Volume 3 Civil
Volume 3 Civil
Volume 3
Civil
All rights reserved. No section or element of this document may be removed from this document, reproduced, electronically stored or transmitted in any
form without the written permission of Roads & Transport Authority.
All rights reserved. No section or element of this document may be removed from this document, reproduced, electronically stored or transmitted in any
form without the written permission of Roads & Transport Authority.
All rights reserved. No section or element of this document may be removed from this document, reproduced, electronically stored or transmitted in any
form without the written permission of Roads & Transport Authority.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
QUALITY INFORMATION
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 COMMON REQUIREMENTS 3
2.1 Introduction 3
2.2 Design objectives 3
2.3 Design process 3
2.4 Technical approval process 4
2.5 Construction, maintenance, operation and decommissioning 4
2.6 Design working life 5
2.7 Fire design 6
2.8 Standards 6
2.9 Loads, partial load factors and load combinations 7
2.10 Analysis 7
2.11 Materials 8
2.12 Environmental conditions 8
2.13 Durability 9
2.14 Survey and setting out 10
2.15 Civil engineering interfaces 11
2.16 Design Management 12
2.17 Systems Assurance 12
3 LOADING 13
3.1 General 13
3.2 Permanent loading 13
3.3 Imposed strains 14
3.4 Geotechnical effects 14
3.5 Environmental actions 15
3.6 Accidental actions 16
3.7 Seismic actions 17
3.8 Construction loads 18
3.9 Interactions with railway infrastructure 19
3.10 Building imposed loads 19
3.11 Rail vehicle loading 19
3.12 Pedestrian loading 21
3.13 Highway loading 21
4 GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN 22
4.1 General requirements 22
4.2 Design considerations for geotechnical structures 22
4.3 Basis of geotechnical design 23
4.4 Geotechnical investigations 30
4.5 Geotechnical parameters 32
4.6 Monitoring 33
4.7 Element design requirements for geotechnical structures 33
5 BORED TUNNELS 43
5.1 Scope 43
5.2 Design considerations for tunnels 43
5.3 Interface requirements for tunnels 44
5.4 Analysis requirements for tunnels 46
5.5 Verification requirements for tunnels 48
5.6 Element design requirements for tunnels 51
6 UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES 58
6.1 Scope 58
6.2 Design considerations for underground structures 58
6.3 Interface requirements for underground structures 59
6.4 Analysis requirements for underground structures 60
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1 Design working life for permanent works 5
Table 4-1 Maximum settlement limits 28
Table 9-1 Seepage rates for drainage design purposes 102
1 Introduction
1.1.1 This document forms Part 1 of the Rail Planning and Design Guidelines (RPDG), Volume 3,
Civil Engineering. It shall be interpreted and applied as an integral part of the complete set of
RPDG documents that together define the technical requirements for the Project.
1.1.2 The RPDG is structured in discrete Volumes, Parts and Appendices which describe the
design requirements for rail projects in Dubai. The Volumes, Parts and Appendices
categorise the design requirements by discipline, sub-discipline, element or technology. An
Appendix has been created, where necessary, to facilitate use but not all Parts have
Appendices. An Appendix has been created where there are a large number of requirements
or a large amount of information needs to be conveyed for a particular sub-discipline,
element or technology.
1.1.3 Not all Volumes, Parts or Appendices apply to all Projects and this is dependent on the
scope of the Project, described in the Project Brief.
1.1.4 The Guide to the RPDG describes the high level aspirations or vision for the design of
railways in Dubai and more specific objectives by discipline. It also includes the RTA’s Vision
and Strategic Objectives. The design of railways in Dubai shall be executed to deliver this
vision and the design objectives for the RTA.
1.1.5 The RPDG is supplemented by the Project Brief, which defines the scope of work,
operational requirements and specific requirements for a Project.
1.1.6 The Project Brief may be supplemented by Project Information which may include more
detailed requirements for the design and implementation of a Project.
1.1.7 Where the Project is an extension to an Existing System and the Project Brief requires the
Civil Engineering Infrastructure to be built to the same standard as on the Existing System,
the design shall comply with the relevant specifications listed in the Project Information and
conflicting requirements in this document shall be waived.
1.1.8 The RPDG Volume 1 specifies the codes of practice for management processes and
technical requirements that shall be applied to all elements of a Project.
1.1.9 The RPDG Volume 2 Architecture document specifies the technical requirements that shall
be applied to the architectural and station planning elements of a Project.
1.1.10 The RPDG Volume 3 Civil Engineering document specifies the technical requirements that
shall be applied to the civil and structural infrastructure elements of a Project.
1.1.11 The RPDG Volume 4 Railway Systems document specifies the technical requirements that
shall be applied to the railway systems elements of a Project.
1.1.12 The RPDG Volume 5 Building Services document specifies the technical requirements that
shall be applied to the building services elements of a Project.
1.1.13 The Common Requirements section of this Part contains the common design requirements
that shall be applied to all Civil Engineering Infrastructure, in addition to the requirements
contained in Volume 1, Systemwide.
1.1.14 The subsequent sections and Appendices define the specific requirements of sub-
disciplines, technologies or component parts of the Civil Engineering design. The
applicability of each Section, or Appendix, shall be dependent on the scope of works defined
in the Project Brief.
2 Common requirements
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 This Part and the supporting Appendices, contain the requirements for the design of all types
of Civil Engineering Infrastructure that may be required for the delivery of rail transport in
Dubai.
2.1.2 The Glossary for Civil Engineering is contained in RPDG Volume 1, Part 1, Appendix 1.
2.3.2 Design management shall be in accordance with RPDG Volume 1, Systemwide, including
production of the design in a staged manner.
2.3.3 The competence of Designers shall be managed in accordance with the Systems Assurance
Requirements in RPDG Volume 1.
2.3.4 The design, construction, operation and maintenance of the structure shall meet the
following general assumptions stated in BS EN 1990:
a) the choice of the structural system and the design of the structure are made by
appropriately qualified and experienced personnel;
b) execution is carried out by personnel having the appropriate skill and experience;
c) adequate supervision and quality control is provided during execution of the work, i.e. in
design offices, factories, plants, and on site;
d) the construction materials and products are used as specified in EN 1990 or in EN 1991
to EN 1999 or in the relevant execution standards, or reference material or product
specifications;
e) the structure will be adequately maintained; and
f) the structure will be used in accordance with the design assumptions.
2.4.2 In addition, Technical Approval for the detail design shall be obtained in accordance with
Appendix 3, and shall include the submission of an Approval in Principle (AIP) document.
2.4.3 Detailed design shall not commence prior to Technical Approval being granted.
2.4.4 Construction shall not commence prior to the appropriate design and checking certification
being accepted.
2.5.2 The design shall ensure that information is provided to minimise residual hazards in
construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning, in accordance with RPDG
Volume 1.
Maintenance
2.5.4 The design shall incorporate provisions, to facilitate the inspection, maintenance and
periodic component replacement operations necessary for the achievement of the required
duty for the design life.
2.5.5 The design shall include a plan for inspection, instrumentation, measurement and
maintenance of the asset to ensure serviceability throughout the design life.
2.5.6 Elements which cannot readily be inspected or maintained shall be designed to provide the
full design life applicable to the main structure, without replacement.
2.5.7 The Designer shall prepare a programme for inspection, instrumentation, measurement and
maintenance of the structures to ensure satisfactory performance throughout the design life,
in accordance with RPDG Volume 1.
Construction
2.5.8 The method of construction and the principal stages of construction envisaged in the design
shall be stated in the AIP submission and design documents including, where necessary:
a) detailed descriptions and drawings;
b) envisaged traffic management; and
c) envisaged service diversions.
2.5.9 Where there is an interface with an operational railway, the design shall, as far as
reasonably practicable, minimise the likely detrimental effects of construction on the
operational railway.
2.5.10 Provision shall be made in the design for the interfaces between the structure and adjacent
properties and obstacles crossed and the effects and operations of each on the other during
the execution, maintenance and de-commissioning of the structure and disruptions to other
properties, infrastructure and services minimised.
Temporary works
2.5.11 Temporary works required for the construction of the permanent works shall be fully
compatible with the continuing safe and reliable operation of the adjacent facilities.
2.5.12 Any loads that temporary works impose on new assets shall be allowed for in the design.
2.5.13 Existing assets required to sustain loads imposed by the temporary works associated with
the construction of new assets shall be checked for their ability to do so and if necessary,
additional support shall be designed.
Decommissioning
2.5.14 The envisaged method of decommissioning the structure, and hazards associated with
demolition that would not be apparent from an examination of the structure or from its design
or construction records, shall be stated in the AIP submission.
2.6.2 The design shall state any monitoring and maintenance liability required to achieve the
design life and this shall be identified in the design documentation.
2.7.2 The fire resistance periods for elements and the fire compartmentation shall be stated in the
AIP submission.
2.8 Standards
2.8.1 In addition to the requirements of RPDG Volume 1, structures shall be designed in
accordance with the standards listed in this Section 2.8.
2.8.2 The design shall be based on a set of consistent and compatible standards governing, as a
minimum, the following:
a) loading conditions;
b) structural adequacy;
c) structural performance;
d) construction works; and
e) material specifications.
2.8.3 Structural design shall be based on limit state principles and shall include verifications of
Ultimate Limit States, concerning the safety of people and the structure, and Serviceability
Limit States, concerning the functioning of the structure or comfort of people under
conditions of normal use as defined within the Eurocodes. Limit states can occur either in the
ground or in the structure or by combined failure in the structure and the ground
2.8.4 The normative reference standards for the design of new structures, structural parts and
elements shall be the suite of Structural Eurocodes, BS EN 1990 to BS EN 1999, and the
relevant UK National Annexes, as supplemented and amended by the RPDG, which takes
precedence.
2.8.5 The Designer shall comply with Appendix 5 which specifies the amendments to be made to
the suite of UK National Annexes for the design of all Railway Structures and Buildings
within the Emirate of Dubai.
2.8.6 The Designer shall ensure that parameters adopted from the Eurocodes, UK National
Annexes and the RPDG, including Appendix 5, are relevant and appropriate for the local
conditions of the project.
2.8.7 Where it would be inappropriate to use the Eurocodes or they cannot be applied without
amendment (e.g. for unusual forms of construction or where the underlying assumptions are
not met), then these aspects shall be highlighted in the AIP submission and an alternative
design basis proposed for Technical Approval.
2.8.8 Where alternative standards are proposed, full justification shall be provided in the AIP
submission including, where necessary, demonstration that the proposed alternatives are
mutually compatible and give an equivalent factor of safety to a conventional structure
design undertaken to the Structural Eurocodes.
2.8.9 Where the standards, including the Eurocodes, allow in the design a choice (for example, the
selection of the method of analysis, design value etc.), then these shall be stated and
justified in the AIP submission.
2.8.11 Compliance with international standards and the requirements of these design criteria shall
not confer immunity from legal obligations.
2.9.2 Partial load factors and load combinations shall be determined and applied in accordance
with BS EN 1990.
2.9.3 Where a structure is subject to traffic live loading, then the relevant partial factors and load
combinations from BS EN 1990 Annex A2 shall be used. In other cases, the relevant partial
factors and load combinations from BS EN 1990 Annex A1 shall be used.
2.10 Analysis
2.10.1 Calculations shall be carried out using appropriate structural models involving relevant
variables.
2.10.2 The structural models selected shall be those appropriate for predicting structural behaviour
with an acceptable level of accuracy.
2.10.3 The structural models shall be appropriate to the limit states considered.
2.10.4 The design shall include clear definitions of the tolerances assumed in the design and
analysis. The execution standards which are referenced by the Eurocodes define tolerances
which are appropriate for use in conjunction with the Eurocodes.
2.10.5 Where alternative models and procedures for analysis are proposed, these shall be subject
to Technical Approval and details shall be included in the AIP submission.
2.10.6 The Eurocodes permit the design some flexibility in methods of analysis. Where choice is
permitted, the requirements set out below and in the Sections of this document relating to
particular structure types shall be followed.
2.10.7 Where it is proposed to use a computer program for structural analysis, the design shall
verify that the computer program has been validated for the model and situation being
analysed.
2.11 Materials
General
2.11.1 The design shall include specifications for the construction methods, materials and site tests
based on the normative standards references listed in Appendix 4 of this document.
2.11.2 Such specifications shall:
a) be compatible with the design assumptions;
b) accord with the applicable design standards;
c) be suitable for the local environment of the structure; and
d) comply with environmental requirements listed in RPDG Volume 1.
2.11.3 The specifications shall take account of the specific requirements of the works and the site.
2.11.4 Details of the proposed materials and applicable material standards shall be included in the
AIP submission.
2.11.5 Where it is proposed to use a material or standard other than one of those covered in
Appendix 4, the design shall be in accordance with recognised international, national, or
industry standards; these standards shall be identified in the AIP submission.
2.11.6 Where no commonly accepted standards exist, the design methodology shall be justified and
recorded in the AIP submission.
Concrete
2.11.7 Designs for concrete structures in accordance with BS EN 1992 shall specify concrete to BS
EN 206 supplemented by BS 8500. These standards include requirements for specification
of cement replacements and admixtures.
2.11.8 Designs shall comply with the guidance given in CIRIA publication C577 Guide to the
construction of reinforced concrete in the Arabian Peninsula {1}.
2.11.9 Reinforced concrete structures shall be designed to control early-age cracking, which is the
cracking that occurs due to restraint of a member as the heat of hydration dissipates and
while the concrete is immature.
2.11.10 Provision shall be made in the design for the following conditions which tend to increase the
risk of early-age cracking:
a) increasing Portland cement content;
b) increasing placing temperature;
c) increasing pour thickness; and
d) increasing restraint.
2.11.11 The design shall take account of the guidance and shall comply with the design process
given the following reports:
a) CIRIA report C660, Early-age thermal crack control in concrete {2}; and
b) BRE Special Digest 1: Concrete in aggressive ground {3}.
2.12.2 Amendments to the UK National Annexes for climatic criteria shall be as specified in
Appendix 5.
2.12.3 The structure form shall meet the railway system requirements for noise and vibration as
defined in RPDG Volume 1, allowing for:
a) possible isolation or reduction of vibrations transmitted from bridges to adjacent station
structures;
b) incorporation of noise mitigation measures in the structure form, such as structural
elements, noise barriers and parapets to shield wheel/rail noise; and
c) configuration of structural elements to minimise noise transmission through the
structure.
2.13 Durability
General
2.13.1 The structure shall be designed such that deterioration over its design working life does not
impair the performance of the structure below that intended, having due regard to its
environment and the anticipated level of maintenance.
2.13.2 The design shall include a durability assessment, which shall comprise for all elements of the
structures including the following:
a) how the selected design and proposed materials and workmanship specification will
achieve the desired performance;
b) identification of construction processes critical to achievement of the durability
objectives;
c) additional elements in the event of failure of the primary protection in the case of critical
elements; and
d) the post-construction inspection and maintenance programme.
2.13.3 The design shall assess the environmental conditions at the site (in relation to the design
working life of the structure and the durability of the construction materials) to determine any
necessary provisions for protecting or providing resistance to the structural members and
elements.
2.13.4 In order to achieve an adequately durable structure, the following shall be taken into
account:
a) the intended or foreseeable use of the structure;
b) the required design criteria;
c) the expected environmental conditions;
d) the composition, properties and performance of the materials and products;
e) the properties of the soil and groundwater;
f) the likelihood of damage caused by stray electrical currents from traction power
systems;
g) the choice of the structural system;
h) the shape of members and the structural detailing;
i) the quality of workmanship, and the level of control;
2.13.5 The design shall comply with the additional criteria to reduce deterioration contained within
the relevant Sections for each particular structure type.
2.13.6 Where the components of the structure are less durable than the structure as a whole and
will, therefore, need to be replaced in service, the design shall consider the means of
replacing such components and the means shall be recorded in the AIP submission.
2.13.7 Where elements cannot practically be accessed for inspection, maintenance or repair, the
design shall ensure that the durability of the element can be achieved without maintenance.
This may require the need for protection of the element and potential failure of the primary
protection system.
2.13.8 The climate in Dubai presents a very aggressive environment for the construction of durable
structures. Designs shall take account of the guidance given in CIRIA publication C577
Guide to the construction of reinforced concrete in the Arabian Peninsula {1}.
2.13.9 The design shall ensure that the material specification and test specifications will achieve the
durability requirements under the conditions prevailing locally.
2.13.10 Site conditions that are likely to affect the design and construction of the project and that
shall be addressed by the design are given in RPDG Volume 1.
2.13.11 The design shall include measures to achieve adequate durability. Further specific details
are given in the following Sections of this Volume. Depending on structure type, these may
include the following:
a) specification of materials;
b) detailing of elements;
c) determination of exposure conditions through ground investigation testing;
d) detailing of underground structures;
e) provision for cathodic protection;
f) water management on above-ground structures; and
g) measures to mitigate corrosion due to stray current.
2.14.2 The project coordinate system shall be clearly defined and indicated on the design drawings.
2.15.1 Provision shall be made in the design for the interface requirements common to all civil
engineering structures contained in this Section 2.15, which shall be in accordance with
RPDG Volume 1.
2.15.2 Additional requirements for particular structure types are given in the Sections relating to
each structure type.
2.15.3 The Railway Protection Code of Practice for the Emirate of Dubai shall be applied for all
works which affect existing railways.
2.15.4 Structures shall be designed to accommodate building services and railway systems.
2.15.5 The requirements for railway systems and building services are specified in RPDG Volume
4, Railway Systems and RPDG Volume 5, Building Services.
2.15.6 The design shall identify the space taken up by such items, the connections and power
supplies to them, and provide sufficient access to inspect, maintain and replace them.
2.15.7 The structure design shall take account of the respective design life of the structural and
systems elements, and the likelihood that the systems equipment will need renewal during
the course of the structure life.
2.15.8 The systems design shall identify specific requirements for civil engineering and shall include
consideration of additional capacity in duct routes and undertrack crossings, method of
replacement and access routes.
2.15.9 Where the loads applied by such items affect the global behaviour of the structure, the loads
shall be included in the AIP submission.
2.15.10 In other cases, the loads applied by such items shall be included in the detailed design
drawings.
2.15.11 Where actual loads are not known initially or assumed loads are used in the structure
design, the detailed design shall include verification that the actual imposed loads are within
the assumed loads.
2.15.12 Where services are placed within voids, the design shall include provision for drainage of the
service voids.
2.15.13 The detailing of ducting and service provision shall allow for the movement of the structure
without detrimental effect on the services or utilities.
2.15.14 Structures, in conjunction with the systems to be provided, shall be designed, in accordance
with the requirements of RPDG Volume 1.
2.15.15 Interfaces with outside parties, including No Objection Certificates (NOCs), shall be
managed in accordance with RPDG Volume 1.
2.15.16 Where structures are required to carry or cross highways, other railways, waterways or third-
party property, the design shall identify and comply with the requirements of the relevant
authorities and third parties.
2.15.17 Structures which carry railways and also carry other modes of transport shall be designed
using RPDG and to the requirements of the relevant authorities.
2.15.18 Any conflicts between the requirements of RPDG and those requirements of the other
authorities and third parties shall be referred to the Review Authority.
2.15.19 Structures, substructures and below-ground designs shall accommodate the presence of
existing services.
2.15.20 Services shall be protected from damage during the construction works.
2.15.21 Works which affect existing services shall be subject to NOC by the relevant authorities.
Water management
2.15.22 Structures shall be designed to shed water and avoid the accumulation of water in
accordance with the requirements of Section 13 on drainage.
2.15.23 Structures shall be designed so that water is not directed onto a highway or railway
infrastructure, or lead to the ponding of water on trafficked surfaces or the saturation of infill
materials and ballast.
2.15.24 Where water is directed into existing drainage systems, the design shall verify that the
existing drainage system has sufficient capacity for the additional discharge and where
necessary shall include any required drainage upgrades to provide this capacity.
Security interfaces
2.15.25 Security requirements shall be included in the design in accordance with RPDG Volume 1.
3 Loading
3.1 General
3.1.1 The design shall take into account all likely and reasonably foreseeable permanent, transient
and accidental actions that may act on the structure during its design life, and the effects of
these.
3.1.2 The loads and effects shall include those due to:
a) permanent loading, including self-weight and imposed permanent loads;
b) imposed strains, including settlement (total and differential);
c) material effects such as creep, shrinkage, relaxation;
d) geotechnical effects, including earth pressures, ground water pressures, live load
surcharges;
e) environmental influences, including wind and temperature variations and gradients, and
frictional restraint forces;
f) effect of water, including pressures due to flowing water and waterborne debris, and
effect of scour;
g) accidental actions, such as impacts, derailments, explosions;
h) seismic effects;
i) construction and maintenance activities;
j) actions due to the interaction of railway infrastructure, such as forces due to rail
stressing or rail breaks, catenary breakages; and
k) live loads such as trains, vehicles, pedestrians, floor loads, including dynamic and
aerodynamic effects.
3.1.3 Actions and loads to be used in the design shall be determined and applied in accordance
with BS EN 1991.
3.1.4 The actions and loads identified in this Section are the characteristic or nominal values
unless otherwise stated. These values shall be factored appropriately for the relevant limit
state and load combination selected to produce the most severe effect on the element under
consideration.
3.1.5 The loads assumed in the design shall be identified in the AIP submission.
3.1.6 Where this Section does not prescribe loads, actions, partial load factors and relevant load
combinations, details shall be provided and justified in the AIP submission.
3.1.7 Local load effects imposed by external elements connected to the structure shall be
identified and details provided on the design drawings, e.g. holding down bolts, noise barrier
connections, equipment loads, jacking forces, railway systems and building services.
3.2.2 The trackform type and weight, or if unknown, assumed trackform weight, shall be identified
in the AIP submission.
3.2.3 Imposed permanent loads shall be included, for example, rail infrastructure and equipment,
noise barriers, traction power equipment.
3.2.4 Provision shall be made in the design for the potential removal of imposed loads such as
removal of track or trackform during maintenance.
3.3.1 The effects of shrinkage, creep and residual stresses shall be taken into account in
accordance with the requirements of BS EN 1990 and the relevant Eurocode material part.
The nature of the material used, its manufacture or circumstances associated with its
fabrication or erection may impose strains on the structure. Typical sources of strain include
effects of shrinkage and creep in concrete and stresses in steel due to rolling, welding and
lack of fit.
3.3.2 Creep and shrinkage effects shall be calculated using the criteria given in BS EN 1992-1-1,
including Annex B, the modifications given in Appendix 5 and taking into account the
relevant climatic information given in RPDG Volume 1.
Differential settlement
3.3.3 The effects of differential settlement where this is likely to affect the structure in whole or in
part shall be taken into account.
3.3.4 The design shall assess the amount of differential movement to be provided for, taking into
account the extent to which its effect will be observed and remedied before damage ensues.
