less than 1
in 300).
Select trial channel size from Table 4.
Calculate the maximum flow rate for the selected channel size
(Q1)
Yes No
Is Q1 > Qpf?
Check the water velocity (V1)
Is the velocity less No

than the maximum Either a larger channel or line the drain
permissible velocity?
Yes Select channel velocity such that

V allow > V1
The channel size & water velocity are
satisfactory
Check effect of lining n channel

capacity (Q2)
Select lining with No

smaller “n” or use larger Is Q2 ≥ Qpf?
channel
Channel size & lining satisfactory. Check cost of lining Vs

larger unlined channel.
Revision Number: 2

APPENDIX 2 – CALCULATING DRAIN SIZE (SUBSURFACE DRAINS)
Drain size for Subsurface drains may be read directly from Table A4
Pipe Pipe Drain Slope Max Flow Pipe Pipe Drain Slope Max Flow
Dia. Material (L/Sec.) Dia. Material (L/Sec.)
100 F.C 1 in 100 6.7 300 Concrete 1 in 100 114.1
200 4.7 200 80.7
300 3.8 300 65.9
Steel 1 in 100 5.5 P.V.C 1 in 100 138.5
200 3.9 200 97.9
300 3.2 300 79.5
Concrete 1 in 100 6.0 375 F.C 1 in 100 227.7
200 4.3 200 161.0
300 3.5 300 131.4
150 F.C 1 in 100 19.7 Steel 1 in 100 175.1
200 13.9 200 123.8
300 11.4 300 101.1
Steel 1 in 100 16.4 Concrete 1 in 100 207.0
200 11.6 200 146.6
300 9.5 300 119.5
Concrete 1 in 100 17.9 450 F.C 1 in 100 370.3
200 12.7 200 261.8
300 10.3 300 213.8
160 P.V.C 1 in 100 26.1 Steel 1 in 100 264.5
200 18.4 200 187.0
300 15.0 300 152.7
200 Steel 1 in 100 35.1 Concrete 1 in 100 336.6
200 25.0 200 238.0
300 20.4 300 194.3
225 F.C 1 in 100 58.3 525 F.C 1 in 100 558.7
200 41.2 200 395.0
300 33.6 300 322.5
Concrete 1 in 100 53.0 Concrete 1 in 100 507.9
200 37.4 200 359.1
300 30.6 300 293.2
250 P.V.C 1 in 100 85.8 600 F.C 1 in 100 797.7
200 60.6 200 564.0
300 49.5 300 460.5
300 F.C 1 in 100 125.6 Steel 1 in 100 498.5
200 88.8 200 352.5
300 72.5 300 287.8
Steel 1 in 100 104.6 Concrete 1 in 100 725.1
200 74.0 200 512.7
300 60.4 300 418.6
Table 6 Capacities for various pipe types and sizes. L
Table A4 – Drain Sizes for Subsurface Drains
Notes:
1) FC = fibre cement, Steel = corrugated steel, Concrete = concrete or vitrified clay
pipe.
2) To convert m3/s to l/s multiply by 1000 (i.e. 1000 litres = 1 cubic metre)
3) The values of Manning‟s roughness co-efficient “n” used in the calculations for the
values given in Table A4 are as follows:
Concrete (n = 0.011), Fibre Cement (n = 0.010), P.V.C. (n = 0.009)
Steel 100 (300ø n = 0.012, 375ø n = 0.013, 450ø n = 0.014, 600ø n= 0.015
Revision Number: 2
Revision Number: 2
Area types Runoff Coefficients