3.3.5 The nominal value selected shall be subject to Technical Approval and included in the AIP
submission.
3.4.2 Provision shall be made in geotechnical design for the following actions to be included as
actions:
a) the weight of soil, rock and water;
b) stresses in the ground;
c) earth pressures;
d) free water pressures, including wave pressures;
e) ground-water pressures;
f) seepage forces;
g) dead and imposed loads from structures;
h) surcharges;
i) mooring forces;
j) removal of load or excavation of ground including heave effects;
k) traffic loads;
l) movements caused by mining or other caving or tunnelling activities;
m) swelling and shrinkage caused by vegetation, climate or moisture changes;
n) movements due to creeping or sliding or settling ground masses;
o) movements due to degradation, dispersion, decomposition, self-compaction and
solution;
p) movements and accelerations caused by earthquakes, explosions, vibrations and
dynamic loads, including liquefaction effects;
q) temperature effects;
r) imposed pre-stress in ground anchors or struts; and
s) negative skin friction and downdrag.
3.4.3 Geotechnical actions shall be derived and applied in accordance with BS EN 1997-1 Section
2.4.2 and the requirements of Section 4.
3.4.4 A minimum live load surcharge shall be determined and applied in the design of geotechnical
elements, based on the envisaged ground usage. BS EN 1997-1 and PD 6694-1 shall be
used as a basis for the determination.
3.5.1 The design shall comply with the requirements and environmental criteria specified in RPDG
Volume 1.
3.5.2 This Section, in conjunction with Appendix 5, lists the modifications to the UK National
Annexes which are required for the majority of cases to apply the Eurocodes for structural
designs in the Emirate of Dubai.
3.5.3 The Designer shall ensure that the parameters adopted by the design are applicable for the
particular project.
Wind loads
3.5.4 Wind loadings on structures including bridges and buildings shall be determined in
accordance with BS EN 1991-1-4.
Pressure loads
3.5.5 Underground railway structures shall be designed for the effects of ventilation and pressures
imposed by the passage of trains through running tunnels and the operation of tunnel
ventilation systems.
Aerodynamic loads
3.5.6 Provision shall be made in the design for aerodynamic effects due to passing rail traffic
where these could have a substantial effect on a structure.
3.5.7 Elements which typically require consideration shall include, but are not restricted to:
a) footbridges;
b) station canopies;
c) parapets;
3.5.8 Loading due to dynamic pressure and suction from railway traffic shall be determined in
accordance with the requirements of Section 3.11 as part of the rail vehicle loading model.
3.5.9 Working stresses shall not exceed the fatigue cut-off limit stated in the appropriate design
standards for the particular detail.
Thermal
3.5.10 Temperature effects on structures including bridges and buildings shall be determined in
accordance with BS EN 1991-1-5 and the relevant UK National Annex, subject to the
modifications listed in Appendix 5.
Snow
3.5.11 Snow load does not need to be considered in the design of structures in Dubai.
Sand
3.5.14 The proposed loading due to sand shall be included in the AIP submission and subject to
Technical Approval.
Water
3.5.15 Provision shall be made in the design for loading due to water and waterborne debris in
accordance with BS EN 1991-1-6 and BS EN 1990 and the UK National Annexes.
3.5.16 Specific requirements for the particular structure shall be defined as required and included in
the AIP submission.
3.5.17 Design situations taking account of scour effects in flowing water shall be defined where
relevant.
3.6.1 Structures shall be designed and constructed such that they shall not be damaged by
accidental events to an extent disproportionate to the original cause.
3.6.2 The requirements of EN 1991-1-7 and the relevant UK National Annex shall be followed.
These provide strategies and rules for safeguarding structures against identifiable and
unidentifiable accidental actions.
3.6.3 Provision shall be made in the design of buildings for accidental actions in accordance with
EN 1991-1-7 Clause 4.1 (2) supplemented by the requirements for explosion given in this
Section 3.6.
3.6.4 Provision shall be made in the design of bridges for accidental actions in accordance with
EN 1991-1-7 Clause 4.1 (3), supplemented by the requirements given in this Section 3.6.
3.6.5 Particular design rules for specific elements are given in Sections 3.6.6 to 3.6.16.
3.6.6 Supports for bridges which span roads, and supports or other elements of structures which
risk either destruction or loss of carrying capacity when struck by a highway vehicle, shall be
designed for vehicle collision loads in accordance with BS EN 1991-1-7 Clause 4.3.1 and the
relevant UK National Annex.
3.6.7 All roads shall be treated as principal roads for the purpose of determining the equivalent
static design forces.
3.6.8 If safety barriers are provided to protect the supports then the guidance of BSI document PD
6688-1-7 shall be used to determine the equivalent static design forces.
3.6.9 All new infrastructure shall be designed to provide at least the minimum headroom over
roads (see Section 7.3).
3.6.10 Any parts of the structure where less than the minimum headroom is provided shall be
identified in the AIP submission and shall be subject to Technical Approval.
3.6.11 Elements with less than the minimum headroom shall be designed for vehicle collision loads
in accordance with BS EN 1991-1-7 Clause 4.3.2 and the relevant UK National Annex.
3.6.12 Any support or other element of a structure that risks either destruction or loss of carrying
capacity when struck by an errant rail vehicle shall be designed for collision loads and shall
be capable of surviving the incident without partial collapse or significant permanent damage
or distortion. The relevant accidental collision load shall be defined as part of the rail live load
model, see Section 3.11 and included in the AIP submission.
3.6.13 Railway structures shall be designed in such a way that, in the event of a derailment, the
resulting damage to the bridge (in particular overturning or the collapse of the structure as a
whole) is limited to a minimum. The relevant accidental derailment load shall be defined as
part of the rail live load model, see Section 3.11 and included in the AIP submission.
3.6.14 Bridge piers situated in navigational channels shall be designed for ship collision loads.
3.6.15 The loads shall be considered on a location-specific basis, included in the AIP submission
and shall be subject to Technical Approval.
3.6.16 Provision shall be made in the design for a protection system against such collision loads.
Explosion
3.6.17 The requirements for structures to resist the effect of explosion shall be determined in
accordance with RPDG Volume 1, Systemwide, including the determination of the design
explosion action.
3.7.2 Under seismic actions, structures shall be designed to satisfy the fundamental requirements
of BS EN 1998-1 Clause 2.1, including no-collapse and damage-minimisation requirements.
3.7.3 The seismic actions shall be based on the geological profile of the site area.
3.7.4 The design shall use a compatible set of seismic actions, partial factors and combinations
with other actions. These shall be included in the AIP submission.
3.7.5 Subject to the above requirement for Technical Approval, the design method for determining
seismic actions shall be as follows:
a) BS EN 1998, BS EN 1990 shall be used as the main design code with parameters
adapted to the site conditions to form a compatible set of actions, partial factors and
combinations.
b) A full dynamic (or pseudo-static) response to the seismic action shall be obtained with
the use of a modal analysis in conjunction with the design response spectra of BS EN
1998.
c) Subject to Technical Approval, artificial accelerograms may be used to represent the
seismic action. In this case the structural response shall be obtained using explicit or
implicit time integration schemes such as the Newmark method.
d) The behaviour factors to be considered in the design spectra shall be in agreement with
the values suggested in BS EN 1998. Alternative values shall be subject to Technical
Approval.
2
e) A maximum ground acceleration, agR , of 0.20g (2 m/s ) shall be considered for a 50
year reference return period to define the design response spectra.
3.8.2 The design shall include appropriate allowances for the effects of the assumed method and
sequence of construction.
3.8.3 The assumed method of construction and the principal stages of construction envisaged by
the design shall be stated in the AIP submission and design drawings.
3.8.4 Loads arising during construction shall be determined in accordance with BS EN 1991-1-6.
3.8.5 The design shall determine applicable construction loads, where required, based on the
assumed method and sequence of construction.
3.8.6 Proposals to use reduced values of variable actions, such as wind or thermal effects, based
on shorter return periods corresponding to anticipated durations of construction stages shall
be included in the AIP submission and shall be subject to Technical Approval.
3.8.7 Where temporary works impose loads or deformations onto the permanent structure, the
temporary works design shall verify that the effect of the temporary works on the permanent
structure is acceptable, for example, considering the effect of any locked-in stresses or
displacements as relevant.
3.9.2 The requirements of BS EN 1991-2 Clause 6.7.3 shall be included in the design and the
values adopted (e.g. for rail stressing, catenary breakage) shall be included in the AIP
submission.
3.9.3 Loads and load effects from parapets, safety barriers and handrails shall, as appropriate, be
in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 1991-2. These loads and load effects shall be
consistent with the barrier provided on the structure.
3.10.1 Imposed loads on buildings shall be determined in accordance with BS EN 1991-1-1, subject
to the modifications listed in Appendix 5.
3.10.2 The design shall apply the loading criteria defined in Appendix 2, in addition to those defined
in BS EN 1991-1-1.
3.10.3 The design shall allow for the following actions in addition to other actions defined in BS EN
1991:
a) imposed floor loads for railway buildings;
b) loads due to fixed services;
c) loads on handrails and barriers; and
d) loads from lifts, including accidental actions.
Plant loads
3.10.4 The floors and supporting structural members in sub-stations, switch rooms, plant rooms or
other places containing switch gear or machinery shall be designed for the following loads:
a) the full dead load of an assembled piece of equipment at any reasonable position likely
to be occupied during or after installation including maintenance and replacement; and
b) dynamic effects due to the operation of equipment.
3.10.5 Items of equipment with dynamic load characteristics contained on the same sub-structure
shall be assumed to exert their load simultaneously except that, when the number of items
exceeds four, the dynamic factor shall be reduced by the effect of one item.
3.10.6 The design shall make provision for the concentrated nature of such loading.
3.11.2 A load model shall be defined to represent the effects of service and maintenance traffic on a
structure. The load model need not describe actual loads.
3.11.3 The design shall provide verification that the proposed load model encompasses the load
effects for all combinations of actual and proposed vehicles that run or are projected to run
on the rail system for the full range of existing and proposed structure spans and span
arrangements.
3.11.4 The proposed load model and justification for its choice shall be subject to Technical
Approval and shall be included in the AIP submission.
3.11.6 All proposed load models shall include, or justify non-inclusion of, the following:
a) vertical loads, including effects of lurching, local load effects, requirements for
continuous structures;
b) vertical load on earthworks (if required);
c) dynamic effects;
d) centrifugal forces;
e) nosing forces;
f) traction and braking forces;
g) accidental actions, including derailment and collision; and
h) fatigue load model.
3.11.7 A partial load factor shall be proposed for use with the load model, and shall be included in
the AIP submission for Technical Approval.
3.11.8 Where the load model describes an actual or proposed vehicle, the nominal values shall be
increased by a minimum of 15% to allow for future flexibility in procuring replacement
vehicles, given the longer design lives of the civil infrastructure compared with the railway
vehicles. Guidance on determination of load models from actual vehicles may be found in
ACI 358.1R-92 Analysis and Design of Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Guideway
Structures.
3.11.9 Where the load model describes an actual or proposed vehicle, the design shall verify that
the model encompasses the worst conceivable global and local effects that can be imposed
by the vehicle under all loading and maintenance conditions.
3.11.10 The load model shall include loads for the design of local elements, such as point or line
loads.
3.11.11 The proposed load model or models shall include effects from maintenance vehicles.
3.11.12 The fatigue model shall be defined taking into consideration the requirements of BS EN
1991-2 Section 6.9.
3.11.13 The methodology of the fatigue assessment shall be defined and justified in the AIP
submission, including fatigue load model, traffic mix (if appropriate), annual traffic tonnage
per track, design speed and proposed method of fatigue assessment.
3.11.14 Where the proposed rail system will be predominantly trafficked by a specific train type then
the fatigue assessment shall take account of appropriate Real Trains in accordance with the
requirements of BS EN 1991-2.
3.11.15 The annual traffic tonnage to be used in the fatigue assessment shall be defined based on
the operational requirements for the rail system and shall take into account the proposed rail
traffic and any reasonably foreseeable changes to that traffic, such as future increased train
lengths and increased frequencies.
3.11.16 This basic value for annual traffic tonnage shall be increased by 50% for design purposes to
accommodate potential increases in rail traffic over the design life of the structure.
3.11.17 Concentrated loads such as axle or wheel loads shall be assumed to be distributed in
accordance with the provisions of BS EN 1991-2 Clause 6.3.6, for rail systems, Clause 4.3.6,
for pavement and concrete slabs and Clause 4.9.1 for backfill and earth. Alternative
dispersal assumptions, if required, shall be included in the AIP submission.
3.12.3 For the dynamic model, the design shall determine the crowd loading densities for the
intended bridge usage and these shall be included in the AIP submission.
3.12.4 Where a structure supports a maintenance access/footway, the loading on the maintenance
access/footway shall be in accordance with BS EN 1991-2 Clause 6.3.7.
3.12.5 Additional load models may be required where a structure could be subject to abnormal
loads, e.g. stadium access, wide footbridge, emergency exit route. Such additional load
models shall be included in the AIP submission for Technical Approval.
3.13.2 Where a structure is required to support highway live loading, then guidance shall be sought
from the appropriate authority.
3.13.3 Where an RTA structure is required to support highway live loading, then the loading shall be
included in the AIP submission for Technical Approval.
4 Geotechnical Design
4.1.2 This Section does not include track support systems which shall be designed in accordance
with RPDG Volume 4, Part 1, Trackwork.
4.1.3 Subject to Technical Approval, the following forms of construction shall not be used to
support permanent bridges and bridge-like structures;
a) reinforced soil, anchored earth, soil nailing, ground anchorages;
b) steel sheet piles, helical screw piles; and
c) crib walls, gabion walls.
4.1.4 The general term ‘geotechnical structure’ shall used as in this Section to cover all types of
structure listed above.
4.1.5 This Section shall apply to the design of new structures, including temporary works provided
for the construction of the structure.
4.2.2 An integrated approach to design, construction and the specification of geotechnical projects
and geotechnical elements of projects shall be followed.
4.2.3 Where the Eurocodes, in particular BS EN 1997, do not cover the design for a particular
structure form, the Designer shall propose alternative design codes. These may include the
following:
a) BS 6031: Code of practice for earthworks;
b) BS 8006-1: Code of practice for strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills; and
c) BS 8006-2 Code of practice for strengthened/reinforced soils: soil nail design.
4.2.4 The Designer shall verify that all the relevant assumptions that underpin the application of
the Eurocodes are met, including those in BS EN 1990 Clause 1.3 and BS EN 1997 Clause
1.3.
4.2.5 Where any of these assumptions are not met, the Designer shall provide full details of them
in the AIP submission and state what actions have to be taken to deal with any departure
from them. This information shall also be included in the Geotechnical Design Report.
4.2.6 Where it would be inappropriate to use the Eurocodes or they cannot be applied without
amendment then these aspects shall be highlighted in the AIP submission and an alternative
design basis proposed for Technical Approval. This shall also be stated in the Geotechnical
Design Report.
Geotechnical interfaces
4.2.8 Consideration shall be given to the effects on the structure, and any supported and adjacent
infrastructure (such as tracks and services), resulting from the settlement, tilting and other
movements of foundations, supports and retaining walls.
4.2.9 Such movements shall not infringe on the required clearances, or compromise the safety or
performance of the structure and any supported or adjacent infrastructure.
4.2.10 Consideration shall be given to the risk of flooding and scour, and their likely effects on
foundations, supports, earth retaining walls, and earthworks associated with and adjacent to
the structure.
4.2.11 Where the proposed construction is affected by mineral extraction or landfill operations or
contaminated ground the likely effects of such operations shall be taken into account in the
Design and the proposed investigatory fieldwork.
Durability
4.2.12 In addition to the general durability requirements given in Section 2.13, geotechnical
structures shall additionally consider with the following:
a) for sites on or adjacent to DC electrified lines, the potential effect of stray currents on
the long-term durability of buried metallic elements/components (such as ground
anchorages, soil nails, and dowels) and the consequences of a premature failure of
these. Specific requirements are given in RPDG Volume 1, Systemwide; and
b) the effects of fire on the performance of the structural components (in particular,
geosynthetics), the consequences of a premature failure of these and potential
protective measures.
4.3.1 Verification that a limit state will not be exceeded shall be based on one or more of the
following (further requirements are given in the following Sections):
a) the results of calculations;
b) implementation of prescriptive measures;
c) use of experimental models and load tests; and
Geotechnical Categories
4.3.2 A Geotechnical Category for the structure, as defined in Section 4.3, shall be used to
determine the minimum requirements for:
a) the extent and detail of geotechnical investigations; and
b) the details of the checks required on the design and construction work.
4.3.3 The design shall determine a Geotechnical Category for the structure in accordance with the
requirements of BS EN 1997-1, Section 2.1 and the following requirements:
a) the categorisation shall be based on the geotechnical design objectives, situations and
factors and the geotechnical design approach;
b) a preliminary categorisation shall be determined prior to the geotechnical investigation;
c) different Geotechnical Categories (and hence procedures) may be defined for various
stages of the design process and for different parts of the structure; and
d) the Geotechnical Category shall be checked and changed as necessary at each stage
of the design and construction process.
4.3.4 Geotechnical Category 1 shall include only small and relatively simple structures, where:
a) there is a negligible risk of failure; and
b) the design requirements will be satisfied through comparable experience and qualitative
geotechnical investigations.
4.3.5 The procedures for Geotechnical Category 1 may comprise routine methods for design and
construction.
4.3.6 Geotechnical Category 2 shall include only conventional types of structure where:
a) there is no exceptional risk of failure; and
b) there are no exceptional ground or loading conditions.
4.3.7 The procedures for Geotechnical Category 2 may comprise routine methods for:
a) field and laboratory testing;
b) design; and
c) construction.
4.3.8 Geotechnical Category 3 shall include structures, and parts of structures, that do not fall into
Category 1 or 2.
4.3.9 This Geotechnical Category shall include the following:
a) very large, complex, or unusual structural forms/systems;
b) structures built on poor and difficult ground (for example, sidelong ground with a history
of ground movements and areas where there are solution features); and
c) structures that may affect the stability of existing tunnels.
4.3.10 The design shall demonstrate that the relevant limit states are not exceeded for all identified
design situations, in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 1990 and BS EN 1997.
4.3.11 The design shall identify and define both short-term and long-term design situations, taking
account of the following:
a) the types of action imposed on and by the structure;
b) the general suitability of the ground for the proposed construction;
c) the extent and nature of the various types of fill, soil, rock and structural
members/elements/components that are modelled in any analysis;
d) the environment at the site, and the possible changes in the environment produced by
the construction and the use of the structure;
e) the possible effect of the construction and the use of the structure on the existing
infrastructure; and
f) the requirements for the safe and ready examination, maintenance, and repair of the
structure, such as the ease of access to the site, and the criticality and durability of
hidden parts of the structure;
4.3.12 For each design situation, the design shall define and verify relevant limit states, considering
the following:
a) the characteristics of the site (including the ground, ground water and environmental
conditions);
b) the form, complexity and size of the structure and its members/elements;
c) the static, transient and dynamic loads that will be applied to and by the structure;
d) potential failures of the following, singly, in combination and in sequence:
i) the ground; and
ii) structural members/elements (and connections between them);
e) failures that can be generated or promoted by surface erosion, scour, landslips,
rockfalls, particular geological features (such as steep bedding planes, relict landslips,
faults, joints, fissures, cavities and other underground structures), and ground
movements (for example, due to excavations, mining works, and the plastic deformation
of soils);
f) the effect of a failure of the structure on any supported, protected or associated
infrastructure and adjacent land, such as the track, lineside buildings, buried services
and drainage systems; and
g) the sensitivity of the proposed structure and any adjacent infrastructure to ground
movements.
4.3.13 Geotechnical design by calculation shall be carried out in accordance with BS EN 1997-1
Section 2.4. This requires the selection or determination of the following (further
requirements are given in the following Sections):
a) actions;
b) ground properties;
c) geometric data;
d) limiting values for deformations, deflections, cracks etc; and
e) calculation models.
Actions
4.3.14 Actions and loads shall be applied in accordance with Section 3.
4.3.15 Where the values of some of the geotechnical actions can change through a calculation,
initial estimates of these shall be selected to initiate the calculation cycle.
4.3.16 The effects of soil-structure interaction (such as wall friction) shall be taken into account
when determining the actions.
4.3.17 Provision shall be made in the design for the duration of actions with reference to the time-
dependent properties of the ground and construction materials, such as the permeability and
compressibility of fine-grained soils.
4.3.18 The derivation of applied actions shall include allowances for the following effects, where
applicable:
a) actions that are applied repeatedly;
b) actions with varying intensity;
c) actions that produce a dynamic response in the structure and the ground; and
d) water pressures (see below).
4.3.19 Account shall be taken of the loads on existing foundations that could affect and be affected
by the proposed construction works. Particular attention shall be given to foundations
adjacent to a cutting or excavation.
4.3.20 Where appropriate, allowance shall be made for reasonably foreseeable changes in the
magnitude, extent and distribution of railway traffic loads, such as produced by track lifting
and realignment, and the laying of additional tracks.
Surcharge loading
4.3.21 Subject to Technical Approval, a characteristic surcharge loading shall be applied (as a
permanent action) to part or all of the plan-projected area of:
a) an earthwork (including the area adjacent to the track); and
b) ground supported by a retaining wall, wing wall, abutment etc. that is not designed to
carry railway traffic or road traffic loading.
4.3.22 The design shall select a surcharge loading, taking account of:
a) the minimum surcharge loads in accordance with the requirements of Section 3;
b) possible future uses of the land; and
c) loads that could be generated by construction plant and maintenance vehicles.
4.3.23 The loading shall be applied to give the most unfavourable effect on the structural
member/element under consideration.
Water pressures
4.3.24 The ground water regime at the site shall be established from the site investigation with
particular attention given to local site records and data from piezometers and standpipes.
4.3.25 The water pressures adopted in a design shall take account of the following:
a) seasonal and tidal variations;
b) adverse water pressures produced by perched, artesian or sub-artesian water tables
that may reasonably be expected to occur over the design working life of the structure;
c) adverse weather conditions, such as prolonged periods of precipitation and flash floods;
d) changes in the existing ground water conditions due to the construction and use of the
structure, and of any reasonably foreseeable changes in the infrastructure in and
around the site (including changes in land use);
e) the possible leakage from mains water pipes, sewers etc. and the blockage of drainage
systems;
f) surface water flows;
g) unfavourable water levels that may be caused by changes in the water catchment and
reduced drainage due to blockage or other causes;
h) changes in long-term groundwater level and seasonal variations; and
i) changes of water pressure due to the growth or removal of vegetation.
4.3.26 Unless the adequacy of the drainage system can be demonstrated and its maintenance
ensured, the design ground-water table shall be taken as the maximum possible level, which
may be the ground surface.
4.3.27 Design values of ground-water pressures may be derived either by applying partial factors to
characteristic water pressures or by applying a safety margin to the characteristic water
level, in accordance with BS EN 1997-1.
Ground properties
4.3.28 The properties of soils and rocks shall be represented in design calculations by quantified
geotechnical parameters determined from the results of tests (directly, or indirectly, by
theory, correlation or empiricism) and other relevant data.
4.3.29 The results and other data shall be directly relevant or interpreted according to the limit state
being considered.
4.3.30 Account shall be taken of the possible differences between the ground properties
represented by the geotechnical parameters and those that govern the behaviour of the
structure; for example, how the fabric of the ground (such as laminations and fissures) and
the rate of loading affect differently the results of a test and the behaviour of the structure.
4.3.32 The selection of characteristic values for geotechnical parameters shall be based on results
and derived values from laboratory and field tests, complemented by well-established
experience.
4.3.33 The characteristic value of a geotechnical parameter shall be selected as a cautious
estimate of the value affecting the occurrence of the limit state and shall stake account of the
factors detailed in BS EN 1997-1 Clause 2.4.5.2.
4.3.34 Design values for geotechnical parameters shall be derived from characteristic values using
partial factors or shall be assessed directly, as outlined in BS EN 1997-1 for Design
Approach 1, Combinations 1 and 2.
Geometric data
4.3.35 Geometric data shall include the following in addition to the requirements for BS EN 1997-1:
a) the level and slope of the ground surface and the interfaces between different strata;
b) the level of ground water, excavations, foundations, tracks, roads, and placed fill; and
c) the dimensions of the structure.
Limiting values
4.3.36 Limiting values of ground movements shall be specified for the design of the structure
foundations, and retaining walls (abutments, wing walls etc).
4.3.37 Limiting values of ground movement shall also be specified where required for the design of
earthworks.
4.3.38 The limiting values for differential movement shall be set such that if any of the values were
met they would not produce or promote a limit state in an adjacent structure.
4.3.39 In selecting design values for ground movements, the following shall be taken into account:
a) the structural form/system/type being considered and the likely effect of ground
movements on the safe use and performance of the structure;
b) the characteristics of the ground and construction materials;
c) the mode of deformation;
d) the likely rate of deformation, both during construction and following the end of
construction; and
e) the level of confidence that can be put on the acceptability of the design values.
4.3.40 In calculating differential ground movements, the following shall be taken into account:
a) the variation in the properties of the ground;
b) the method and sequence of construction;
c) the magnitude and distribution of loading, both during construction and following the end
of construction;
d) the rate of ground movements; and
e) the stiffness of the structure and ground, both during construction and following the end
of construction.
4.3.41 When considering the serviceability limit state for the design of a new embankment that
carries railway traffic, unless otherwise stated and justified in the AIP submission the
following settlement limits shall be adopted.
Table 4-1 Maximum settlement limits
Time after opening to rail traffic Maximum settlement after opening to rail traffic
following end of construction (measured at designated locations adjacent to
the track)
4 weeks 15 mm
6 months 25 mm cumulative
12 months 30 mm cumulative
4.3.42 Unless otherwise stated and justified in the AIP submission, settlement shall be measured at
designated locations adjacent to the track installed at a maximum spacing of 50 metres
along the track.
4.3.43 At least three such stations shall be installed, one of which shall lie beyond the extent of the
works.
4.3.44 Where necessary, in the design of a new cutting, the settlement limits shall be stated and
justified in the AIP submission.
4.3.45 Such limits shall take account of the location and susceptibility to settlement of any existing
structures, services and drainage systems that could be affected by the construction of the
cutting.
Calculation model
4.3.46 The calculation model shall be appropriate for the ground conditions and limit state being
considered, and describe adequately the behaviour of the ground.
4.3.48 Where no reliable model is available for the limit state being considered, one or more of the
following methods shall be used to prevent that limit state from being exceeded:
a) analysis of another limit state using appropriate values for the factors;
b) the implementation of prescriptive measures;
c) the use of load testing; and
d) the use of the Observational Method or Observational Approach.
Prescriptive measures
4.3.49 Where prescriptive measures are used in the design, details and justification for the
proposed prescriptive measures shall be subject to Technical Approval and shall be included
in the Geotechnical Design Report.
Load testing
4.3.51 Where the results of tests on scale models are used in design, due account shall be taken of
differences between the model and the structure including:
a) the effect of scale on:
i) the strains and stresses developed;
ii) the importance of flaws, cracks, and fabric of the soil/rock; and
iii) material properties that are dependent upon particle size;
b) the method of construction, such as for the compaction of fill materials;
c) the effect of the rate of construction and loading, particularly on the response of the
ground; and
d) the ground conditions of the model and the site, such as the heterogeneity and
anisotropy of the soils.
4.3.52 Details of the testing and justification for the proposed design values shall be included in the
Geotechnical Design Report.
4.3.53 The Observational Method may be used where geotechnical behaviour is difficult to predict.
The requirements and details of the Method are provided in BS EN 1997-1: Geotechnical
design: General rules.
4.3.54 In this Method, the design is reviewed at planned times/stages through construction and
modified, as necessary, in response to the results of those reviews. Details and justification
of the proposed monitoring and modifications to the design and construction shall be subject
to Technical Approval and included in the Geotechnical Design Report.
4.3.55 In accordance with BS EN 1997-1 Section 2.8, the Geotechnical Design Report shall record
the assumptions, data, methods of calculation and results of verification of safety and
serviceability along with the supervision, monitoring and maintenance requirements for the
Project.
4.3.56 The Geotechnical Design Report shall include the Ground Investigation Report.
4.4.1 The design shall be based on the findings of geotechnical investigations, which comprise a
gathering of all relevant information about the site and a site investigation.
4.4.2 The site investigation shall comprise a desk study, field investigations and laboratory testing.
4.4.3 The scale of an investigation shall vary according to, but not limited to, the following:
a) the types and characteristics of the ground likely to be encountered;
b) the availability and reliability of existing geotechnical information about the site; and
c) the Category, size, type and cost of the structure being designed.
4.4.4 In some cases, a desk study (perhaps with a limited amount of field investigation) may be
sufficient, for example, for:
a) Geotechnical Category 1 projects where the ground conditions, ground-water regime
and geotechnical parameters are sufficiently well known from previous investigations;
and
b) projects involving the installation of foundations along an extended length of the railway,
where ground conditions are reasonably consistent and known.
4.4.5 Where necessary, details of the test programme shall be subject to Technical Approval prior
to commencing any field investigation, refer to Section 4.4.14.
Ground investigation
4.4.6 The values of the geotechnical properties for ground investigations and testing of soils shall
be in accordance with the framework given in BS EN 1997-2: Geotechnical design: Ground
investigations and testing.
4.4.8 Values for the geotechnical parameters shall be obtained in accordance with the procedures
given in the Structural Eurocodes and in supporting standards listed in Appendix 4 Materials
and Workmanship Specification.
4.4.9 Where necessary, a field investigation shall be undertaken to, as a minimum:
a) identify likely failure mechanisms;
b) obtain adequate information on the engineering and physio-chemical properties of soils,
fill and groundwater; and
c) identify, remove and manage the uncertainties and risks associated with the ground
such as:
i) the existence of pre-existing shear surfaces;
ii) the depth and degree of weathering;
iii) variations in soil parameters; and
iv) the presence of aggressive agents to construction materials.
4.4.10 For some sites, it may be necessary to undertake a contaminated land survey to obtain
information and data to:
a) devise safe methods of working for the construction workforce;
b) obtain waste licensing agreement - where off-site disposal of materials is required;
c) design measures to prevent contamination of water courses; and
d) complete risk assessments for a) to c).
4.4.11 Where required, sampling and testing of contaminated soils and groundwater shall be
undertaken in accordance with the following or equivalent standards:
a) BS 10175: Code of practice on investigation of potentially contaminated sites; and
b) BS ISO 5667-11, BS 6068.11: Water quality. Sampling. Guidance on sampling of
groundwaters.
4.4.12 In addition to the requirements for geotechnical investigations given in BS EN 1997-2, the
geotechnical investigation shall comply with the requirements of BS EN 1998-5 in order to
provide information:
a) to confirm parameters for seismic actions, in accordance with Section 7; and
b) to assess liquefaction potential of the ground.
4.4.13 Before designing the investigation programme, the available information and documents
shall be evaluated in a desk study.
4.4.14 The details of the ground investigation programme shall be subject to Technical Approval
prior to commencing any field investigation and testing. The submission shall include details
of the following:
a) a plan with the locations of the investigation points including the types of investigation;
b) the depth of the investigations;
c) the types of sample (Category, etc.) to be taken including specifications for the number
and depth at which they are to be taken;
d) specifications on the groundwater measurement;
e) the types of equipment to be used;
f) the standards to be applied conforming to BS EN 1997-2, BS EN ISO 22475-1, BS EN
ISO 22476-3 or stating reasons for deviation; and
g) phasing of the ground investigation if more than one phase is planned.
4.4.15 In accordance with BS EN 1997-1 and 1997-2, the results of the geotechnical investigation
shall be presented in a Geotechnical Investigation Report.
4.4.17 The Ground Investigation Report shall be included in the Geotechnical Design Report.
4.5.2 Where the design or characteristic values of the geotechnical parameters are sufficiently well
established (for example, from earlier field investigations and published data) the Designer
shall state the source of the information and justify the adoption of the values.
4.5.4 Design values for geotechnical parameters shall be derived from characteristic values using
partial factors or shall be assessed directly, as outlined in BS EN 1997-1 for Design
Approach 1, Combinations 1 and 2.
Soils
4.5.5 As necessary for the limit state being considered, design or characteristic values shall be
derived for the following:
a) strength, stiffness and compressibility parameters for drained and undrained conditions
and supported by data from index tests, particularly where there are few test results;
b) effective stress and total stress shear strength parameters including both peak and
residual values, and remoulded values where soils are to be excavated and re-used as
fill; and
c) chemical and electro-chemical parameters to determine the aggressivity of the ground
to construction materials.
4.5.6 Where permeability and consolidation parameters are required, information on the
heterogeneity, anisotropy and fabric of the soils shall be obtained from the site investigation
to help determine the appropriate design or characteristic values.
Rocks
4.5.7 As necessary for the limit state being considered, design or characteristic values shall be
derived for the following:
a) appropriate strength parameters for rocks, taking account of the extent and orientation
of joints and discontinuities and the surface characteristics of these (such as,
roughness, aperture and nature of the infill) and the water pressures that are or may be
developed within them;
b) shear strength parameters; as determined from direct shear tests undertaken on either
undisturbed samples aligned so that shear takes place along a discontinuity, or on
prepared samples that model such conditions; and
c) geotechnical parameters derived using rock mass classification systems.
4.6 Monitoring
4.6.1 Where appropriate, the design shall include the installation and monitoring of instrumentation
to:
a) determine or confirm the length or area of a structure that requires remediation;
b) confirm design assumption(s) and check the predicted behaviour and thereby help
verify the design; and
c) confirm that the structure continues to perform as required following its construction.
4.6.2 The details of any proposed instrumentation shall be included in the Geotechnical Design
Report.
4.7.2 The interpretation of what constitutes “significant” (in terms of the effect on safety and the
ability to carry load) shall be based on engineering judgement.
4.7.3 Where conditions 4.7.1 a) and e) are satisfied but one or more of the other conditions are
not:
a) appropriate structural/geotechnical analysis shall be undertaken;
b) account shall be taken of changes in the distribution of loading produced by the new
construction;
c) the likely response of a soil to an increase in load shall be considered when assessing
the acceptability of such an increase as some soils may undergo shear failure whereas
others may only lead to an increase in settlement. An increase in settlement could be
acceptable where it would not compromise stability, clearances or the performance of
the structure or any supported equipment, but the superstructure shall be designed to
tolerate the effects of settlement (both total and differential); and
d) underpinning or strengthening of the structure shall be considered. It may be sufficient
to design the underpinning to carry the full increase in the permanent load on the
foundation and an appropriate share of the transient loads, or to share these loadings
with the existing foundations. However, with all such works, consideration shall be given
to the connection between the existing and new foundations, and the relative stiffness
and distribution of load between them. Load sharing shall not be relied upon unless it
can be verified that the combined foundations will settle reasonably uniformly and be
able to withstand the load effects generated by live loading cycles and the increase in
permanent loads. Guidance is provided in Geotechnical aspects, Burland and Kalra {4}.
4.7.4 Where conditions 4.7.1 b) to e) are satisfied, but the existing substructure shows signs of
distress;
a) appropriate structural/geotechnical analysis shall be undertaken;
b) the source of distress shall be determined, for example, location of rail joints, high local
forces (particularly at the corner of abutments), malfunctioning (or lack) of bearings,
failure of drains and waterproofing, effects of vegetation, changes in the depth of
ballast, excessive settlement (including subsidence), reduction in passive pressure (due
to trenching for example), and the effects of scour;
c) distinction shall be made between the movement/damage that occurred in the past and
which has now stabilised, and recent movement/damage that is continuing;
d) an existing superstructure could act as a prop to bridge abutments (whether designed to
do so or not) and so consideration shall be given to the stability of existing abutments
when a superstructure is being removed. Where necessary, temporary props shall be
provided and limitations placed on the soil surcharge loading behind abutments (for
example, by restricting the use of construction plant or reducing the height of fill behind
the abutments during reconstruction); and
e) when considering ground bearing resistance, consideration shall be given to the
difference in the properties of the ground beneath existing foundations (which will have
consolidated under the existing loading) and that adjacent to the structure and which
may be tested in a ground investigation.
4.7.5 Substructures and earth retaining walls shall only be strengthened, altered or repaired
where:
a) they have been shown, quantitatively, to be unable to meet the assessment criteria; and
b) they show signs of distress.
4.7.6 Prior to undertaking strengthening, alteration and repair works, it may be beneficial to
undertake further assessments using;
a) values of soil properties derived from testing;
b) moment redistribution;
c) yield line analysis; and
d) values of properties for concrete and steel reinforcement derived from testing.
4.7.7 The design of strengthening, alteration and repair works shall take account of the severity of
distress (movement, distortion or cracking), the nature of the deficiency, and the desired
level of safety (such as the reserve of strength) in the completed works.
4.7.8 New geotechnical parts and elements shall be designed to the requirements of this standard.
Drainage systems
4.7.9 The design of drainage systems shall be in accordance with Section 9.
4.7.10 The design shall consider the requirements for both temporary and permanent measures for
controlling surface and ground water to maintain the stability of the construction works (such
as excavations) and the as-built structure. Account shall be taken of any predicted or
reasonably foreseeable long-term rise in the groundwater table.
4.7.11 Drainage systems shall be designed for ease of maintenance and renewal during the design
working life of the structure.
Dewatering
4.7.13 De-watering systems shall be designed in accordance with BS EN 1997-1, Section 5.4
4.7.14 Whenever possible, dewatering works shall include a cut-off to prevent lowering of the
adjacent water table. However, where dewatering will modify the level of the water table, the
design shall assess the effects of drawdown (including settlement) on the stability and
serviceability of the structure and any other infrastructure that may be affected.
4.7.15 The results of the analysis shall be included in the Geotechnical Design Report, along with
any supervision or checks to be undertaken during the execution of the dewatering works.
4.7.16 The design of earthworks in river, coastal, estuarine and marine environments shall consider
the effects of scour and hydraulic action (including buoyancy and rapid drawdown), and the
need for and the specification of protective works.
4.7.17 In assessing these effects, the analysis shall assume the maximum flood level that can be
reasonably foreseen over the design working life of the structure.
Foundations
4.7.18 Suitable provision shall be made to allow for movement of foundations without detrimental
effect to services and utilities.
4.7.19 The foundation system shall be designed such that the net downward load is always
positive, in the construction, operation and accident conditions, unless otherwise stated and
justified in the AIP.
4.7.20 The foundation system shall be designed to provide sufficient resistances, taking into
account BS EN 1997-1, against the effects of the actions.
4.7.21 The design of temporary or permanent underground structures and of dewatering systems
shall, as far as is reasonably practical, avoid lowering of the external water table and shall
minimise the reduction of piezometric head in the adjacent soils, unless calculations are
provided to show that the effects on adjacent structures or infrastructure are not detrimental.
4.7.22 Foundations shall be designed for seismic action, as defined in Section 3.7, in addition to
other relevant actions described in Section 3.
4.7.23 Where eccentric loading conditions occur, the maximum applied pressure underside of the
foundation shall not exceed the allowable bearing resistance of the supporting ground.
4.7.24 Provision shall be made in the design for potential hydraulic failures if appropriate to the local
site conditions. The need for considering hydraulic failures shall be clearly stated and the
relevant hydraulic parameters provided in the AIP. These parameters shall also be provided
in the Geotechnical Design Report.
Shallow foundations
4.7.26 In determining the bearing resistance, sliding and overturning resistance, and resisting
passive pressures of spread, strip and pad foundations, due account shall be taken of the
likelihood and severity of the following:
a) unplanned excavations in and around the foundation (to install services for example);
b) loss of support (produced by scour or land slip for example);
c) surcharge loading (generated by overfilling and construction plant for example); and
d) the effect of weathering on the properties of the subsoils.
4.7.27 In a design, consideration shall be given to the characteristics of the site (in particular the
presence of sloping ground and existing services) and the sensitivity of the structure to
ground movements.
Excavations
4.7.28 The design shall include a check on the effect of excavations (temporary or permanent) on
the stability and serviceability of all adjacent infrastructure. Excavations include shear
trenches, drainage ditches, catchment ditches and traps, drainage trenches and service
trenches.
4.7.29 The stability of excavations for the installation of services, drains and over-excavation below
formation level shall be checked for a minimum depth of 0.5 metres.
4.7.30 The location of excavations deeper than 0.5 metres shall be identified in the AIP submission
and in the Geotechnical Design Report.
4.7.31 The limit on the length of excavation assumed in the design shall be stated in the AIP
submission and in the Geotechnical Design Report.
4.7.32 Where relevant, the design of deep drainage trenches shall include an assessment of the
short-term stability and stand-up time of the unsupported trench.
4.7.33 The Designer shall make reasonable assumptions regarding the depth of unplanned
excavations, the development of stabilising passive pressures, and the likelihood of
surcharge loading being developed adjacent to an excavation (for example, produced by the
deposition of excavated soil). In general, a 0.5 metre minimum depth of excavation shall be
allowed.
Retaining structures
4.7.36 The design shall consider the above points and the amount of movement which the wall can
tolerate in determining the lateral pressures acting on a retaining wall.
4.7.37 The design shall allow for a 0.5 metre minimum depth of excavation in front of the wall and if
services are likely to be dug to a depth of 1.0m then the depth shall be increased to that
figure. In addition any beneficial effects of the passive pressure generated by fill materials
placed in front of such walls shall be disregarded.
Soil slopes
4.7.38 Soil slopes shall be designed in accordance with BS EN 1997-1, Sections 11 and 12 and BS
6031.
4.7.39 The design shall consider the potential effects on the stability and serviceability of a soil
slope (and any adjacent infrastructure) of the following:
a) weathering of exposed soils (including the effect of high temperatures) and, from this,
the need to protect the surface against degradation;
b) effects of wind, including movement and deposition of slope material
c) prolonged periods of wet weather following the removal of vegetation and, from this, the
need and urgency for topsoiling and vegetating the slope;
d) the permeability of exposed faces;
e) fluctuations in the groundwater table;
f) seepage;
g) existing and proposed drainage systems; and
h) seasonal swelling and shrinkage of clayey soils.
4.7.40 The design shall consider the need for the following:
a) installing lined interceptor drains or collector drains at the top of a slope to reduce the
risk of surface erosion and slope instability; and
b) on slopes steeper than 30 degrees, the use of geosynthetics, erosion mats,
hydroseeding or planting to form a vegetation envelope.
4.7.41 The design of Earthworks on sidelong ground shall consider the possible presence of
solifluction deposits, relict landslides etc. which could affect the stability of the earthwork.
Rock slopes
4.7.42 Rock slopes shall be designed in accordance with BS EN 1997-1, Sections 11 and 12 and
BS 6031.
4.7.43 For the design of rock slopes a risk-based approach using a rock mass classification system
may be used.
4.7.44 The Rock Slope Hazard Index system, or other suitable method, may be used for moderately
weak rock or stronger.
4.7.47 Where appropriate, the design shall include analyses of (acting singly and in composition):
a) planar, wedge or toppling failure along single or intersecting discontinuities;
b) planar failure along weak seams and shear zones; and
c) rotational failure in weak shattered or decomposed rocks.
4.7.48 The design shall consider the effects on the stability and serviceability of a rock slope (and
any adjacent infrastructure) of the following:
a) weathering of exposed rock (including the effect of freeze/thaw cycles and high
temperatures, and chemical changes) and, from this, the need to protect the exposed
surface against degradation;
b) the impact of vegetation, in particular, root action;
c) the presence of water-filled tension cracks; and
d) for weak rocks, long-term creep movements and their effects on the degree of fissuring,
permeability and strength.
4.7.49 The design of a rock cutting shall include a detailed assessment of the extent, alignment and
characteristics of discontinuities and their influence on the stability of the rock mass.
4.7.50 Whenever possible, the construction of cuttings through scree shall be avoided but where it
is unavoidable, the scree shall be classified as a loose cohensionless material and
appropriate geotechnical parameters derived for design.
4.7.51 Where cuttings require blasting or are likely to be subject to substantial ground vibrations
during construction, an assessment shall be made of the likely impact of the construction
operations on the stability of the cutting, the proximity and type of neighbouring infrastructure
(particularly occupied buildings) and the tolerance/sensitivity of the local environment to
noise and vibration.
4.7.52 Strengthening works for earthworks may include a combination of the following:
a) regrading of slopes;
b) granular replacement of material;
c) installation or upgrading of drainage system;
d) installation of berms:
i) consideration shall be given to utilising berms as access routes; and
ii) berms shall be constructed using free-draining fill or provided with a drainage
system to prevent the build up of pore water pressure within the existing earthwork
and berm both during and following the end of construction.
e) installation of piles:
i) full details of a proposal to incorporate any special feature in the design of piles,
such as enlarged bases, shall be included in the AIP submission. In considering a
piled solution, account shall be taken of the proximity and type of neighbouring
infrastructure (particularly occupied buildings) and the tolerance/sensitivity of the
local environment to noise and vibration.
f) shear trenches;
g) soil nailing:
i) the design shall consider the need for including a geotextile, geogrid or steel mesh
to distribute the load between the nail heads, to prevent localised sloughing until
vegetation is established.
h) grouting;
i) lime, cement or chemical treatment;
j) gabion walls;
i) plastic gabion cages shall not be used on sites where there is a high risk of
vandalism and fire damage;
ii) steel wire for gabion cages shall be galvanised and PVC-coated. In addition, where
applicable, the wire shall be resistant to degradation by immersion in sea or
aggressive water; and
iii) the front faces of the gabions shall be designed with the vertical joints staggered,
as in running bond brickwork. Where necessary, the rear face of gabions shall be
provided with a geotextile layer to prevent fines passing from the supported soil
into the cage; and
k) installation of scour prevention measures.