5 yr ARI 100 yr ARI
Business - City Centre 0.7 to 0.95
Business - Neighborhood 0.5 to 0.7
Residential - Single Dwellings 0.3 to 0.5
Residential - Detached Units 0.4 to 0.6
Residential - Attached Units 0.6 to 0.75
Residential - General Suburban 0.25 to 0.4
Industrial Area - Light 0.5 to 0.8
Industrial Area - Heavy 0.6 to 0.9
Parks and Cemeteries 0.1 to 0.25
Playgrounds 0.2 to 0.35
Railroad Yard 0.2 to 0.35
Unimproved Areas 0.1 to 0.3
Forest 0.05 to 0.35
Cultivated Land 0.08 to 0.41
Meadow 0.1 to 0.5
Pasture 0.12 to 0.62
Surface Types Runoff Coefficients
Concrete 0.7 to 0.95
Asphalt 0.7 to 0.95
Brick Pavement 0.7 to 0.85
Roofs 0.75 to 0.95
Lawns (Sandy Soil) - <2% grade 0.05 to 0.1
Lawns (Sandy Soil) - 2%-7% grade 0.1 to 0.15
Lawns (Sandy Soil) - >7% grade 0.15 to 0.2
Lawns (Heavy Soil) - <2% grade 0.13 to 0.17
Lawns (Heavy Soil) - 2%-7% grade 0.18 to 0.22
Lawns (Heavy Soil) - >7% grade 0.25 to 0.35
Table A5 – Typical Values for Run-off Coefficients (C)
If different ARI‟s are required, or where the proposed land use is different to that
described, the fraction of impervious material must be estimated and taken into
consideration. In such instances the method described by ARR Book 8 should be
followed.
Revision Number: 2
APPENDIX 3 – LOT TESTING METHODOLOGY

Sampling and testing of materials shall be in accordance with the relevant Australian
Standards and the requirements of this standard.
I Lot Testing
Unless otherwise specified, acceptance of material and work will be based on testing of
the material or work in lots. A lot will consist of a single layer, batch or area of like work
which has been constructed or produced under uniform conditions and is homogeneous
with respect to material and appearance. Unless otherwise specified, the extent of each
lot shall not exceed one day's production. Discrete portions of a lot which are
non-homogeneous, with respect to material and appearance, shall be excluded from the
lot and shall be either treated as separate lots, or the entire lot reworked to make it
homogenous. Where the areas, excluded from a lot as non-homogeneous, exceed 10%
of the total lot area, the whole of the lot shall be rejected.
II Characteristic Values
All material requirements within this document for bearing strength, density or moisture
content ratios shall be taken to mean characteristic values, determined as follows:
III Characteristic Value of Bearing Strength, Density Moisture Ratios
The characteristic value of bearing strength, density or moisture ratios of the lot shall be
calculated as x - 0.92S for six tests per lot where x and S are respectively the mean
and the standard deviation of the individual sample test value for the lot.
The mean is defined by:
n
x i
x i 1
n
The standard deviation is defined by:
 x  x 
n
2
i
S i 1
n 1
where xi the test value for an individual sample and n is the number of tests per lot, with i
= 1, 2, 3, ....n.
IV Testing Small Areas
For earthworks and pavement construction any lot which has a surface area less than
500m2 may be treated as a small area. When testing a small area as a lot and where
test requirements are based on characteristic values, acceptance of the lot shall be
based on the mean values of 3 individual tests. In this case the lot will be accepted as far
as compaction is concerned if the mean value of the individual tests exceeds by 2.0% or
more the appropriate compaction scale requirement for the characteristic value of density
ratio for a lot of six tests.
Revision Number: 2
APPENDIX 4 – PROOF ROLLING REQUIREMENTS