4.7.53 In all cases, consideration shall be given to the need for monitoring the performance and
interaction between the existing earthwork and the new construction to verify the stability and
serviceability of the works. Details of this shall be provided in the Geotechnical Design
Report.
4.7.54 Measures for strengthening or stabilising rock slopes may include one or more of the
following:
a) scaling;
b) netting and chaining the surface:
i) the durability of the netting/meshes etc (and the pins or bolts used to tie it down)
shall match the design working life of the cutting; and
ii) the design shall include provision for access for removing excess rock debris that
could accumulate within or behind the netting and at the base of the cutting;
4.7.55 The design, detailing and construction of the above measures shall follow international best
practice.
Pile foundations
4.7.57 The design shall demonstrate that the interaction between structure, pile foundation and
ground meet the limit state requirements listed, as appropriate.
4.7.58 The choice of type of pile, including the quality of the pile material and the method of
installation, shall take into account:
a) the ground and ground-water conditions on the site, including the presence or possibility
of obstructions in the ground;
b) the stresses generated in the pile during installation;
c) the possibility of preserving and checking the integrity of the pile being installed;
d) the effect of the method and sequence of pile installation on piles that have already
been installed and on adjacent structures or services;
e) the tolerances within which the pile can be installed reliably;
f) the deleterious effects of chemicals in the ground;
g) the possibility of connecting different ground-water regimes;
h) the handling and transportation of piles; and
i) the effects of pile construction on neighbouring buildings.
d) the observed performance of a comparable pile foundation, provided that this approach
is supported by the results of site investigation and ground testing.
4.7.60 The resistance factors and correlation factors derived from BS EN 1997-1 shall be
appropriate to the testing carried out or proposed, both ground investigation data and data
from pile tests.
4.7.61 The requirements for Pile load tests shall be determined in accordance with BS EN 1997-1,
Section 7.5.
4.7.62 Where required, pile load tests shall be undertaken in accordance with ICE specification for
piling and embedded walls {6}
4.7.63 Helical screw piles generally comprise a lead section (comprising helix plates attached to a
central steel shaft) and extension sections. At least two helices shall be provided on such
piles, but at least three helices shall be provided where the resistance of the pile is
dependent on the strength of heterogeneous ground, such as interbedded soils and fill
materials of variable consistency.
4.7.64 The design methodology shall be stated in the AIP submission. This shall include, as
applicable the following:
a) the source of the design data; and
b) the limit states, load cases, loads, limiting settlements and safety factors used in the
design.
4.7.65 This information shall also be included in the Geotechnical Design Report.
4.7.66 Provision shall be made in the design for the following issues and, where necessary, details
of how they have been dealt with stated and justified in the AIP submission and the
Geotechnical Design Report:
a) creep of the piles under sustained loading;
b) variable loading conditions, particularly where the in-service load in a pile can alternate
between tension and compression;
c) the effect of wind loading; in general, wind loading shall not exceed 25% of the tensile
resistance of a pile;
d) the limiting total and residual deflections of a pile (or group of piles) at both the working
load and proof load which may be set by the tolerable total and differential movements
of the equipment support structure;
e) the long-term design load that can be supported by a pile embedded in a cohesive soil
which shall be based on ‘drained’ design values of the soil;
f) aggressive ground conditions; and
g) minimum depth of embedment in the bearing stratum.
4.7.67 The use of heavily loaded single piles shall be avoided, pile groups shall be used instead.
4.7.68 A single pile shall not be used for sustaining a tension load from an inclined overhead line
equipment stay.
4.7.69 Where helical piles are proposed, the validity of applying bearing resistance theory to a helix
subject to an uplift force is dependent upon the helix being sufficiently embedded in the
stratum.
5 Bored tunnels
5.1 Scope
5.1.1 The structural design of tunnels and shafts constructed by tunnelling methods shall be in
accordance with the requirements of this Section 5.
5.1.2 Tunnelling methods shall be defined as the excavation of sub-surface material from the
specific area in which the tunnel or shaft is to be constructed using a tunnel boring machine
(TBM) or other suitable method with the only access from ground level at the entrance and
exit points and for the purpose of providing ventilation and services.
5.1.3 This Section shall be applied for the structural design of temporary and permanent tunnels
and shafts including, but not limited to, the following:
a) running tunnels;
b) station tunnels;
c) access and ventilation shafts;
d) tunnel cross passages;
e) tunnel headwalls, ringwalls, openings and junctions;
f) associated temporary works; and
g) lifts and escalator shafts.
5.1.4 This Section does not include:
a) tunnels constructed by cut and cover method (see Section 6); and
b) immersed tube tunnels.
5.1.5 This Section shall apply to all structural parts including, but not limited to, the following:
a) segmental linings (permanent & temporary);
b) cast in-situ linings (permanent & temporary);
c) sprayed concrete linings (SCL); and
d) steel ribs and lagging.
5.1.6 The general terms ‘structure’ and ‘tunnel’ shall be as used in this Section to cover all types of
tunnels and shafts listed above.
5.1.7 This Section shall apply to the design of new structures, including temporary works provided
for the construction of the structure.
5.2.2 The requirements of Section 4 geotechnical design shall apply to the design of tunnels.
Geotechnical investigations
5.2.3 Geotechnical investigations shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of
Section 4.
Design standards
5.2.4 Tunnel design and construction shall comply with the standards listed in Section 2
supplemented by the following standards, specifications and guidelines:
a) Specification for tunnelling 3rd Edition by the British Tunnelling Society and The
Institution of Civil Engineers {7};
b) BS 6164 Code of Practice for health and safety in tunnelling in the construction industry;
and
c) Tunnel lining design guide by the British Tunnelling Society and The Institution of Civil
Engineers {8}.
5.2.5 Designs shall comply with the following documents, where appropriate:
a) A Code of practice for risk management of tunnel works, prepared by the International
Tunnelling Insurance Group {9};
b) Guidelines for good occupational health and safety practice in tunnel construction, ITA
Working Group Health and Safety in Works (ITA Report No. 001/November 2008) {10};
c) Monitoring and control in tunnel construction, (ITA Report No. 009) {11};
d) Closed-face tunnelling machines and ground stability, A guideline for best practice by
the British Tunnelling Society in association with the Institution of Civil Engineers {12};
e) Guide to best practice for the installation of pipe jacks and microtunnels – UK Pipe
Jacking Association {13};
f) Sprayed concrete linings (NATM) for tunnels in soft ground – ICE design and practice
guide {14}; and
g) Safety of new Austrian tunnelling method (NATM) tunnels – HSE publication {15}.
5.3.1 The design shall include the proposed tunnel and shaft arrangements based on the
requirements of this Section.
Tunnel geometry
5.3.2 The spatial requirements of the railway systems and building services shall be determined
and included in the design gate documents, in accordance with Section 4.
5.3.3 Civil engineering interface requirements for tunnels, shall include the following:
a) track alignment;
b) train envelope (refer to RPDG Volume 4, Part 1, Trackwork), including kinematic effects,
maintenance tolerances, cant and vehicle throws;
c) clearances around train envelope (refer to RPDG Volume 4, Part 1, Trackwork), which
shall include aerodynamic performance criteria where necessary;
d) trackform (refer to RPDG Volume 4, Part 1, Trackwork);
e) electrification equipment and electrical clearances (refer to RPDG Volume 4, Part 3,
Power Supply), including traction supply cabling and ducting requirements;
5.3.6 The design shall include provision for evacuation of passengers and emergency access.
5.3.7 The interface requirements of evacuation and emergency access shall be determined in
accordance with the fire and life safety strategy requirements in RPDG Volume 1,
Systemwide and shall be included in the design gate documents, in accordance with Section
4.
5.3.8 Where cross passageways are proposed, they shall comply with the following:
a) cross passageways shall be located to avoid critical sections of the alignment where
their construction could have an adverse effect on adjacent structures;
b) track cross-overs shall not be considered as cross-passages; and
c) cross passageways shall drain into the running tunnel drainage system.
5.3.9 The floor of shafts and cross passageways shall be level with the walkway level in the
tunnel.
Tunnel walkways
Shaft geometry
5.3.11 Shafts shall be of sufficient size to accommodate the following, as appropriate for each shaft:
a) temporary works including clearances for construction;
b) physical interface of shaft with tunnel;
c) access for operations, maintenance and emergencies, emergency evacuation, including
stairways, landings, lifts and associated fittings;
d) fire suppression systems;
e) railway system and building services interfaces from other tunnels and stations,
including cables, ducting, brackets, drainage, rising and fire mains, ventilation plant,
other auxiliary cables and pipes; and
f) Maintenance requirements of railway system and building services equipment, including
replacement of equipment.
5.3.12 Shafts serving permanent functions (personnel access, ventilation, emergency access and
egress or utilities) shall be sized for their ultimate purpose.
5.3.13 If shafts are used for construction purposes, the shaft size shall be able to accommodate the
type of equipment using the shaft including adequate clearances and allowance for
construction and deformation tolerances.
5.3.14 Where deep shafts servicing tunnel construction are proposed, the shaft size shall be able to
accommodate the largest single component of tunnelling machine or equipment including
adequate clearances and allowance for construction and deformation tolerances.
5.3.15 Intervention shafts for tunnel ventilation shall be located as required by ventilation design.
5.3.16 The shaft shall permit the easy removal and replacement of ventilation equipment.
5.3.17 Tunnels and shafts shall provide the required minimum clearances and geometry defined
above in this Section 5.3 at all times, allowing for:
a) deformations of the tunnel section under design loads;
b) structure construction tolerances; and
c) track alignment tolerances for construction and maintenance.
5.3.18 Moveable or opening parts of structures shall not encroach on the above clearances at any
time.
5.4.1 Structures shall be analysed in accordance with the requirements of the relevant material
part of the Structural Eurocodes.
5.4.2 This Section gives additional requirements where the Structural Eurocodes need to be
supplemented.
5.4.3 Partial load factors and load combinations shall be determined and applied in accordance
with BS EN 1990 using Annex A2.
5.4.4 Where additional models are proposed to supplement the Eurocodes, details and justification
of the proposed analysis method shall be included in the AIP submission, in particular
confirming the suitability of the proposed method for the ground conditions.
5.4.5 Additional models for ground behaviour and ground-structure interaction shall comply with
the principles and requirements of BS EN 1997-1 Section 2.
5.4.6 Provision shall be made in the design for durability as required in the analysis of tunnels.
5.4.7 Analysis methods for tunnel linings in soils shall be in accordance with the recommendations
of the British Tunnelling Society Tunnel Lining Design Guide {8} and shall consider:
a) the interaction between the lining and the ground;
b) the deflection of the lining; and
c) the redistribution of loading dependent upon the relative flexibility of the lining and
compressibility of the ground.
5.4.8 Analysis methods which may be proposed for use, subject to Technical Approval, include but
are not limited to the following typical methods:
a) continuum model by Muir Wood {16} combined with discussion by Curtis {17};
b) bedded beam model as Duddeck and Erdmann {18}; and
c) numerical modelling methods such as finite elements.
5.4.9 Analysis methods for tunnel linings in rock shall be in accordance with the recommendations
of the British Tunnelling Society tunnel lining design guide {8}.
5.4.10 Analysis methods which may be proposed for use, subject to Technical Approval, include but
are not limited to the following typical methods:
a) empirical design using the Rock mass rating (Bieniawski) {19};
b) Q systems (Barton et al.) {20}; and
c) analysis using numerical modelling.
5.4.12 Empirical estimates shall be based on parameters determined from the geotechnical
investigations and case histories.
5.4.13 Analysis methods which may be proposed for use, subject to Technical Approval, include but
are not limited to the following typical methods:
a) gaussian model as proposed by O’Reilly and New {21};
b) ground movement model proposed by New and Bowers {22};
5.5.1 The design of tunnel and shaft structures and structural elements shall be based on limit
state principles in accordance with Section 2.8.
5.5.2 The design shall include verifications of ultimate limit states and serviceability limit states in
accordance with the Structural Eurocodes BS EN 1990 to BS EN 1999.
5.5.3 This Section gives additional requirements:
a) where the Eurocodes permit choice and require selection of parameters; and
b) for deformation limits of the ground and structure.
Internal explosion
5.5.4 The requirements for tunnel structures to resist the effect of explosion shall be determined in
accordance with RPDG Volume 1, Systemwide, including the determination of the design
explosion action.
Uplift
5.5.6 The stability of tunnels and shafts shall be checked for the possibility of uplift in accordance
with BS EN 1997-1 and subject to the following:
a) permanent stabilising actions shall not include elements which could be removed, for
example:
i) tunnel self-weight shall include only the weight of the tunnel lining and of the first
stage track concrete; and
ii) shaft self-weight shall not include internal finishes;
b) frictional resistance of silty fine sand and other ground strata which are determined to
be susceptible to liquefaction shall be ignored; and
c) where bentonite is used during construction then the frictional resistance shall be
modified accordingly.
Liquefaction
5.5.7 The design shall evaluate liquefaction potential, the effects of liquefaction and liquefaction-
induced ground deformations.
5.5.8 Provision shall be made in the design for post-liquefaction deformations, lateral sliding
stability of tunnels, and loss of bearing capacity of supporting ground.
5.5.9 All proposed structures shall be designed to accommodate not only liquefaction-induced total
settlements but also differential settlements.
5.5.10 The deformation due to the differential tunnel movement at any joint shall not cause long-
term leakage of the permanent seals, particularly at the interface of station box and bored
tunnels.
5.5.11 The design evaluation shall be based on the requirements of BS EN 1998-5 Section 4.
Tunnel lining
5.5.12 The tunnel lining design shall include verifications that cover all variations in ground and
hydrogeological conditions along the tunnel alignment.
5.5.13 The tunnel lining design shall include verifications for the worst case distortional loading
combinations arising from variations in soil conditions, depth and ground water levels during
and after construction.
5.5.14 The distribution of ground pressures shall take account of the proposed construction method,
the relative rigidity of the lining and the interaction of the lining with the ground.
5.5.15 The design of tunnels shall not allow for any long term load relief by ground arching over the
crown, i.e. full overburden pressure shall be assumed.
5.5.16 The design for ultimate and serviceability limit states in soils shall be based on the following
load combinations:
a) full ground overburden pressure using water table at lowest credible level together with
(where more onerous) live load surcharge;
b) full ground overburden pressure using ground water table at finished ground level
together with (where more onerous) live load surcharge;
c) full ground overburden pressure with maximum ground water load;
d) seismic effects; and
e) any more onerous loading conditions, where physically conceivable.
Shaft linings
5.5.17 Shaft linings shall be designed generally in accordance with the requirements above for
tunnel linings, with the exceptions that:
a) distortional loading shall not be considered unless ground conditions are exceptional;
b) the thrust in the lining shall be based on full hydrostatic and at-rest earth pressures; and
c) consideration shall be given to imposed loadings from transient seismic events.
5.5.18 In addition to the requirements of BS EN 1992, concrete tunnel linings shall be subject to the
following design verifications:
a) the tunnel lining shall be verified at ultimate limit state considering an imposed distortion
on any radius of +/-15mm or 1% of tunnel diameter, whichever is more onerous;
b) crack widths shall be verified under the serviceability limit state in accordance with BS
EN 1992-1-1 and BS EN 1992-3 and subject to the following:
i) limiting value of crack width wmax = 0.2mm; and
ii) all surcharges giving an adverse effect shall be included (i.e. surcharges due to live
loads shall be treated as quasi-permanent earth pressures);
c) the maximum deflection of the lining under the serviceability characteristic combination
of loads shall not exceed the following:
5.5.19 Precast concrete segmental tunnel linings shall be subject to the above requirements for
concrete tunnel linings.
5.5.20 Segmental linings shall be designed for the following effects in addition to externally applied
loads in accordance with Section 7:
a) handling, stacking and erection forces with an allowance for impact or dynamic loading;
b) temporary works and all temporary loading conditions, including, where appropriate,
forces applied by tunnelling shields or machines;
c) all internal applied live loads including rail loading, cable support structures, and other
ancillary loadings;
d) primary and secondary grouting pressures;
e) potential applied loads from ground treatment or settlement mitigation measures;
f) effects of installation tolerances, including lack of circularity, steps between segments,
out of plane of circumferential joint and rotation at joints; and
g) effects of casting tolerances.
Ground Movements
5.5.21 The design of tunnels, shafts and associated structures shall ensure that short and long term
ground movements due to construction are minimised in the temporary and permanent
cases.
5.5.22 The design shall assess the effect of construction related ground movements on adjacent
buildings, structures and utilities.
5.5.23 Settlement and damage predictions shall be undertaken in accordance with Section 4.
5.5.24 The results of the settlement assessment shall be submitted to the Review Authority in
accordance with Section 8, and shall additionally include the shape of the settlement trough
shown for representative cross-sections.
5.5.25 Where the settlement assessment shows that protective works are required, the design shall
include details of the protective works and measures that apply to the proposed method of
working in order to prevent damage occurring, in accordance with Section 8.
5.5.26 Where the proposed protective works have potential to apply loads onto the tunnel, such as
during compensation grouting, then the tunnel design shall include this design situation.
5.5.27 Ground movements shall be limited such that any individual structure or building shall not
suffer damage greater than Category 2 as specified in Burland (Classification of Visible
Damage to Buildings) {23}.
5.5.28 Structures shall include all surface and subsurface structures including (but not limited to)
buildings, bridges, roads, tunnels, sewers, utilities plant and apparatus.
5.5.29 A monitoring system, including surface and subsurface monitoring, shall be designed to
allow verification of design parameters and assumptions in addition to the global behaviour
of the design model.
5.5.30 The design shall include proposals for instrumentation and monitoring, which shall be in
accordance with the requirements of Section 4 and shall additionally comply with the
following guidance:
rd
i) Specification for tunnelling 3 edition {7}; and
ii) Monitoring and control in tunnel construction (ITA Report 0009) {11}.
5.5.31 The design shall include protective measures to limit the effects of settlement. These
measures shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 4 and for tunnels may
include the following additional measures:
a) controlled adjustment of the foundations to the building, by hydraulic means during and
after tunnelling;
b) compensation grouting beneath the building;
c) lateral support of foundations to counter the effect of horizontal strain in the ground; and
d) in tunnels and sewers, insertion of steel liners and loosening of bolts in segmentally
lined tunnels to avoid local overstressing.
5.5.32 Where the design includes choices or specifications that have bearing on the construction
method, then the design shall adopt good tunnelling practices to minimise risk of ground
movement, which typically include:
a) the use of methods appropriate to the ground conditions;
b) the use of modern purpose built tunnelling machines, where applicable; and
c) tunnelling techniques that provide for immediate support of the tunnel excavation and
the face and minimise inflow of ground water. The annular void between segmental
linings and the ground shall be grouted as soon as practicable and the grout system
shall be devised to ensure that all voids are filled.
5.6.1 This subsection describes the design and detailing requirements for particular elements of
tunnels.
5.6.2 Durability is a key design requirement for tunnel elements and the design shall satisfy the
requirements of Section 2.13.
Fire Resistance
5.6.3 The design requirements for the effects of fire on tunnel and shaft structures shall be in
accordance with RPDG Volume 1.
5.6.4 The fire resistance of structural concrete elements shall be assessed in accordance with BS
EN 1992 for concrete linings.
5.6.5 Tunnel and shaft linings and associated structures shall be designed to minimise fire hazard
from the accumulation of dust and other potentially flammable materials.
5.6.6 Concrete for tunnel and shaft linings may incorporate polypropylene fibres to mitigate the
effects of tunnel fires. A nominal dosage of 1kg per cubic metre of wet concrete shall be
applied unless determined otherwise.
5.6.9 The design shall include an appropriate specification for the concrete, including the minimum
cover to reinforcement, as the primary measure to achieve the required durability.
5.6.10 Where the environment is particularly aggressive, the design shall consider appropriate
secondary measures, which may include:
a) epoxy coated or galvanised reinforcement bars;
b) condensed silica fume (CSF) or ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS);
c) moderate heat cement;
d) hydrophobic pore-blocking/lining additives to concrete;
e) surface penetrants, such as silanes and polymer modified vegetable oils;
f) surface coatings or membranes, such as coal tar or epoxy paint;
g) waterproof membranes and protective coatings; and
h) cathodic protection.
5.6.11 Where secondary measures are proposed they shall not be taken as justification for a
relaxation of the primary requirements for durability.
5.6.12 The design shall include detailing to address areas which are vulnerable to deterioration.
5.6.13 Construction joints in underground conditions shall incorporate details that provide a
minimum of two lines of defence against leakages, which may include the provision of re-
injectable grout tubes.
5.6.14 The design shall include provision for future fitting of cathodic protection to all tunnels, shafts
and associated structures.
5.6.15 Where particularly aggressive conditions are found and epoxy coated reinforcements are
considered inappropriate, the design shall include a detailed assessment of whether a full
cathodic protection system is required, and details shall be submitted to the Review
Authority.
5.6.16 Where segmental tunnel linings are proposed, they shall comply with the following durability
requirements:
a) minimum concrete cube strength 40 N/mm²;
b) design as critical element with respect to durability
c) concrete mix design to provide a chloride diffusion rate (without any surface coating) of
no more than 1000 Coulomb measured in accordance with ASTM C1202.
5.6.17 The design shall provide methods of waterproofing to control leakage rates into tunnels and
shafts.
5.6.18 All waterproofing materials and systems shall be designed to achieve the design working life
without maintenance.
5.6.19 Tunnel and shaft linings shall be designed to prevent the ingress of water such that:
a) above axis level of tunnels the structure shall be free from all leakage, seepage and
damp patches;
b) below axis level of tunnels leakage shall be accepted, provided it is limited to damp
patches;
c) shafts shall be free of leaks and water ingress shall be limited to damp patches; and
d) where ground water salinity exceeds 10,000 mg/l tunnels and shafts shall be designed
to be completely watertight.
5.6.20 The design shall incorporate suitable methods of waterproofing to ensure that groundwater
leakage rates do not exceed the following:
a) 0.1 litres per square metre of tunnel circumference per day for segmental and in-situ
lining over the entire tunnel works;
b) 0.2 litres per square metre of tunnel circumference per day for any 10m length of tunnel
for segmental and in-situ linings;
c) no discernible flow of water through tunnel linings; and
d) no ground loss through any part of the completed structure.
5.6.21 The design shall ensure that infiltration water is collected and directed to appropriate
drainage channels.
5.6.22 The design shall ensure that no water can drip or flow onto or into the following elements:
rails, rail fixings, trackbed, walkways, egress passages, plant and equipment rooms, traction
power system, signalling and communication systems.
5.6.23 The design shall prevent the build up of water pressure beneath the in-fill base concrete and
beneath track slab concrete, and shall create leakage paths at each joint in the tunnel lining
with seepage directed to the drainage channel.
5.6.24 Design crack widths of concrete elements shall be verified in accordance with the
requirements of BS EN 1992-3 and BS EN 1992-1-1.
5.6.25 The design shall include classification of the structure by tightness class in accordance with
BS EN 1992-3 Clause 7.3.1.
5.6.26 Joints shall be designed to incorporate a minimum of two barriers to prevent water
infiltration.
5.6.27 The design shall specify gaskets and sealants to maintain flexibility to take up any small
movements due to long term ground variations and construction of adjacent tunnels and
structures.
5.6.28 Where segmental tunnel linings are used, the waterproofing design shall include the
following:
Shafts
5.6.29 Permanent shafts shall include a pump sump, within the base slab, of sufficient size to
facilitate local pumping.
5.6.30 All openings from the outside into intervention shafts shall be above flood level and shall
prevent the ingress of water.
5.6.31 For shaft construction in difficult soft ground conditions and potential groundwater inflow
provision shall be made in the design for appropriate ground improvement methods such as
dewatering, grouting and freezing.
5.6.32 For shaft construction by the use of a stepped walling system with two or more different
vertical elements for ground support, care shall be taken in designing and detailing the
overlapped joints in terms of stability and groundwater control.
5.6.33 Portal openings in the tunnel lining to form junctions with the shafts and cross passageways
shall be designed to support the tunnel and shaft linings at the openings for all temporary
and permanent loading conditions.
5.6.34 The junctions shall be either steel framed and encased with in-situ concrete or in-situ
reinforced concrete.
5.6.35 The junctions shall be designed to ensure a permanent water tight connection.
5.6.36 Where openings are to be formed in running tunnels having segmental concrete linings, the
design shall include measures to maintain the structural stability of the running tunnel lining,
such as temporary internal supports.
5.6.37 The maximum total deformation of the lining shall not exceed 25mm on radius upon
completion of the permanent works and removal of any temporary measures.
5.6.38 Precast segmental tunnel linings may be of universal type or tapered ‘specials' where
required to accommodate changes in direction for horizontal and vertical curves.
5.6.39 The detailing of the segments shall take into account the following:
a) ground conditions;
b) water tightness requirements, no packing shall be used between segments or rings;
c) minimum tunnel curvature; and
d) ring diameter.
Tunnel walkways
5.6.41 Access ladders, stairs and handrails shall be designed in accordance with BS 5395.
5.6.42 Cable support structures and fittings shall be designed for all temporary and permanent
loads.
5.6.43 Cast-in inserts shall be adopted in preference to post drilling of concrete linings.
5.6.44 Where post-drilling cannot be avoided, the design shall incorporate measures to mitigate the
risk of damage to reinforcement steel or other embedded elements, such as casting
preformed surface ‘dimples’ on the segments.
5.6.45 Tunnel boring machines, where required, shall be designed to suit all prevailing ground
conditions along the tunnel alignments and allow the safe and economic construction of the
tunnel.
5.6.46 The design and determination of a suitable tunnel boring machines shall be with reference to
the following guidance:
a) Closed-face tunnelling machines and ground stability A guideline for best practice
produced by the British Tunnelling Society in association with the Institution of Civil
Engineers {12}.
Small-diameter tunnels
5.6.47 The design of small diameter ancillary tunnels for drainage or services shall be suitable for
the tunnel type and ground conditions, and may include methods such as:
a) pipe jacking or thrust boring;
b) auger boring;
c) directional drilling; and
d) micro tunnelling.
5.6.48 Such tunnels shall be designed in accordance with international best practice and guidelines
such as ‘Guide to best practice for the installation of pipe jacks and microtunnels’ produced
by the UK Pipe Jacking Association {13}.
5.6.49 A system of temporary support may be adopted in weak rock provided measures to control
seepage and the possible effects of ground water lowering are considered.
5.6.50 Temporary support may comprise a combination of sprayed concrete, rock bolts, steel arch
ribs and lagging or other such system
5.6.51 Leakage rates shall not exceed the values for permanent tunnels.
5.6.52 A waterproofing membrane system shall be provided between the temporary lining and
permanent in-situ concrete lining.
5.6.53 The membrane shall be compartmentalised and fully welded to cover the full tunnel
extrados.
5.6.54 The water tightness membrane system, grade of concrete, thickness of lining, method of
placement, treatment of construction joints and arrangements for back-grouting shall be
chosen such that adequate waterproofing can be achieved.
5.6.55 At cross passageways and sumps, an integral waterproofing system comprising approved
waterproofing admixture and provisions for back-grouting shall be used for waterproofing the
permanent in-situ concrete lining.
5.6.56 The type of admixture, grade of concrete, thickness of lining, method of placement,
treatment of construction joints and arrangements for re-injectable back-grouting shall be
chosen such that adequate waterproofing can be achieved.
5.6.57 Sprayed concrete lining shall not be carried out where the stand-up time for the excavation is
inadequate. As a guide, stand-up time shall be more than 90 minutes for a face advance of 1
metre.
5.6.58 Sprayed concrete lining shall only be used in conjunction with latticed girders installed with
each face advance.
5.6.59 The design of the sprayed concrete lining primary lining shall take into account the following:
a) the ground conditions including:
i) soil stratigraphy;
ii) the groundwater regime;
iii) artesian flows and pressure;
iv) soil strength, stiffness and small-strain characteristics;
v) swelling and creep characteristics; and
vi) poisson’s ratio;
b) the material properties including:
i) development of strength;
ii) stiffness (modulus) appropriate to the age of the concrete and the excavation
stage; and
iii) creep and shrinkage especially in first two weeks after placing;
c) the ground-lining interaction including non-linear and time dependent behaviour; and
d) the speed of loading, both horizontally and vertically including:
5.6.60 The design shall include appropriate contingency plans to modify the design and
construction should the behaviour of the ground or the lining be shown by monitoring to be
outside the predicted limits, considering the following:
a) the behaviour of the ground at the tunnel face in comparison with the design
assumptions;
b) surface settlements;
c) lining deformations; and
d) measurements of ground loadings and displacements.
5.6.61 The design of a primary support system using steel ribs and lagging in rock shall be in
accordance with a recognised method such as loading assessed in accordance with
Terzaghi {24} and a graphical analysis of the steel arch rib after Procter and White {25}.
5.6.62 The design shall take into account, as a minimum, the following;
a) axial and bending stresses in the steel arch ribs induced by the rock loads;
b) lateral stability and bracing of the steel arch ribs;
c) the method of forming the steel arch ribs and the effect on properties of the steel;
d) amount of preload to be applied to steel arch ribs and method of supplying this load;
e) method of blocking and spacing of blocking points;
f) bearing capacity of the rock at blocking points and, in the case of horseshoe-shaped
cross section, under the footplates;
g) the stand up time of the unsupported part of the excavation;
h) the method of lagging between ribs to prevent ravelling and softening of the ground; and
i) the ground water regime and permeability of the ground.
5.6.63 The design of steel arch ribs shall be in accordance with BS EN 1993.
6 Underground structures
6.1 Scope
6.1.1 The structural design of depressed or underground structures constructed by cut and cover
methods shall be in accordance with the requirements of this Section 6.
6.1.2 This Section shall be applied for the structural design of temporary and permanent
underground structures including, but not limited to, the following:
a) running tunnels;
b) crossover boxes;
c) station boxes;
d) access and ventilation shafts; and
e) road and rail underpasses.
6.1.3 The general term ‘underground structure’ shall be used as in this Section to cover all types of
structure constructed by cut and cover methods including those listed above.
6.1.4 This Section shall apply to the design of new structures, including temporary works provided
for the construction of the structure.
6.2.1 In addition to the design considerations given in Section 2, the design of underground
structures shall additionally comply with the requirements of this Section 6.2.
6.2.2 The requirements of Section 4 shall apply to the design of underground structures.
6.2.3 Elements of underpasses subject to earth pressures shall be designed in accordance with
the requirements of this Section 6.
6.2.4 Bridge-like elements of underpasses, such as decks, shall be designed in accordance with
the requirements of Section 7.
6.2.6 The design and selection of construction method, of cut and cover structures shall take into
consideration, as minimum, the following:
a) the degree of lateral movement and settlement which would be expected. In this context
provision shall be made for the location of the works in relation to existing structures;
b) the depth of construction;
c) any particular difficulties that special plant may face with respect to access, clearances
and working space;
d) the noise levels and environmental pollution produced;
e) control over heave and instability of the base of the excavation, and long term
settlement and heave;
f) the methods by which the completed structure shall be secured against flotation;
g) the method for waterproofing the completed structure;
h) ground conditions including water table, hydrostatic effects and impact of de-watering;
i) existing surface and subsurface infrastructure;
j) acceptable traffic management and service diversions where necessary; and
k) interface with adjacent works and third parties.
Materials
6.2.8 Precast concrete may be acceptable for certain structures and construction methods, subject
to Technical Approval.
Geotechnical investigations
6.2.9 Geotechnical investigations shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of
Section 4.
Design standards
6.2.10 The design and construction of underground structures shall comply with the standards listed
in Section 2 supplemented by the following standards, specifications and guidelines:
a) The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Specification for piling and embedded retaining
walls 2nd edition {6};
b) CIRIA Report C146 Design and construction of joints in concrete structures {26}; and
c) CIRIA Report C580 Embedded retaining walls – guidance for economic design {27}.
6.3.1 The design shall include the proposed structure arrangements based on the requirements of
this Section.
6.3.2 All underground structures shall have a ground cover of 2m minimum, measured from top of
waterproofing to the lowest point on the finished ground level.
6.3.3 The requirements for underground structures shall be in accordance with the requirements
for tunnels and the following subsections of Section 5.3:
a) tunnel geometry;
b) evacuation and emergency access;
c) tunnel walkways; and
d) clearances.
6.3.4 The requirements for underpasses involving road traffic shall be in accordance with the
following requirements of Section 7.3:
a) bridges carrying roads or over roads – general;
b) underpasses;
c) clearances above and around roads;
d) accidental impact from roads; and
e) parapets on road bridges over railways.
6.4.1 Structures shall be analysed in accordance with the requirements of the relevant material
part of the Structural Eurocodes and the additional requirements in this Section 6.4 to
supplement the Structural Eurocodes.
6.4.2 Provision shall be made in the design for the various possible combinations of live load
surcharge and known future development in deriving the most onerous load combinations for
underground structures.
6.4.3 The design shall consider a minimum live load surcharge in accordance with the
requirements of Section 7.4 and full hydrostatic head at maximum ground water levels.
6.4.4 The design shall include the effects of varying ground water levels due to dewatering.
6.4.5 The envelopes of the stress resultants at both ultimate and serviceability limit states shall be
determined from the critical load combinations.
6.4.6 Design shall be based on the most onerous load combination determined for the temporary
and permanent cases.
6.4.7 Underground structures shall be designed for unbalanced loads and differential settlements
due to potential future developments.
6.4.8 The movements, both global and differential, of the structures shall be quantified from
geotechnical analyses and provision shall be made in the design at all stages of construction
and throughout the service life of the structure.
6.4.9 In assessing the movements of the structures, due consideration shall be given to the
movement of the ground, including settlement or heave as appropriate.
6.4.10 Analytically complex parts of structures shall be clearly identified in the AIP and the
proposed method of analysis identified. Typical methods may include grid analysis, finite
element analysis, or similar, taking into account three-dimensional behaviour. Such parts
may be areas where:
a) irregular boundary conditions exist;
b) the action is not predominantly one-way;
c) the out-of-plane action cannot be accurately modelled using plane frames; and
d) any combination of these.
6.4.11 Structures with regular shapes (e.g. box) which are away from zones of three-dimensional
effects may be analysed as plane frames.
6.4.12 Analysis shall consider the method of construction which may typically be;
a) bottom up construction, where temporary works or structures are installed to allow
excavation to formation level; and
b) top down construction, where the temporary works are incorporated into the permanent
structure.
6.5.1 The design of underground structures and structural elements shall be based on limit state
principles in accordance with Section 2.
6.5.2 The design shall include verifications of ultimate limit states and serviceability limit states in
accordance with the Structural Eurocodes BS EN 1990 to BS EN 1999.
6.5.3 The design shall comply with the additional requirements given in this Section 6.5 to
supplement the Eurocodes.
Crack widths
6.5.4 Crack widths shall be verified under the serviceability limit state in accordance with BS EN
1992-1-1 and BS EN 1992-3 subject to the following:
a) all surcharges giving an adverse effect shall be included, thus surcharges due to live
loads shall be treated as quasi-permanent earth pressures.
Internal explosion
6.5.5 Underground structures shall comply with the internal explosion requirements given for
tunnels in Section 6.5.
Uplift
6.5.6 The stability of underground structures shall be checked for the possibility of uplift in
accordance with BS EN 1997-1 and subject to the following:
a) uplift shall be checked for all stages of the construction and throughout the service life
of the structure;
b) the ground water level shall be in accordance with the findings of the geotechnical
investigation in Section 4.4, and a worst case shall be assumed which may be equal to
ground level or a higher specified flood level;
c) beneficial loads from external developments shall not be considered in the uplift
assessment;
d) Provision shall be made in the design for the potential for adverse effects from potential
future developments, including surcharge from adjacent developments and relief due to
construction of adjacent basements;
e) permanent stabilising actions shall not include elements which could be removed, for
example, superimposed dead loads such as partition walls, floor finishes, road surfacing
and equipment; and
f) frictional resistance of silty fine sand and other ground strata that are determined to be
susceptible to liquefaction shall be ignored.
6.5.7 Shear resistance of the ground shall take account of the effects of the following as
appropriate:
a) the shear strength of the backfill;
b) the method of placing of backfill material;
c) the temporary support system, either left in place or extracted;
d) grouting;
e) the use of bentonite;
f) the depth below ground surface; and
g) the waterproofing system for the structure.
6.5.8 An uplift check is not required for drainage culverts with weep holes, provided it can be
demonstrated that the structure will not be subject to uplift forces.
6.5.9 The design shall incorporate suitable methods to prevent uplift of underground structures,
where identified by uplift check. Such methods may include:
a) toeing in of the base slab into the surrounding ground or fill;
b) increased thickness of structural elements;
c) additional thickness of concrete beneath the base slab tied into the structural base slab;
d) increase depth of diaphragm walls or other support structures; and
e) the provision of tension piles.
Heave
6.5.10 Structures shall be designed in such a manner that settlement and heave during all stages of
construction and throughout the service life of the structure is kept to a minimum.
6.5.11 The stability of the completed structure against failure due to base heave under the structure
shall be checked in accordance with BS EN 1997.
Liquefaction
6.5.12 Underground structures shall comply with the liquefaction requirements given for tunnels in
Section 6.5.
6.5.13 The design of structures shall consider the effects of construction within ground materials,
such as silty fine sands, that are potentially susceptible to liquefaction. Buoyancy
calculations shall conservatively ignore skin friction within such materials.
Ground movements
6.5.14 The design of underground structures shall ensure that short and long term ground
movements due to construction are minimised in the temporary and permanent cases.
6.5.15 In order to satisfy the requirement in Section 4 for at least one safe and practicable method
by which the structure can be constructed without causing damage or distress to adjacent
structures, the design shall include determination of proposed temporary works and
construction sequence, such as suitable temporary propping arrangements.
6.5.16 The design shall assess the effect of construction related ground movements on adjacent
buildings, structures and utilities.
6.5.17 Settlement and damage predictions shall be undertaken in accordance with Section 4. The
results of the settlement assessment shall be submitted to the Review Authority.
6.5.18 Where the settlement assessment shows that protective works are required, the design shall
include details of the protective works and measures that apply to the proposed method of
working in order to prevent damage occurring, in accordance with Section 4.
6.5.19 Ground movements shall be limited such that any individual structure or building shall not
suffer damage greater than Category 2 as specified in Burland (Classification of Visible
Damage to Buildings) {22).
6.5.20 Structures shall include all surface and subsurface structures including, but not limited to,
buildings, bridges, roads, tunnels, sewers, utilities plant and apparatus.
6.5.21 A monitoring system, including surface and subsurface monitoring, shall be designed to
allow verification of design parameters and assumptions in addition to the global behaviour
of the design model.
6.5.22 The design shall include proposals for instrumentation and monitoring, which shall be in
accordance with the requirements of Section 4.
6.5.23 The design shall include protective measures to limit the effects of settlement.
6.5.24 These measures shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 4 and for
underground structures may include the following additional measures:
a) provision of temporary support works of sufficient stiffness to minimise deflections;
b) phasing of construction works to minimise ground movements; and
c) containment of dewatering operations within cut-off walls to avoid general lowering of
the ambient ground water levels.
6.6.1 The design and detailing of particular elements of underground structures shall be in
accordance with the requirements of this Section 6.6.
Fire Resistance
6.6.2 Underground structures shall comply with the fire resistance requirements given for tunnels
in Section 5.6.
6.6.3 The design shall include proposals for instrumentation and monitoring, which shall:
a) establish baseline conditions prior to construction;
b) verify the assumptions made in the design;
c) be evaluated having proper regard to the uncertainties inherent in the design;
d) provide confirmation of the predicted behaviour of the support system during excavation
or tunnelling;
e) enable the assessment of the effects of the work on buildings, utilities and other
structures;
f) provide a record of performance;
g) propose graded trigger levels for relevant structures and appropriate actions to be taken
upon exceedence of the trigger levels; and
h) continue for a sufficient period following completion of construction to confirm that all
ground movements have ceased.
Dewatering
6.6.4 The design of temporary/permanent walls and of dewatering methods within both permanent
and temporary walls shall, as far as possible, avoid lowering of the water table outside the
works and shall ensure sufficient cut-off to minimise the reduction in piezometric pressure in
the adjacent soils.
6.6.5 The structural integrity of adjacent buildings and structures within the zone of influence of
any dewatering system will be assessed before, during and after the execution of the
dewatering operations.
6.6.7 All structural elements of underground structures shall be designed to achieve the design
working life without maintenance.
6.6.8 The design shall include an appropriate specification for the concrete as the primary
measure to achieve the required durability, including:
a) conformance with the standards listed in Appendix 04 Materials and Workmanship
Specification;
b) conformance with the requirements of Section 2.13 durability; and
c) provision of appropriate cover and cement content to suit the exposure conditions at the
site.
6.6.9 Where the environment is particularly aggressive, the design shall consider appropriate
secondary measures, which may include:
a) waterproofing membranes either in sheet form or spray applied; and
b) cathodic protection.
6.6.10 Where secondary measures are proposed, they shall not be taken as justification for a
relaxation of the primary requirements for durability.
6.6.11 The design shall include detailing to address areas which are vulnerable to deterioration,
including, as a minimum, construction joints in underground conditions shall be designed to
be watertight and incorporate appropriate waterstops and surface caulking grooves.
6.6.12 The design shall include provision for future fitting of cathodic protection to all underground
structures.
6.6.13 The design shall provide methods of waterproofing to control leakage rates into underground
structures.
6.6.14 All underground structures to be designed as water retaining structures in accordance with
BS EN 1992-3.
6.6.15 All waterproofing materials and systems shall be designed to achieve the design working life
without maintenance.
6.6.16 Where ground water salinity exceeds 10,000 mg/l underground structures shall be designed
to be completely watertight.
6.6.17 The design shall ensure that infiltration water is collected and directed to appropriate
drainage channels.
6.6.18 The design shall ensure that no water can drip or flow onto or into the following elements:
rails, rail fixings, trackbed, walkways, egress passages, plant and equipment rooms, traction
power system, signalling and communication systems.
6.6.19 The design shall incorporate suitable methods of waterproofing to ensure that groundwater
leakage rates do not exceed the following;
a) 0.1 litres per square metre of internal surface per day over the underground structure;
b) 0.2 litres per square metre of internal surface per day for any 10m length of
underground structure;
c) no discernible flow of water through tunnel linings; and
d) no ground loss through any part of the completed structure.
6.6.20 Design crack widths of concrete elements shall be verified in accordance with the
requirements of BS EN 1992-3 and BS EN 1992-1-1.
6.6.21 The design shall include classification of the structure by tightness class in accordance with
BS EN 1992-3 Clause 7.3.1 (110).
6.6.22 Connections between bored tunnels and cut and cover tunnels shall be designed such that
construction of the joint is completed during construction of the cut and cover structure.
6.6.23 Design of the joint shall consider the possibility of differential movement, during backfilling or
subsequently.
6.6.24 Unless it can be shown that differential movement of the bored tunnel and cut and cover
structures would be sufficiently small and would not cause any overstress with a rigid joint,
the joint shall be designed to permit an appropriate degree of articulation within the
limitations of the permanent way.
6.6.25 The joint shall be designed to ensure a permanent water tight connection and shall
incorporate a minimum of two barriers to prevent water infiltration.
6.6.26 Re-injectable grout tubes shall also be incorporated at tunnel junctions to provide a
secondary measure for the prevention or control of leakage.
6.6.27 The design of joints shall ensure that infiltration water is collected and directed to appropriate
drainage channels.
6.6.28 An internal facing wall of in-situ reinforced concrete shall be constructed for secant pile and
similar walls that are incorporated into the permanent works.
6.6.29 Internal facing walls are not generally required for diaphragm walls unless there is an
architectural requirement for a particular structure.
6.6.30 Irrespective of whether or not composite action is assumed, the internal facing wall shall be
designed for full hydrostatic pressures.
6.6.31 When composite action is assumed, adequate mechanical bond shall be provided to prevent
interface separation and slippage under full hydrostatic pressures.
Movement joints
6.6.33 In the case of railways, no movement joints shall be permitted across the track.
6.6.34 For vehicular underpasses and depressed carriageways, the number of movement joints
shall be minimised as far as possible.
6.6.36 Irrespective of whether or not the movement joints are located beneath a roadway, the
vertical deflection of any unit (or section) of the structure under the application of primary live
loads at the serviceability limit state shall be less than 0.015H, where H is the height of cover
above the structure.
Temporary works
6.6.37 The design shall consider the following interfaces with temporary works:
a) provision shall be made in the design for the method and sequence of construction,
including installation and removal of Temporary Works and be clearly defined in the
design drawings.
b) any constraints that the design may place on the construction sequence shall be
identified and clearly specified in the design drawings;
c) the design of structures in which the permanent walls and slabs are also used to carry
temporary construction loads shall be fully compatible with the method of construction to
be adopted; and
d) dewatering arrangements.
Construction interface
6.6.38 Provision shall be made in the design for possible imperfections in fabrication and erection
and the structurally acceptable margins of tolerance shall be clearly specified for critical
members and operations.
Tunnel walkways
6.6.39 Underground structures shall comply with the tunnel walkway requirements given for tunnels
in Section 5.6.