Introduction
The purpose of proof rolling is to confirm that materials used in earthworks construction,
have achieved the required compaction and strength associated with that layer. All
earthworks layers shall be compacted so they are capable of withstanding proof rolling.
However, due to the different strength requirements, of the materials that make up
earthworks (from subgrade to capping), the final method of proof rolling (and whether it is
required for each layer) is left to the discretion of the V/Line Geotechnical Representative.
Guideline for Proof Rolling.
Proof rolling shall be conducted with the following plant:
 Pneumatic tyred plant with a mass of 20 tonnes or more and shall have a ground contact
pressure under either the front or rear wheels of not less than 700 kPa per tyre and load
of 4.5 tonnes per tyre. Or;
 Static smooth steel wheeled rollers with a mass of 12 tonnes or more and a load intensity
under either the front or rear wheels of not less than 6 tonnes per metre width of wheel.
Or;
 Other such heavy vehicle as approved by the nominated V/Line Geotechnical
Representative.
The minimum number of passes by the roller or heavy vehicle shall be 3.
Proof rolling shall be witnessed by the nominated V/Line Representative and shall be a hold
point on the inspection and test plans for the works. Where proof rolling causes excessive
deformation (where there is visible deformation or springing) of the layer being tested, as
determined by the V/Line Geotechnical Representative, the soil shall be deemed unsuitable
material.
If it is determined that the layer being tested is unsuitable, then it must be either removed
and replaced with suitable fill material or stabilised by an appropriate and approved method.
Upon completion of the remediation works, the area must once again be proof rolled. This
process is repeated until a satisfactory outcome is achieved.
Upon achievement of a satisfactory proof rolling result, subsequent earthworks layer
construction must begin within 2 days. If two days is exceeded, the V/Line Geotechnical
Representative must determine if the weather in the period between proof rolling acceptance
and construction commencement, or any other activity or occurence, has had any
detrimental effect on the performance of the subgrade, and at their sole discretion, may
require further proof rolling.

NIST-2659 Standard for Earthworks and Drainage Design

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NIST-2659 Standard for Earthworks and Drainage Design

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Document Number: NIST-2659

STANDARD Date of Issue: 25/03/2010

Earthworks and Drainage

Earthworks and Drainage

Cess Drain * - dimension to suit sleeper type and ballast profile

Earthworks and Drainage

1000 3000 min

* - dimension to suit sleeper type and ballast profile

Earthworks and Drainage

Earthworks and Drainage

Test Method Description Criteria

Earthworks and Drainage

Test Method Description Criteria

Surface level of completed formation + 0mm to -50mm from design level

Earthworks and Drainage

Sieve Size (mm) % Passing (by Mass)

Earthworks and Drainage

Earthworks and Drainage

Structure Minimum Width & Compaction Method

Table 7 – Compaction Methods near Structures

6.11. Widening Embankments or Placing Fill on Steep Sideling Slopes

6.12. Upgrading Track on Existing Formation

Earthworks and Drainage

Earthworks and Drainage

Earthworks and Drainage

Earthworks and Drainage

Track Class Recurrence Interval

Table 8 - Typical recurrence intervals for various track classes.

Earthworks and Drainage

Earthworks and Drainage

Earthworks and Drainage

7.4. CONSTRUCTION OF SUBSURFACE DRAINS

Earthworks and Drainage

Earthworks and Drainage

Earthworks and Drainage

Earthworks and Drainage

Earthworks and Drainage

Strength Class Elongation (1) G Rating

Class 1 <50% (Typically Woven) 3000

Table 9 – Strength Classes for Geotextiles

Earthworks and Drainage

Application Strength Permittivity EOS Other

Subsurface Drainage 3 0.2 85-230µm

Table 10 – Geotextile Application Categories and Properties

Earthworks and Drainage

Earthworks and Drainage

APPENDIX 1 – CALCULATING DRAIN SIZE

Fine Sand 0.45

Grass Covered 1.8

Table A1 – Maximum Permissible Velocities

Earthworks and Drainage

Channel Type and Material Roughness Co-efficient

Corrugated Steel Pipe (Helical) 0.020

Concrete Pipe or Box 0.012

Vitrified Clay Pipe 0.012

Fibre Cement Pipe 0.010

Steel Pipe 0.009 – 0.011

Lined Open Channels

Gravel Bottom Rip Rap Sides 0.023 – 0.033

Gravel Bottom Concrete Sides 0.017 – 0.020

Asphalt Rough 0.016

Asphalt Smooth 0.013

Jagged and Irregular Rock 0.040 – 0.045