6.6.40 Underground structures shall comply with the access, ladders, stairs and handrails
requirements given for tunnels in Section 5.6.
6.6.41 Underground structures shall comply with the cable support structures and fixings
requirements given for tunnels in Section 5.6.
7.1 Scope
7.1.1 The design of bridges and bridge-like structures shall be in accordance with the
requirements of this Section 7
7.1.2 This Section shall be applied for the structural design of temporary and permanent structures
carrying railway, pedestrian and cycle loading, such as:
a) rail bridges;
b) pedestrian and cycle bridges;
c) elevated walkways;
d) culverts; and
e) structures that support buildings over operational railway lines.
7.1.4 This Section shall be applied for all structural parts, such as decks and abutments, elements
such as beams, columns and ballast plates, and permanent access facilities, such as
walkways, that are integral with the structure.
7.1.5 The general terms ‘structure’ and ‘bridge’ shall be as used in this Section to cover all types of
bridges and bridge-like structures listed above.
7.1.6 This Section shall be applied for the design of new structures, including temporary works
provided for the construction of the structure.
7.1.7 This Section does not cover repairs or alterations to existing structures and structural
elements unless covered by the Project Brief. Where evaluation or assessment of existing
bridge structures is required, this Volume may be used as a basis for the assessment but
further discussion with the Review Authority is required and requirements are subject to
Technical Approval .
7.2.1 In addition to the design considerations given in Section 2, the design of bridges shall
additionally comply with the requirements of this Section 7.2.
Aesthetics
7.2.2 Due attention shall be given at the concept design stage to ensure that the completed
structure is aesthetically pleasing.
7.2.3 In addition to the requirements for RPDG Volume 2, Part 1, Station Design Requirements,
The guidelines in UK Department for Transport standard BA 41/98 shall be used.
7.3.1 The interface requirements for all types of civil engineering structures shall be in accordance
with the requirements in this Section in addition to the requirements of Section 2.15.
7.3.2 The following spatial requirements of the track shall be determined, specified in the AIP and
taken into account by the proposed structure:
a) number, positions and alignment of the tracks to be carried or crossed;
b) train envelope (refer to RPDG Volume 4, Part 1, Trackwork, including kinematic effects,
maintenance tolerances, cant and vehicle throws;
c) clearances around train envelope (refer to RPDG Volume 4, Part 1, Trackwork);
d) trackform (refer to RPDG Volume 4, Part 1, Trackwork), including minimum clearances
around the rails and ballast (if present) to allow for maintenance; and
e) electrification equipment and electrical clearances (refer to RPDG Volume 4, Part 3,
Power Supply).
7.3.3 Where ballasted track is proposed, sufficient space shall be provided between the ends of
the sleepers and any adjacent structure to permit track maintenance.
7.3.4 The setting out of the proposed structure shall provide the defined clearances at all times,
allowing for the following:
a) movement of the structure and foundations under dead and live loads, including effects
of creep, shrinkage and settlement;
b) structure construction tolerances;
c) movements imposed by temporary works or erection schemes;
d) track alignment tolerances; and
e) temporary access which may be required for the maintenance of the structure.
7.3.5 Moveable or opening parts of structures shall not encroach on the above clearances at any
time.
7.3.6 Where reasonably practicable, the design shall provide larger clearances than the minimum
required.
7.3.7 The design shall include provision for evacuation of passengers and emergency access.
7.3.8 The interface requirements of evacuation and emergency access shall be determined in
accordance with the requirements of RPDG Volume 1 and shall be included in the design
gate documents, in accordance with Section 2.
7.3.9 Emergency evacuation and access may include the following elements (refer to RPDG
Volume 1):
a) walkways;
b) access stairs; and
c) elevators.
7.3.11 Minimum clearances from the train envelope to persons using the walkway shall be
determined, specified in the AIP and taken into account by the proposed structure.
7.3.13 Bridges carrying rail traffic shall have either robust kerbs to contain the wheels of a derailed
train or structural elements that perform this function.
7.3.14 Structure supports adjacent to railways and within the hazard zone shall be designed for
accidental collision in accordance with Section 7.5.
7.3.15 The structure shall be designed so that it will not overturn or otherwise make the
consequences of a derailment disproportionate to the incident.
Intersection bridges
7.3.16 Intersection bridges (rail over rail) shall be designed for the applicable requirements of both
an underline and overline bridge.
7.3.17 The acceptance of the relevant roads/highway authority shall be sought where an existing or
proposed road would be affected by the construction or use of a proposed structure.
7.3.18 The AIP shall contain details and confirmation of acceptance of proposals by the
roads/highway authority, including approved carriageway widths, lateral and vertical
clearances and any protection measures.
7.3.19 If a proposed structure requires a new or modified highway alignment then this shall be
designed in accordance with relevant roads/highway authority standards and subject to NOC
from the RTA Traffic and Roads Agency.
7.3.20 The clearances between the road and structure shall prevent the structure being a hazard to
road users.
7.3.21 The minimum vertical clearance from road surface to soffit of structures shall be in
accordance with the Geometric Design Manual for Dubai Roads, Section 6 and shall not be
less than 6.0m.
7.3.22 The minimum lateral clearance from the edge of the road pavement to any structure adjacent
to the road shall be in accordance with the Geometric Design Manual for Dubai Roads,
Section 5.
7.3.23 The supports of railway bridges adjacent to roads shall be designed for collision by road
vehicles or shall be protected.
7.3.24 Where safety barriers are provided to protect columns, the recommendations of BSI
document PD 6688-1-7: Recommendations for the design of structures to BS EN 1991-1-7
shall be followed.
Underpasses
7.3.26 Bridge-like elements of underpasses, such as decks, shall be designed in accordance with
the requirements of this Section 7.3.
7.3.28 Elements of underpasses subject to earth pressures shall be designed in accordance with
the requirements of Section 6 underground structures.
7.3.29 Where footbridges and subways are at a station or give access to a station then the
functional requirements for footbridges and subways shall be defined as part of the station
functional design and designed in accordance with the requirements of RPDG Volume 2,
Part 1, Station Design Requirements, including but not limited to, the following:
a) definition of anticipated passenger flows and required width;
b) access links to each end;
c) provision and design of steps, ramps, lifts, escalators;
d) environment within footbridge, e.g. temperature control, lighting, appearance;
e) external appearance, provision of cladding;
f) provision and design of moving walkways;
g) lighting;
h) security;
i) drainage; and
j) E&M requirements, including spatial requirements for ducting, motors, and machinery.
7.3.30 Where a footbridge is designed to carry pedestrian or cycle traffic only, suitable physical
means shall be provided to prevent the bridge being used by vehicular traffic that could
affect the safety of the bridge or the railway.
7.3.32 The requirements of BD 29/04: Design criteria for footbridges shall be followed for
footbridges, subject to the overriding requirements of this standard.
7.3.33 Parapets for footbridges shall meet the requirements set out in Section 7.6, and shall be
provided in accordance with the Dubai Pedestrian and Cyclist Design Manual, or
alternatively an enclosure with equivalent protection shall be provided.
7.3.34 The design of footbridges shall take due account of the following:
a) wind loading: the profile of enclosed footbridges may be outside the scope of BS EN
1991-1-4 and additional guidance from international best practice may be required.
Such additional guidance shall be included in the AIP submission;
b) aerodynamic effects: footbridges tend to be lighter weight than railway bridges and so
may be more susceptible to aerodynamic effects. The requirements of Section 3.5 shall
be observed;
c) dynamic effects: as above, footbridges may be susceptible to dynamic effects including
pedestrian-induced lateral excitation. In general, structural forms and details shall be
selected that minimise the risk of significant vibrations induced by pedestrian traffic. The
requirements of Section 3.5 shall be observed;
d) robustness: footbridges may comprise fewer or more slender main members than
railway bridges, and so may be more susceptible to accidental actions such as impact.
The design shall therefore consider including nominal accidental actions applied to the
main members, and such design situations shall be included in the AIP submission;
e) special materials: footbridges may use materials that are outside the normal range of
materials used for bridge structures, such as cladding or glazing. Additional guidance
from Section 7.3 or international best practice shall be used for the design of these
elements. Such additional guidance shall be included in the AIP submission. Particular
consideration shall be given to the risk of glazing shattering or falling;
f) interface with other structures: where a footbridge joins another structure, such as
providing a direct link into an adjacent building, particular consideration shall be given to
the interface between the two structures including imposed loadings and relative
movements. The proposed design parameters shall be recorded in the AIP submission
and the detailed design drawings for Technical Approval.
7.3.36 The design shall take account of the required lateral and vertical clearances over waterways,
as determined through consultation with the relevant authorities, private owners and users.
The clearances shall be recorded in the AIP submission.
7.3.38 Guidance on scour is provided in CIRIA report C551, Manual on scour at bridges and other
hydraulic structures {28}.
7.3.39 Guidance on culverts is provided in CIRIA report C689 Culvert design and operation guide
{29}.
Pipe bridges
7.3.40 Self-supporting and free-standing pipes shall not generally span over railway tracks.
7.3.41 Technical Approval for the construction of self-supporting pipes shall only be considered
where there is no practicable alternative and only in cases of pipes that carry low pressure
water or non-hazardous materials.
7.3.42 Pipelines that carry liquids or gases over the railway, where the pipes are not supported by
or incorporated in a structure, shall be supported on a purpose-designed beam or pipe
bridge.
7.3.43 Where reasonably practicable, such beams or pipe bridges shall span over the railway
without intermediate supports.
7.3.44 Supports, including intermediate supports where these are not reasonably avoidable, shall
comply with the accidental collision requirements of Section 3.6
Temporary Bridges
7.3.46 A bridge that forms temporary works and will be in place for 6 months or longer shall be
considered as a permanent bridge in terms of Technical Approval, loading and design
requirements in accordance with Section 3.
7.3.47 A bridge that forms temporary works and will be in place for less than 6 months shall be
considered as temporary works.
7.3.48 Loading and design requirements shall be in accordance with this Section 7.3 except for the
following:
a) loading requirements (except for fatigue) shall be as for permanent structures;
b) where reusable elements form part of the temporary structure, the fatigue design shall
consider the overall working life of the reusable elements;
c) reduced return periods for environmental actions (see Section 3.5); and
d) relaxations of other aspects of design requirements where these can be justified in
relation to proposed control measures and where safety is not adversely affected.
7.4.1 Structures shall be analysed in accordance with the requirements of the relevant material
part of the Structural Eurocodes.
7.4.2 The design shall comply with the additional requirements in this Section 7.4 where the
Structural Eurocodes permit choice and require selection of parameters.
7.4.3 Partial load factors and load combinations shall be determined and applied in accordance
with BS EN 1990.
7.4.4 Track-structure interaction effects shall be modelled in accordance with the requirements of
BS EN 1991-2 Sections 6.5.4.1 to 6.5.4.4 and the additional guidance given in UIC 774-3R
Track bridge interaction recommendations for calculations {30}.
7.4.5 Where unballasted track is proposed, the provisions of leaflet UIC 774-3R {30} for
unballasted track shall be used in conjunction with the above Sections of BS EN 1991-2.
7.4.6 The design shall propose parameters to be used for the rail fastening force/displacement
relationship shown in BS EN 1991-2 Figure 6.20. The proposed parameters shall be
included in the AIP submission, together with justification that the values are appropriate for
the rail system proposed for the structure.
7.4.7 The simplified calculation methods of BS EN 1991-2 Section 6.5.4.6 and BS EN 1991-2
Annex G may be treated as guidance, but particular attention shall be taken with regard to
the assumptions and limits of validity of these Sections.
7.4.9 Dynamic effects shall be taken into account when determining the effects of rail traffic
actions on a structure, and in verifying the passenger comfort criteria given in Section 3.
7.4.10 Dynamic effects may be modelled using a dynamic factor applied to a static analysis, in
accordance with BS EN 1991-2 Clauses 6.4.3 and 6.4.5.
7.4.11 Where the dynamic factors from BS EN 1991-2 are used, the design shall verify that the
natural frequency of the structure under permanent loads is within the limits of validity of the
dynamic factors.
7.4.12 Where it is not proposed to use the dynamic factors from BS EN 1991-2, where the natural
frequency is outside the limits for those dynamic factors, or where a dynamic factor does not
adequately model the anticipated dynamic effects of the rail vehicles on the structure or
elements of the structure, then a detailed analysis shall be carried out to establish the
dynamic effects. Details of the proposed modelling and proposed parameters for such
detailed analyses shall be included in the AIP submission and be subject to Technical
Approval.
7.4.13 A check shall be carried out to determine whether a dynamic analysis is necessary in
accordance with BS EN 1991-2 Clause 6.4.4.
7.4.14 Where a dynamic analysis is required, the requirements of BS EN 1990 Annex A2 and BS
EN 1991-2 Clauses 6.4.6 shall be satisfied.
7.4.15 The dynamic response of footbridges shall be modelled in accordance with the requirements
of the UK National Annex to BS EN 1991-2 Clause NA.2.44.
7.4.16 Where alternative models and procedures for analysis are proposed, these are subject to
Technical Approval and details shall be included in the AIP submission.
Fatigue analysis
7.4.17 Fatigue verifications shall be carried out for structures and structural components which are
subjected to regular load cycles. This will typically apply to many elements of bridge
structures subject to railway loading.
7.4.18 Details of the proposed method for fatigue assessment shall be included in the AIP
submission.
7.4.19 The simplified fatigue load model and damage equivalence factors which are given in BS EN
1992-2, Annex NN, and BS EN 1993-2, Section 9, assume heavy rail traffic. Where it is
proposed to use a damage equivalent stress range method, then the design shall consider
the applicability of these models. Where changes are proposed to these models and factors
then details and justification shall be included in the AIP submission.
7.4.20 Fatigue verifications of steel bridges shall be undertaken in accordance with BS EN 1993-2
and BS EN 1993-1-9.
7.4.21 The safe life method of BS EN 1993-1-9 shall be used for fatigue verification of steel bridges.
The use of the damage tolerant approach to fatigue verification is not acceptable because of
the associated increase in inspection and maintenance requirements.
Seismic analysis
7.4.25 Details of the proposed modelling approach for seismic events shall be included in the AIP
submission.
7.4.26 For bridges, the design shall establish whether a dynamic response procedure is needed.
7.4.27 The procedure given in the UK National Annex to EN 1991-1-4, Clause NA.2.46 shall be
used.
7.4.28 Where alternative models and procedures are proposed, these are subject to Technical
Approval and details shall be included in the AIP submission.
7.4.29 The design of structures that are susceptible to wind induced vibration shall take account of
the consequential effects of such vibrations including fatigue.
7.4.30 Structures which are assessed as very likely to be susceptible to aerodynamic effects shall
be subject to testing.
7.5.2 The design shall include verifications of ultimate limit states and serviceability limit states in
accordance with the Structural Eurocodes BS EN 1990 to BS EN 1999.
7.5.3 The design shall comply with the additional requirements given in this Section 7.5 where the
Eurocodes permit choice and require selection of parameters.
7.5.4 The effects resulting from the combined response of the structure and the track to variable
actions shall be taken into account for the design of the bridge superstructure, bearings, the
substructure and for checking load effects in the rails.
7.5.5 The design shall verify the following criteria, under variable actions including temperature
variation of the deck, braking, acceleration and vertical rail loads:
a) additional compressive rail stress due to variable actions;
b) additional tensile rail stress due to variable actions;
c) relative horizontal displacement between the upper surfaces of consecutive decks and
between the top of a deck and abutment due to braking and acceleration only;
d) absolute horizontal displacement of the upper surface of the deck at the deck end due
to braking and acceleration only;
e) relative vertical displacement between the upper surface of consecutive decks and
between the top of a deck and abutment due to variable actions; and
f) uplift forces on rail supports and fastening systems for directly fastened rails due to
variable actions.
7.5.6 Limiting values for these criteria shall be taken from leaflet UIC 774-3R Track bridge
interaction recommendations for calculations {30}. Note that these are different in some
cases from the values given in BS EN 1991-2 Section 6.5.4.5.
7.5.7 The limiting value for relative vertical displacement from BS EN 1991-2 Clause 6.5.4.5.2 (3),
of 3mm for speeds up to 160km/h and 2mm for speeds above 160km/h, shall be applied.
7.5.8 Where expansion devices are present, the design shall determine the limiting value for
relative vertical displacement at the expansion device with reference to the proposed track
system. Details and justification of the proposed limiting value shall be included in the AIP
submission.
7.5.9 The limiting values for additional rail stress given in leaflet UIC 774-3R are valid for UIC 60
rail under certain conditions. The design shall verify that these limiting values are appropriate
for the proposed trackform. Where the limiting values for additional rail stress are not
appropriate, the design shall propose alternative values in the AIP submission, supported as
required by special studies to justify the proposed values.
7.5.10 Where directly fastened rails are used, the design shall determine the performance
characteristics of the proposed rail supports and fastening systems, including fatigue
characteristics, in order to carry out the uplift force verification. These details shall be
included in the AIP submission.
7.5.11 The design shall include the effects of horizontal support reactions at fixed elastic supports
due to track-structure interaction, in addition to conventional support reactions, in the design
of bearings and substructure.
7.5.12 Structures shall be designed to guarantee continuity of the rail platform so as to ensure the
movement of traffic in the same conditions of safety and comfort as on normal tracks and at
any traffic speed up to the limiting track speed defined for the structure and for all types of
traffic scheduled to cross the structure.
7.5.13 The design shall include checks on structure deformations and vibrations in order to satisfy
track safety and passenger comfort criteria, including the following effects:
a) maintenance of required clearances;
b) vertical acceleration of deck;
c) deck twist;
d) vertical deformation of deck for traffic safety and passenger comfort;
e) transverse deformation and vibration of the deck; and
f) longitudinal displacement of the deck.
7.5.14 Guidance may be found in leaflet UIC 776-2R Design requirements for rail-bridges based on
interaction phenomena between train, track and bridge {31}.
7.5.15 The design shall be in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 1990 Annex A2 Section
A2.4.4 which gives limits of deformation and vibration for the design of new railway bridges,
subject to the clarifications listed below:
a) deformations shall be calculated at serviceability limit state using the characteristic
combination of loads in accordance with BS EN 1990, including where required the
effects of other actions including horizontal live load forces, wind and temperature
effects;
b) the limiting values of deformations are the absolute values measured at the rails. The
calculated deformations shall be total deformations, including the deformations of the
superstructure (including secondary elements such as cross girders, track support
system and bearings) and deformations of the substructure;
c) rail traffic loads for calculating deformations shall be the characteristic values defined in
Section 3, factored by the dynamic factor and load classification factor (where defined
for heavy rail load models);
d) rail traffic loads shall be applied in accordance with BS EN 1991-2 Section 6.8, with the
substitution of the appropriate design load model defined in Section 3.
e) the passenger comfort criteria for vertical acceleration shall be defined by the railway
system requirements in accordance with RPDG Volume 4, Part 1 Trackwork and
Volume 4, Part 2, Rolling Stock. One of the recommended levels of 'very good', 'good'
and 'acceptable' shall be selected;
f) structures shall be designed so that deformations under load and with removal of load
do not encroach on the required vertical and horizontal clearances nor compromise the
safety of the structure or railway;
g) where a bridge deck is adjacent to an independently supported platform, the design
shall ensure that the required horizontal and vertical clearances between rolling stock
and platform edge can be accommodated for all feasible coexisting deformations of the
respective structures; and
h) provision shall be made in the design for the effect of deformations on the appearance
of the structure. Where precambering is proposed, the precamber shall typically be
equal to the deformation due to permanent loads plus 50% of the deformation due to
railway loading.
7.5.16 The performance of footbridges in response to vibrations due to pedestrian traffic shall be
verified in accordance with UK National Annex to EN 1991-2 Clause NA.2.44 and shall
include the following checks:
a) maximum vertical deck acceleration and its comparison with the comfort criteria; and
b) lateral stability in response to crowd loading.
7.5.17 The recommended serviceability limits shall be derived in accordance with UK National
Annex to EN 1991-2 Clause NA.2.44.6. All relevant parameters to be used in the verification
shall be recorded in the AIP submission, including the assumed structural damping
characteristics.
7.6.1 The design and detailing of particular elements of bridges shall be in accordance with the
requirements of this Section 7.6.
7.6.2 The design shall comply with the recommendations of the following good practice guides in
addition to the requirements for particular elements given in this subsection:
a) CIRIA report C543 Bridge detailing guide {32}; and
b) CIRIA report C155 Bridges - design for improved buildability {33}.
Steelwork
7.6.3 The design of steel bridge elements shall comply with BS EN 1993-1-1, BS EN 1993-2.
7.6.4 The design of steel bridges shall comply with the recommendations of BSI document PD
6695-2, recommendations for the design of bridges to BS EN 1993.
7.6.5 The design shall specify measures to ensure that steel elements comply with the design life
requirements for the structure, taking due regard of the prevailing environmental conditions.
7.6.6 Where protective coatings such as paint systems are proposed, the design shall:
a) include details of the proposed system in the AIP submission. The proposed system
shall comply with the requirements of BS EN ISO 12944 Paints and varnishes -
corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems; and
b) detail the structure to facilitate repainting of metalwork, taking account of the
recommendations of BS EN ISO 12944-3: Paints and varnishes. Part 3. Design
considerations.
7.6.7 Weather-resistant steel (steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance) shall not be
used.
Reinforced concrete
7.6.8 The design of reinforced concrete elements shall comply with BS EN 1992-1-1, BS EN 1992-
2.
7.6.9 The design of reinforced concrete bridges shall comply with the recommendations of BSI
document PD 6687-2, Recommendations for the design of structures to BS EN 1992-2.
7.6.10 In the absence of more specific data, the relative humidity for calculation of creep and
shrinkage effects may be taken as the worst case of the range 85% to 100% for the design
of bridge structures in Dubai.
7.6.11 The design shall specify nominal covers for all reinforced concrete elements, taking into
account the exposure class, concrete specification, method of construction.
7.6.12 Reinforced concrete shall be designed and detailed for durability, including measures to
achieve a high quality and relatively impermeable concrete and paying particular attention to
structural detailing.
7.6.13 Reinforcement shall not be welded in bridge superstructures, columns, crossheads, or
similar structural elements. Reinforcement may be welded in abutments and foundations
providing that the welds are not located in the vicinity of bearings.
7.6.14 Where surface coatings for concrete structures are proposed, the recommendations of UK
Department for Transport standard BA 85/04 Coatings for concrete highway structures and
ancillary structures shall be followed.
7.6.15 Stainless steel reinforcement shall comply with the recommendations of Concrete Society
Technical Report 51, Guidance on the use of stainless steel reinforcement {34}.
Steel-concrete composite
7.6.16 The design of steel-concrete composite structures shall comply with BS EN 1994-1 for
building structures and BS EN 1994-2 for bridge structures.
Prestressed concrete
7.6.17 The design of prestressed concrete elements using bonded and unbonded tendons shall
comply with BS EN 1992-1-1, BS EN 1992-2.
7.6.18 Additional guidance is provided in BSI document PD 6687-2, recommendations for the
design of structures to BS EN 1992-2.
7.6.19 The parameters assumed in the prestress design shall be included in the AIP submission.
7.6.20 The design shall take account of the risk of corrosion of prestressing steel to provide the
required durability. Particular attention shall be given to:
a) corrosion risk for bonded tendons across precast segment joints; and
b) detailing and specification of protection measures such as grouting.
7.6.21 Where the strength of a structural element is dependent on the integrity of prestressing steel,
the design shall comply with the following requirements:
a) the design shall comply with the recommendations of Concrete Society Technical
Report 72: Durable Post Tensioned Concrete Structures {35};
b) the design shall avoid brittle failure of the member caused by failure of prestressing
tendons such as a warning of loss of prestress;
c) the design shall satisfy ultimate limit state requirements with a reduced area of
prestressing at the onset of visible cracking. The proposed methodology for satisfying
this requirement shall be included in the AIP submission; and
d) openings and pockets shall be avoided above tendon anchorages.
7.6.22 The following additional requirements apply to designs which use external (unbonded)
tendons:
a) the design shall allow for external tendons to be fully accessible for inspection,
maintenance and replacement;
b) the design shall allow inspection, maintenance and replacement of external tendons to
be carried out without affecting the safety of the structures and without any restriction to
railway operations; and
c) the design shall allow for tendon redundancy at ultimate limit state. Proposed details
shall be included in the AIP submission.
Precast elements
7.6.23 The design of precast elements shall comply with BS EN 13369 Precast products.
Precast segments
7.6.25 Additional guidance is available in the AASHTO Guide Specifications for Design and
Construction of Segmental Concrete Bridges. However, the design calculations shall comply
with the Structural Eurocodes as set out in this Volume of RPDG.
Articulation
7.6.26 The determination of structural articulation has a profound effect on structure form and
design, and the proposed articulation shall be determined at concept stage prior to
production of the AIP.
7.6.27 The design of the structural articulation shall use continuous, monolithic and integral forms
where reasonably practicable to take account of the following long-term benefits:
a) avoidance of potential leakage at deck joints; and
b) elimination of bearings and associated maintenance.
7.6.28 Halving joints shall not be used. Where halving joints are proposed in exceptional
circumstances, justification for the use of half joints shall be included in the AIP submission,
including details to demonstrate that adequate access is provided for the inspection and
maintenance of the bearings at such joints.
7.6.29 The design shall generally not rely on tension components to ensure stability, for example
holding down bars to ensure lateral stability of single track bridges. Where such components
are proposed, full justification and details of durability measures shall be included in the AIP
submission.
7.6.30 Structures shall be designed to retain their structural integrity and adequate residual
resistance following the design seismic event which is specified in Section 3.7.
7.6.31 The design and detailing of structures and structural elements shall comply with the
requirements of BS EN 1998-2.
7.6.32 The intended seismic behaviour of the bridge shall be specified in the AIP submission.
7.6.33 The structure shall be designed so that its behaviour under the design seismic action is
either ductile, or limited ductile/essentially elastic, depending on the seismicity of the site, on
whether seismic isolation is adopted for its design, or any other constraints which may
prevail.
7.6.34 For bridges of ductile behaviour, capacity design shall be used to ensure that an appropriate
hierarchy of resistance exists within the various structural components, ensuring that the
intended configuration of plastic hinges will form and that brittle failure modes are avoided.
7.6.35 The design shall avoid brittle failure of specific non-ductile components, such as fixed
bearings.
7.6.36 The bridge deck shall be designed to avoid damage, other than locally, to secondary
components such as expansion joints, continuity slabs and parapets.
7.6.37 Flexural yielding of specific sections (i.e. the formation of plastic hinges) may be allowed to
occur in the piers.
7.6.38 Where plastic hinges are intended to form, the design shall:
a) be located to ensure accessibility for inspection and repair. Such locations shall be
clearly indicated on the design drawings; and
b) be designed to provide adequate ductility to ensure the required overall global ductility
of the structure, including requirements for confining reinforcement and avoidance of
buckling of longitudinal reinforcement.
Integral bridges
7.6.39 The design of integral bridges shall comply with the requirements of BSI document PD 6694-
1 Recommendations for the design of structures subject to traffic loading to BS EN 1997-1.
7.6.40 A surcharge model for the proposed rail traffic shall be defined in accordance with Section 3,
to replace the traffic surcharge model of PD 6694-1 Section 7.6 which applies for highway
traffic.
7.6.41 Where the proposed structure is outside the limits of validity of the methods of PD 6694-1,
for example due to skew greater than 30 degrees or deck-end movement greater than 40
mm, then the proposed design rationale shall be included in the AIP submission.
Bearings
7.6.42 Structures shall be designed such that the number of bearings is minimised.
a) provide the structural behaviour assumed in the design of the structure including under
seismic loading;
b) limit bearing stresses applied to substructures; and
c) provide adequate space for the installation, inspection and maintenance of the bearings,
for example, by providing inspection galleries.
7.6.44 Bearings shall be designed in accordance with BS EN 1337-1, and bearing design
requirements and acceptance tests shall be specified in a bearing schedule in accordance
with BS 1337-1 Annex B alternative 1.
7.6.45 The manufacture, supply and installation of bearings shall comply with the requirements of
BS EN 1337 parts 2-11, as appropriate for the type of bearings being proposed.
7.6.48 The detailing of bearings, including initial settings at installation, shall take account of the
maximum and minimum temperatures. Installation setting constraints shall be stated on the
drawings.
7.6.49 Unrestrained uplift at bearings shall not be permitted under non-seismic loading.
7.6.50 The use of restraints to prevent uplift at bearings will only be permitted in exceptional
circumstances other than under seismic loading. Where proposed, justification and details of
such restraints shall be included in the AIP submission and the design of the bridge shall
include a fatigue check on the arrangements.
7.6.51 Where a bridge is subject to accidental actions, such as collision impact and derailment, the
bearings and supporting substructures shall be designed for the imposed forces and
deformations without incurring damage to the bearing or structure or requiring replacement
of the bearing. The relevant accidental forces are identified in Section 3.
7.6.52 Seismic analysis of a structure shall take account of the presence of bearings and seismic
devices. Provision shall be made in the design for upper or lower bound parameters (e.g. for
bearing stiffness) in order to produce the worst effect in each element under consideration.
7.6.53 Where steel roller bearings are proposed, provision shall be made in the design for the
effects of fatigue. The design shall include suitable design checks additional to the
requirements prescribed in the BS EN 1337.
Movement joints
7.6.54 Structures shall be designed such that the number of movement joints is minimised.
7.6.55 The locations of the movement joints shall be determined in accordance with the following
requirements:
a) the permanent way design shall provide confirmation that the joint positions enable
track alignment and maintenance criteria to be achieved. This should preclude joints
beneath turnouts, below floating slab track or on tight horizontal curves;
b) the movement range shall include all relevant combinations of actions at ultimate limit
state, including the seismic design situation, and relevant structural effects, such as
rotation of the supporting substructure, transverse effects due to curved or skew
superstructures and differential vertical movements due to passage of live load; and
c) movement joints with total longitudinal movement capacity exceeding 150 mm shall not
normally be used. Where such joints are proposed, details including proposed joint type
shall be included in the AIP submission.
7.6.59 The joint and its installation shall be capable of withstanding the local forces at ultimate limit
state applicable to its location on the structure, in accordance with the loads defined in
Section 3.
7.6.60 The design shall assume that all joints will leak, even if designed to be watertight, and shall
include the following requirements:
a) the amount of water falling directly onto the joint is minimised;
b) water shall not pond on or flow over the joint;
c) whatever water does fall onto the joint or its cover plate shall fall away from the joint;
and
d) a robust gutter beneath the joint shall positively drain water from the joint to the main
drainage system.
7.6.61 Where pedestrians have access, the appearance of the joint shall be consistent with the
surrounding area and the joint shall be detailed to avoid presenting a hazard to pedestrians
(e.g. avoid trip hazards, uneven surfaces, gaps).
7.6.62 Where maintenance staff have access or pedestrians may be present in emergency
situations, the design shall ensure that there are no gaps through which materials could drop
to the area below the structure.
7.6.63 Where cover plates are provided, they shall be stainless steel. Non-slip surfaces shall be
provided to cover plates in areas where pedestrians have access.
7.6.64 The design of structures and elements of structures shall be such that examination by visual
observation is sufficient for the management of the structure.
7.6.65 The design shall avoid hidden critical elements, i.e. primary structural members that cannot
be observed from at least one side throughout its extent and which are not protected by a
material which is known to preserve the condition of the part.
7.6.66 Where hidden elements are proposed, the design shall specify arrangements allowing
access for examination.
7.6.67 Access shall be provided into all structure voids in bridges, superstructures and
substructures, and shall comply with the following requirements:
a) access holes shall have a minimum clear opening of 600mm by 600mm;
b) exterior openings shall be provided with watertight, lockable covers which cannot be
accidentally dislodged from the structure whether open or shut;
c) access shall be available during normal railway operating hours, where possible; and
d) continuous access shall be provided through the interior of continuous structures.
7.6.68 Voids shall be provided with a permanent lighting and electricity supply for use during
inspection and maintenance.
Walkways
7.6.69 Where a walkway is intended for use by the public, it shall comply with the applicable
requirements for a footbridge.
7.6.70 Where a raised walkway is protected from derailment, for example by a robust kerb, it need
not be designed to carry derailment loading.
7.6.71 Where a raised walkway is subject to derailment loading, the structure as a whole shall be
such that it will not overturn when the derailment loading for overturning and instability is
applied along the outer edge of the element.
Parapets - general
7.6.72 The design of parapets shall comply with the requirements of UK Department for Transport
standard TD 19/06.
7.6.73 Where structural design of a parapet is carried out, it shall comply with the Structural
Eurocodes. References to BS 5400 shall be taken to refer to the relevant Structural
Eurocode part as appropriate, where these references occur in the standards referred to in
this Section including TD 19/06, BS 6779-2 and BS 7818.
7.6.74 Structural parts of a bridge to which guardrails or parapets are connected shall be designed
to ensure that plastic deformations of the guardrails or parapets can occur without damaging
the structure.
7.6.75 The design shall consider the effect of the parapet system on the overall visual appearance
of the structure, as this can be significant.
7.6.76 All bridges over railways shall be provided with parapets in accordance with the following
requirements:
a) parapets over railways shall be a minimum of 1500mm high above the adjoining paved
surface;
b) parapets over automatic (driverless) railways shall be a minimum of 1800 mm high
above the adjoining paved surface;
c) bridges over railways which are electrified on the overhead system shall have a parapet
which extends at least 3000mm beyond any un-insulated overhead electrical
equipment;
d) parapets shall have a smooth imperforate inner face;
e) the top of the parapets shall deter climbing and walkway. The profiles given in BS 6779-
2 satisfy this requirement;
f) the railway face of a parapet shall be detailed to deter people gaining access to or along
the area of the bridge outside the parapet, for example by avoiding flat projecting
surfaces; and
g) any components attached to the parapet shall be adequately secured to deter removal
or potential to fall on the railway in the event of a vehicle impact with the parapet.
Pedestrian parapets
7.6.77 Pedestrian parapets shall be provided where pedestrian or maintenance staff movements
may occur and there is a risk of fall from height including, but not restricted to, the following
locations:
a) on the outside faces of railway bridges;
b) on footbridges and cycle bridges;
c) on retaining walls, head walls, wing walls and other structures which present a vertical
or near vertical face of 1.5m or more in height; and
d) where there are uncovered, unprotected openings between adjacent bridge decks
including at abutments.
7.6.78 Parapets shall protect against the accidental dropping of objects from the bridge. In order to
satisfy this, parapets shall be solid or have full infill provided by elements at restricted
spacing.
7.6.79 Metal pedestrian parapets shall be a minimum of Class 3 in accordance with BS 7818,
Specification for pedestrian restraint systems in metal.
7.6.80 Concrete pedestrian parapets may be designed either as a concrete vehicle parapet or
designed for the actions on pedestrian parapets, in each case in accordance with the
general requirements given above.
7.6.81 Parapets shall be designed to be touchable with a temperature not exceeding maximum
ambient temperature plus 5°C even after prolonged sunshine in summer months.
Handrails
7.6.82 In addition to the provision of pedestrian parapets on a footbridge, pedestrian handrails shall
be provided on both sides of stairs, ramps and the approaches to ramps.
7.6.83 Refer to Section 7.6 for design requirements for such elements.
7.6.84 Structural elements which are at risk from collision by railway vehicles shall be designed in
accordance with the requirements of this Section, including the following elements:
a) supports and structures adjacent to the railway; and
b) supports and structures beyond the end of the tracks.
7.6.85 These requirements do not apply to lineside railway infrastructure, such as overhead
electrification equipment masts or signal gantries.
7.6.86 The hazard zone subject to risk of collision shall be as defined in the UK National Annex to
BS EN 1991-1-7.
7.6.87 Where columns and piers are located on and at the bottom of embankments, the design
shall consider them as being within the hazard zone if there is a possibility of derailed
vehicles striking them, for example, by rolling down the embankment.
7.6.88 Structures that may be subject to impact from derailed railway traffic shall be classified
according to BS EN 1991-1-7 clause 4.5.1.2.
7.6.90 Guidance on the classification of structures is provided in leaflet UIC 777-2R: Structures built
over railway lines {36}.
7.6.91 The supports of structures shall be placed outside the hazard zone unless there is no
reasonably practicable alternative.
7.6.92 Where supports are placed inside the hazard zone, the design shall:
a) apply the accidental collision loading defined in Section 3 to the support;
b) take account of the guidance in EN 1991-1-7 Annex B to minimise the likelihood an
impact occurring and mitigate the consequences of impacts;
c) be designed for the loss of a single column without causing progressive collapse, where
individual columns are provided; and
d) surround individual columns, where provided, by a structurally-separate plinth of
comparable height to platforms shaped to deflect derailed vehicles.
7.6.93 Where massive elements such as retaining walls and abutments are within the hazard zone,
generally no special measures are required, unless sensitive elements are present such as
ground anchors. In such cases the design shall include measures to protect the sensitive
elements.
Waterproofing
7.6.95 Waterproofing details for elements of structures which are below ground, including
foundations, subways and underpasses shall be in accordance with Section 4.
7.6.96 Drainage including suitable falls shall be provided to prevent water accumulating on the
waterproofing in accordance with Section 9.
7.6.97 For a particular bridge deck, the type of waterproofing system shall be tolerant of the
conditions that will be encountered during its application and in service, including:
a) nature of substrate;
b) potential presence of fuel and oils;
c) exposure to sunlight; and
d) expected temperatures in service.
7.6.98 Details of the proposed waterproofing system shall be included in the AIP submission,
including anticipated working life.
7.6.99 The waterproofing shall be continuous and cover the entire deck between upstands.
7.6.100 The design shall include details to ensure that the waterproofing is sealed at its edges,
around drainage holes, at movement joints and other details to prevent the passage of water
under the waterproofing in service.
7.6.101 Sharp arises and internal angles shall be avoided in the surface to be waterproofed. Fillets
shall be formed in internal angles.
7.6.102 The design shall specify the preparation required of the substrate in accordance with the
requirements of the type of waterproofing system.
7.6.103 The design shall include protective layers over the whole deck area which is waterproofed to
protect the waterproofing from damage during construction and in service, and considering
the effects of ballast indentation, passage of plant and personnel.
7.6.104 Cladding to structures shall be designed to facilitate examination of the resultant obscured
elements of the structure with minimum disruption to railway operations.
7.6.105 At locations accessible by the general public, the design of the cladding shall reduce the
likelihood of its removal by unauthorised persons.
7.6.106 Structures shall be designed to avoid traps where debris could collect so as to minimise the
risk of damp conditions and debris obscuring elements from examination.
7.6.107 Interfaces between ferrous and other materials shall be detailed to avoid creating localised
higher rates of corrosion, such as at steel/concrete, steel/timber and steel/brick interfaces.
Such interfaces in external structures or at locations where there is a risk of water ingress
shall be detailed such that;
a) the interface is visible during routine examinations without the need to remove
obstructions;
b) the joint is sealed; and
c) the interface is designed to shed water.
Foundations
7.6.108 Foundations for bridges and the geotechnical design aspects of abutments and retaining
walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 4.
7.6.109 The design shall accommodate the transition from rigid bridge structural elements to flexible
supports at abutments and other transitions in order to achieve the required track criteria.
7.6.110 Where required, approach (transition) slabs behind each bridge abutment or approach
structure shall be designed as bridge-like elements in accordance with the requirements of
this Section, and details shall be included in the AIP submission.
Identification of structures
7.6.111 Each structure shall be identifiable on site in such a way that there is no ambiguity between
the records of the structure and its location on site, including distinguishing between
individual elements of a complex or multi-element structure.
7.6.112 Underground structures shall comply with the access, ladders, stairs and handrails
requirements given for tunnels in Section 5.6.
7.6.113 Underground structures shall comply with the cable support structures and fixings
requirements given for tunnels in Section 5.6.
8.1 Scope
8.1.1 The design of civil and structural engineering aspects of buildings and ancillary structures
shall be in accordance with this Section 8.
8.1.2 Building and ancillary structures shall include but are not limited to the following:
a) building structures;
i) office buildings;
ii) storage buildings;
iii) workshops;
iv) depots;
v) train washing facilities;
vi) sub-stations; and
vii) roof structures and supports;
b) station structures;
i) station buildings;
ii) ticket halls;
iii) platforms;
iv) canopies (entrance and platform);
v) pump rooms;
vi) equipment rooms;
vii) control rooms; and
viii) Staff mess and locker rooms; and
c) ancillary structures;
i) stairs;
ii) ramps;
iii) ladders;
iv) handrails;
v) barriers;
vi) impact protection;
vii) escalator, passenger conveyors and elevator support structures;
viii) under track crossings; and
ix) fencing.
8.1.3 Building and ancillary structures shall serve a functional requirement which is provided by
the combination of:
a) civil and structural elements;
b) finishes,
c) drainage; and
d) electrical and mechanical services.
8.1.4 This Section of the document does not cover the functional requirement of the asset, the
architectural appearance, the finishes, or the plant and equipment.
8.1.5 The general terms ‘structure’ and ‘building’ shall be as used in this Section to cover all types
of structure listed above.
8.1.6 This Section shall apply to the design of new structures, including temporary works provided
for the construction of the structure.
8.2.1 In addition to the design considerations given in Section 2, design of buildings and ancillary
structures shall additionally comply with the requirements of this Section 8.2.
Geotechnical investigations
8.2.2 Geotechnical investigations shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of
Section 4.
Design standards
8.2.3 The design of building and ancillary structures shall comply with the following standards,
specifications and guidelines:
a) The standards listed in Section 2.8;
b) BS EN 81 – Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts; and
c) BS 8300 – Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled
people.
8.3.1 The design of buildings shall satisfy the service performance requirements in the Project
Brief by inclusion of adequate spatial and functional requirements as necessary to meet the
requirements of RPDG Volumes 1, 2, 4 and 5.
Stations
8.3.2 The interface requirements of the station design shall be determined and included in the
design gate documents, in accordance with Section 2.
8.3.3 The station interface requirements shall include the following where required:
a) layout of civil engineering elements to suit passenger flow requirements;
b) architectural finishing details;
c) environmental control, such as air conditioning, lighting, ventilation;
d) passenger system requirements, including passenger information, help points,
announcements, advertising, ticket machines;
e) operational and maintenance staff requirements, including rest and equipment rooms;
f) platform screen doors; and
Platforms
8.3.4 The interface requirements for platforms shall be determined and included in the design gate
documents, in accordance with Section 2.
8.3.6 The platform designs shall be coordinated with track, rolling stock and platform screen door
design to ensure that there is adequate clearance at line speed at the platform edge for all
rolling stock authorised for the routes.
Commercial developments
8.3.7 When mixed developments of both railway and commercial buildings are undertaken,
structural arrangements shall be created such that the railway and commercial buildings can
be independently maintained, repaired, refurbished, demolished, rebuilt and replaced so as
to leave the other building functionally intact.
Existing Structures
8.3.8 Existing structures that are to remain shall be checked for stability and movement in all
conditions during all phases of construction and loading.
8.4.1 Structures shall be analysed in accordance with the requirements of the relevant material
part of the Structural Eurocodes.
8.4.2 Partial load factors and load combinations shall be determined and applied in accordance
with BS EN 1990 using Annex A1.
8.5.1 The design of buildings and ancillary structures shall be based on limit state principles in
accordance with Section 2.8.
8.5.2 The design shall include verifications of ultimate limit states and serviceability limit states in
accordance with the Structural Eurocodes BS EN 1990 to BS EN 1999.
8.6.1 The design and detailing for particular elements of buildings and ancillary structures shall be
in accordance with the requirements of this Section 8.6.
Railway structures
8.6.2 Structural elements carrying railway loading shall be designed in accordance with the
requirements of Section 7.
Foundations
8.6.3 Foundations for buildings shall comply with the requirements of Section 4.
8.6.4 Underground Sections of buildings, such as basements, shall comply with the requirements
of Section 6.
8.6.5 Sub-surface structures shall be designed and constructed to attain a performance level
where there is no water penetration.
8.6.6 Platforms shall be waterproofed to retain their structural integrity throughout their design life.
8.6.7 Platforms within underground stations that are fully enclosed shall not require waterproofing.
8.6.8 Junctions between new and existing waterproofing shall be designed to ensure that no
weakness is created in the waterproofing envelope.
8.6.9 Assets shall be designed to shed water and avoid the accumulation of water.
8.6.10 The design life for waterproofing shall be 120 years. Where this cannot be achieved, the
design shall facilitate remedial works.
8.6.11 The maximum practicable lateral clearances shall be provided from structural supports to the
railway track.
8.6.12 Structural supports adjacent to the railway shall be designed in accordance with the
requirements of Section 7.6.
8.6.13 Unless the physical constraints of the location make it impractical, a clearance of 4.5m shall
be provided from structural supports to the nearest running rail.
8.6.14 Where a support is provided at a distance less than 4.5m from the nearest running rail the
following requirements shall apply:
a) piers shall be of continuous construction rather than composed of individual columns,
or, a solid plinth shall be provided up to a height of not less than 915mm above the level
of the adjacent track; and
b) the ends of the pier or plinth shall have suitably shaped ends to deflect derailed trains
away from the support.
8.6.15 At terminal stations permanent new structures, including buildings and columns supporting
canopies shall not be located within a zone extending 20m behind the face of the buffer stop
and 5m either side of the projected centre line of the track approaching the buffer stop.
Finishes
8.6.16 The structural design shall provide space for installation or application of finishes consistent
with structure tolerances.
8.6.17 The structural design shall be coordinated with the design of the finish to ensure durability
and structural integrity of the asset.
8.6.20 Buildings structures, including the escalator and passenger conveyance support structure,
shall not rely on the truss structure for lateral stability or vertical support.
8.6.21 The truss structure shall not provide support to any other structural element other than minor
enclosure support elements.
8.6.22 Lifts shall not be located directly above railway tracks, platforms, booking halls and other
public or staff areas.
8.6.23 Lift design shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements identified in BS EN 81
8.6.24 Separate supports for guide rails shall be provided for each lift.
8.6.25 The construction of the lift pit, including the walls of the pit, shall be continuous reinforced
concrete cast in situ.
Handrails
8.6.26 Handrails shall be designed in accordance with BS 8300 ‘Design of buildings and their
approaches to meet the needs of disabled people’
8.6.27 Pre-cast concrete nosing slabs shall support the applied loads as given in Section 3.
8.6.28 Nosing slabs shall cantilever from the platform front wall and not rely on brackets or minor
supports for their stability.
8.6.29 The design shall provide for the fixing of services to structures.
8.6.30 Designs shall ensure that predictable structural movements are not detrimental to services or
utilities.
8.6.31 Provision shall be made for attaching services to structures without damage nor impairment
to functionality.
8.6.32 Design of fixings shall include precautions to prevent vibration-induced loosening or failure.
8.6.33 The design shall be in accordance with the requirements of RPDG Volume 1, Systemwide.
Fencing
8.6.35 Fences shall be provided to prevent unauthorised pedestrian access to the track, platforms
or other at grade railway infrastructure.
8.6.36 The minimum height of fencing at the back of the platform shall be 1.5m.
8.6.37 A permanent safety barrier shall be erected along the length of any car park/access road and
any at-grade operational track/trackside and will be in addition to any fencing to prevent
access by the public to the operational railway.
9 Drainage
9.1 Scope
9.1.1 The design of drainage of the following railway structures shall be in accordance with the
requirements of this Section 9:
a) stations and ancillary buildings outside of the building envelope;
b) tunnels;
c) viaducts and bridges; and
d) guideways.
9.1.3 This Section does not include the requirements for internal drainage systems within the
building envelope. The design of plumbing, stormwater, contaminated water and sanitation
drainage within the building envelope shall be in accordance with the requirements in RPDG
Volume 5, Part 1, Building Services.
9.1.4 This Section does not include the requirements for pumping systems. The design pumping
systems shall be in accordance with the requirements in RPDG Volume 5, Part 1, Building
Services.
9.1.5 This Section does not include track drainage requirements. The design of track drainage
shall be in accordance with the requirements in RPDG Volume 4, Part 1, Trackwork. The
connection of track drainage to the wider scheme drainage system shall be in accordance
with this Section 9.
9.2 Definitions
9.2.1 Within these guidelines, clean stormwater (i.e. all water that is to be discharged to the
stormwater drainage network) shall be defined as:
a) runoff from rainfall on roofs, tracks (excluding covered tracks located in tunnels, stations
or depots), bridges and viaducts;
b) runoff from other uncovered paved areas and other hard surfaces; and
c) water from sea wall overtopping (that cannot be drained immediately back through the
sea wall by gravity).
9.2.2 Within these guidelines, contaminated water (i.e. water that is to be discharged to the foul
water drainage network) shall be defined as:
a) seepage of groundwater into underground structures and tunnels;
b) stormwater that is blown or carried into underground structures and tunnels, including
by vehicles;
c) track washdown water and drainage from tracks within stations and depot buildings;
d) washdown water from covered station platforms, underground structures and other
buildings;
e) condensation water from station walls, tunnel walls, train air-conditioning and other
mechanical and electrical plant;
f) other discharge from mechanical and electrical plant and from gullies located in plant
rooms; and
g) water from testing and operation of fire alarm systems.
9.2.3 Within these guidelines, sanitation drainage (i.e. water that is to be discharged to the foul
water drainage network) shall be defined as drainage from fixtures, fittings and floor drains in
toilets, urinals, hand basins etc from within stations and other ancillary buildings.
9.2.4 Separate collection and discharge systems shall be provided for stormwater, contaminated
water and sanitation discharges.
9.3.2 All drainage designs shall be subject to NOC by the relevant authorities and subject to
review by the Review Authority.
9.3.3 To minimise operating and maintenance costs, the use of gravity systems as opposed to
pumped systems shall be installed where possible.
9.3.4 Drainage systems shall be designed so that no safety or performance loss to the railway will
occur.
9.3.5 All catchpits and manholes shall be designed in accordance with Dubai Municipality
Drainage and Irrigation Department Sewerage and Drainage Design Criteria.
9.3.6 Catchpits and manholes shall be installed along collector drains and carrier drains at a
maximum spacing of 100m to permit their inspection and maintenance.
9.3.7 A catchpit or manhole shall be provided where the horizontal or vertical direction of a pipe
changes or where two horizontal pipes merge, unless the pipes are accessible from below.
Pipes that are buried or cast in concrete, or located above the track, shall be considered as
inaccessible from below.
9.3.8 Water in a catchpit or manhole shall not be channelled such that its direction of flow turns
through an angle of more than 90 degrees.
9.3.9 Fire-resistant covers shall be fitted to catchpits and manholes in subsurface locations where
there is a higher than normal risk of fire (including sub-surface stations).
9.3.10 Stormwater drainage systems shall be provided with a terminal catchpit or manhole
immediately before the connection to the public stormwater sewer or soakaway.
9.3.11 Terminal catchpits and manholes shall include a sump, silt trap and rodding holes.
9.3.12 Discharge from the terminal catchpit or manhole to the public stormwater sewer or soakaway
shall by via gravity.
Dry Sump
9.3.13 A dry sump is a drainage sump without any outlet. Dry sumps shall not be provided unless
justified with supporting reasons, submitted to the Review Authority and a no objection
response has been obtained. The issue of a no objection response is at the sole discretion
of the Review Authority.
Maintenance
9.3.14 Drainage systems shall be designed for ease of maintenance and renewal during the
working life of the structure.
9.4.1 All external paved surfaces and building roofs shall be positively drained via channels,
drains, gullies etc. by one or more of the following separate systems:
a) by gravity to the public stormwater drainage system except sea wall overtopping which
shall be drained by gravity back to the sea;
b) to wet sumps from where water shall be pumped to the public stormwater drainage
system; and
c) via soak away and infiltration to the ground.
9.4.2 Run-off from neighbouring lots or adjacent land, if affected, shall be diverted by new drains in
accordance with the requirements of Dubai Municipality Drainage and Irrigation Department.
Design storms
9.4.3 Hydraulic design of all stormwater drainage systems shall be accordance with Dubai
Municipality Drainage and Irrigation Department Sewerage and Drainage Design Criteria.
Runoff coefficients
9.4.4 Appropriate runoff coefficients shall be accordance with Dubai Municipality Drainage and
Irrigation Department Sewerage and Drainage Design Criteria. For all hard paved surfaces,
a runoff coefficient of 0.95 shall be used.
Clear times
9.4.5 System clear time shall be defined as the amount of time after a storm event ends which is
required to remove flood volumes from service areas.
9.4.6 The clear time for all tracks, stations, platforms, plant rooms, viaducts and tunnels shall be 0
hrs with no inundation or localised flooding of these area at any time during a flood event up
to a 50 year return period.
9.4.7 The clear time for all other areas shall be accordance with the Dubai Municipality Drainage
and Irrigation Department Sewerage and Drainage Design Criteria.
9.4.8 An infiltration system shall not be located within 5m of the track, a building or an earthwork
where saturation of the subsoil would lead to settlement, loss of bearing capacity or
structural instability.
Extreme events
9.4.9 Designs of drainage systems shall be checked to determine the implications on other assets
(such as earthworks and track) of the design drainage capacity being exceeded during
extreme events.
9.4.10 Designs shall be checked to ensure the drainage system and other infrastructure is capable
of withstanding a 1 in 100 year event such that:
a) the duration of any restriction is minimal, and
b) water is able to drain away sufficiently quickly following such an event.
9.4.11 In addition, the sensitivity of the asset to a 1 in 200 year event shall be assessed so that if
degradation of drainage system and other infrastructure occurred, the overall integrity of the
asset would not be affected.
9.4.12 The above check and assessment shall include consideration of critical locations (such as
cuttings on tunnel approaches) and locations where access for maintenance is restricted and
where exceedence of the capacity for the design event could have catastrophic operational
consequences.
9.4.13 When designing a new drainage system, provisions shall be included to mitigate the risk of a
catastrophic failure or substantial performance loss that may arise from the degraded
performance of the system including, but not limited to the following scenarios:
a) carrier drains becoming blocked by sand or vegetation at a time that coincides with wet
weather, which could lead to a concentration of water and subsequent failure of an
earthwork;
b) culverts becoming blocked by debris leading to failure of an earthwork;
c) water-borne debris diverting water flows and generating scour in and around bridge
foundations; and
d) flooding of the track where the drainage system has become blocked by silt entering the
system during a storm.
9.4.14 The following mitigation options for the above situations shall include one or more of the
following:
a) provision of alternative flow-routes;
b) installation of multi-stage trash screens;
c) installation of scour protection; and
d) increasing the capacity of the drainage system.
Roof drainage
9.4.15 The connection of roof drainage to the stormwater drainage network and for drainage of
external hard paved areas shall be in accordance with the requirements of this Section 9.4.
9.4.16 Roof drainage systems and downpipes shall be in accordance with RPDG Volume 5, Part 1,
Building Services.
9.4.17 Roof drainage shall be designed and constructed to dissipate water from the roof by the
most effective and direct route possible to the stormwater drains.
9.4.18 Sufficient surface water drains shall be provided on the ground level to collect all water from
the roof and prevent ponding of water.
Pavement drainage
9.4.19 A cut off drain shall be provided across each external entrance, at the top of external
stairways and external escalators.
9.4.20 The cut off drain shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of Dubai
Municipality Drainage and Irrigation Department Sewerage and Drainage Design Criteria.
9.4.21 The collected water shall be discharged to the nearest stormwater drain.
9.4.22 A catchpit shall be provided at the drain outlet, or as close thereto as can be arranged, to
prevent debris from entering the drainage run.
9.4.23 All external hard paved areas shall be sloped with a minimum longitudinal fall of 1:150 and
minimum cross fall of 1:40 to provide effective surface run-off.
9.4.24 The slope shall be directed away from station and other building entrances.
9.4.25 Adequate cut off drains shall be provided and directed into the existing storm water drainage
system.
9.4.26 Where perimeter drains and a surface structure are provided the drain shall be integral with
the main structure to avoid differential settlement problems.
9.4.27 Stormwater runoff from exposed external areas and approach structures shall not be
permitted to enter tunnels or other below ground structures.
9.4.28 An interceptor drainage channel shall be provided at the entrance to the tunnel or below
ground structure and a secondary interceptor drainage channel shall be positioned a short
distance into the tunnel or below ground structure.
9.4.29 The interceptor channel shall be made wide enough to effectively intercept water falling
towards the channel without the need for interceptor barriers.
9.4.30 The interceptor channels shall drain into a sump from where the collected water shall be
pumped out to the external stormwater drainage system.
9.4.31 Stormwater runoff from the bridge deck shall be collected via channels, gullies, pipes etc.
and positively drained to the storm water drainage system.
9.4.32 Surfaces shall be sloped with a minimum longitudinal fall of 1:100 and minimum cross fall of
1:40 to provide effective surface runoff.
9.4.33 Drainage outlets shall intercept surface water and wherever possible be positioned adjacent
to the deck joints. There may be no need for gullies on short span bridges.
9.4.34 Drainage from bridge decks shall not be discharged behind abutments and shall not be
allowed to fall freely from joints or through the bridge deck.
9.4.36 Drainage systems shall be easily accessible for inspection and routine maintenance.
9.4.37 Drainage systems shall be sufficiently robust to withstand damage during cleaning and
resistant to all commonly occurring chemical spillages.
9.4.38 Drainage systems shall be separated from sensitive fixtures and equipment such as
cable/post tensioning anchorages or electrical equipment.
External tracks
9.4.39 Track drainage requirements shall be in accordance with Volume 4, Part 1, Trackwork.
9.4.40 Only stormwater runoff from uncovered tracks (i.e. those external to tunnels, stations and
depot buildings) shall be discharged to the stormwater drainage network.
9.4.41 Track drainage shall be designed and constructed to dissipate water from the tracks by the
most effective and direct route possible to the stormwater drains.
9.4.42 Sufficient stormwater drains shall be provided on the ground level to collect all water from
the track and prevent ponding of water.
9.4.43 Drainage outlets within the sea wall shall be provided, where practical, to drain any sea wall
overtopping water directly back to the sea via gravity.
9.4.44 Where the railway may be affected by overtopping of an adjacent sea wall, a drainage
system shall be provided immediately inside the railway boundary.
9.4.45 This drainage system shall prevent sea wall overtopping water and rain inundating the
railway formation due to:
a) water flowing across the ground towards the formation; and
b) water falling on the formation.
9.4.46 The drainage system shall be designed to cater for the greater of a 200 year return period
average overtopping event in conjunction with a 10 year return period rainstorm, or a 10 year
return period average overtopping event in conjunction with a 200 year return period
rainstorm.
9.5.1 All surfaces requiring drainage to the foul water drainage system shall be positively drained
via channels, drains, gullies etc. by one or more of the following separate systems:
a) by gravity to the public foul water drainage system; and
b) to a pumping chamber from where contaminated water shall be pumped to the public
foul water drainage system.
Manholes
9.5.2 Contaminated water drainage systems shall be provided with a terminal manhole
immediately before the connection to the public foul water sewer or cesspit/septic tank.
9.5.3 Terminal manholes shall include a sump, silt trap and rodding holes.
9.5.4 Discharge from the terminal manhole to the public foul water sewer or cesspit/septic tank
shall by via gravity.
Drain blockage
9.5.5 Provision shall be made in the design for the effects of surcharging as a result of partial
blockage of drains with a view to limiting and restricting the extent of any resulting flooding
and damage to property.
9.5.6 The design of internal contaminated water drainage systems within the building envelope
shall be in accordance with RPDG Volume 5, Part 1, Building Services.
9.5.7 This shall includes water originating from but not limited to the following:
a) groundwater seepage;
b) water collected in escalator pits, lift pits, shafts, valve chambers, maintenance pits etc;
c) washdown water from cleaning of internal spaces;
d) condensation water from air-conditioning and other plant;
e) water from testing and operation of fire alarm systems; and
f) sanitation drainage from toilets, urinals, wash hand basins, etc.
9.5.8 All internal contaminated water drainage shall be designed and constructed to convey the
contaminated water by the most effective and direct route possible to the foul water drainage
network outside of the building.
9.5.9 A system of floor drains and downpipes leading to a contaminated water sump pit shall
collect wash down water at concourse and platform level.
9.5.10 Sufficient numbers of floor drains spaced at not more than 25m centres shall be provided in
concourse and platform level to collect and dispose of wash down water and water from fire
system tests.
9.5.11 Floor drains shall be provided in the plant rooms requiring drainage. Contaminated water
shall then drain by gravity to the a contaminated water sump pit.
9.5.12 Access subways shall have a 1:150 longitudinal maximum fall draining wash down water
towards the stations.
9.5.13 Where levels allow, escalator, passenger conveyor and lift pits in the station shall be drained
by gravity using floor drains and downpipes to a contaminated water sump pit.
9.5.14 Lift pits in entrances shall be drained by gravity to entrance sump pits or escalator/passenger
conveyor sump pits and then pumped from here and discharged to the nearest seepage
gully and drained to a contaminated water sump pit.
9.5.15 Drainage channels of minimum width 100mm shall be provided in the under platform areas
with a minimum gradient of 1:150.
9.5.16 Discharge outlets (floor drain/trap) of not less than 100mm diameter shall be situated at not
more than 10m centres.
9.5.17 The floor finish of the under platform areas shall be made to fall towards these channels.
9.5.18 Drainage for tunnels and other below ground structures shall include running tunnels, cross
passages, access and service shafts and other service tunnels. Tunnel drainage shall collect
water originating from the following:
a) groundwater seepage;
b) stormwater that is blown into the tunnel, enters through ventilation shafts or carried into
the tunnel by vehicles;
c) washdown water;
d) condensation water from tunnel walls, train air-conditioning and other plant;
e) water from testing and operation of fire alarm systems; and
f) spillages within the tunnel.
9.5.19 The design of the tunnel drainage system shall provide as a minimum:
a) capacity to maintain all tunnel trackbed and combined services flood free in both
directions for stormwater that is blown into the tunnel, enters through ventilation shafts
or carried into the tunnel by vehicles;
b) accommodation of the credible combination of stormwater, groundwater, maintenance,
fire fighting and other water ingress events including those stated above;
c) catchpits placed at 100m intervals, with longitudinal pipework to sumps. The grate and
covers shall be positioned such that they do not protrude above the track bed;
d) drainage systems shall be designed with positive falls to prevent ponding. A minimum
longitudinal fall of 1:150 to channels, drains or pump sumps is recommended;
e) sumps, holding tank and pump capacities shall be compatible with the maximum inflow
rate.
f) pumps and associated control gear shall be in accordance with RPDG Volume 5, Part
1, Building Services; and
g) sumps and equipment shall be designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. In
particular, adequate space shall be provided in all sumps to allow cleaning and
maintenance of pipes, pumps and all associated equipment.
Seepage
9.5.20 Drainage design shall be based on permitted seepage values given in Table 9-1. All water
shall be directed so that the rails and rail fixings remain dry.
Table 9-1 Seepage rates for drainage design purposes
Blown water
3
9.5.21 For drainage design purposes the quantity of rainwater blown into a tunnel shall be 0.04m
per hour per metre width of opening.
Vent Shafts/Ducts
9.5.22 Vent shafts and ducts shall be detailed such that rainwater is neither drained nor blown into
them.
9.5.23 Provision shall be made at the ventilation shaft terminals to drain all rainwater into the
drainage system.
9.5.24 The base of the vent shafts/ducts shall not be allowed to accumulate any water and shall be
graded to fall towards the floor drain/trap at a minimum gradient of 1:150.
Washdown water
9.5.25 The design shall provide a sufficient number of outlets within the tunnel to collect and
dispose of washdown water.
9.5.26 Track washdown water from one washdown vehicle shall be allowed for. This vehicle is
3
assumed to discharge a maximum of 25,000 litres (25m ) evenly over 1km of track in 1 hour.
Fire Main
9.5.27 The volume of water discharged during testing and emptying of the fire main shall be
determined in the design and allowed for in the design of the tunnel pump sump.
Condensate
9.5.28 Condensate from tunnel walls, train air-conditioning and other plant may be considered
negligible for the purpose of calculating flows and sump sizes.
9.5.29 A pumping station shall be located at every low point within each running tunnel or at a
maximum of 2,000m whichever is less.
9.5.30 If the pump sump location coincides with a cross passage, then only one pump sump shall
be provided and it shall be located in the cross passage.
9.5.31 A terminal manhole shall be provided prior to discharge to the public foul water sewer or
cesspit/septic tank.
Tracks
9.5.32 Track drainage requirements shall be in accordance with Volume 4, Part 1, Trackwork.
9.5.33 Runoff from washdown water within stations and depots (i.e. undercover) shall be classified
as contaminated water and discharged to the foul water drainage network.
9.5.34 Track drainage shall be designed and constructed to dissipate washdown water from the
tracks to the foul water drains.
9.5.35 Sufficient foul water drains shall be provided on the ground level to collect all water from the
track and prevent ponding of water.
9.7.3 Pump sumps shall be located at strategic locations such that the total number of pump
sumps is minimised.
9.7.4 The utilisation of every drainage pump sump shall be maximised to collect water from as
many sources as possible.
9.7.5 Where pumping is required the number of times a given flow is pumped shall be minimised.
9.7.6 Provision shall be made for the following additional criteria relevant to rail structures:
a) sumps shall be accessible for inspection and maintenance at all times;
b) pump sumps shall as far as possible not be located in a passageway or corridor;
c) pump sumps shall as far as possible not be located between or immediately adjacent to
tracks.
d) each pump sump shall be located in a dedicated sump room; and
e) accident/emergency inflow such as water tank overflow and occasionally large but
manageable inflows such as track washing and fire main draining need not be
considered in the computation of reserve capacity.
10 Highways
10.1 Scope
10.1.1 Highway design is outside the scope of RPDG.
V03.01.A01
All rights reserved. No section or element of this document may be removed from this document, reproduced, electronically stored or transmitted in any form
without the written permission of Roads & Transport Authority.
V03.01.A01
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF TABLES
Table A 1-1 Primary reference standards suite 1
Table A 1-2 Complementary specialist standards 3
Table A 1-3 Other standards 5
Table A 1-4 Design guides and other publications 5
V03.01.A01
Standard Title
NA to BS EN 1994 UK National Annex for Eurocode 4: Design of composite steel & concrete
structures
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resistance
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Standard Title
BS EN ISO 12944 Paints and varnishes - corrosion protection of steel structures by protective
paint systems
BS EN ISO 22475-1 Geotechnical investigation and testing. Sampling methods and groundwater
measurements. Technical principles for execution;
BS EN ISO 22476-3 Geotechnical investigation and testing. Field testing. Standard penetration test;
BS 5395 Stairs, ladders and walkways. Code of practice for the design, construction and
maintenance of stairs
BS 6164 Code of practice for health and safety in tunnelling in the construction Industry;
BS 8006-2 Code of practice for strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills. Soil nail
design;
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BS 8300 Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people
AASHTO Guide specifications for design and construction of segmental concrete bridges
ACI 358.1R-92 Analysis and design of reinforced and prestressed concrete guideway
structures.
ASTM C1202 Standard test method for electrical indication of concrete's ability to resist
chloride ion penetration
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Standard Title
Dubai Municipality Drainage and irrigation department sewerage and drainage design
criteria
RTA, Traffic & Roads Agency Roadside design guide for Dubai
RTA, Traffic & Roads Agency Dubai pedestrian and cyclist design manual
5 Wyllie and Mahe Wyllie, D.C. and Mahe, C. Rock slope engineering
(published by Taylor and Francis).
6 Specification for piling and embedded Specification for piling and embedded retaining walls
retaining walls (2nd Edition: 2007) ICE design and practice guide
7 Specification for tunnelling 3rd Specification for tunnelling 3rd edition, British
edition Tunnelling Society and The Institution of Civil
Engineers
8 Tunnel lining design guide Tunnel lining design guide, British Tunnelling Society
and The Institution of Civil Engineers
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9 A code of practice for risk A code of practice for risk management of tunnel
management of tunnel works works, International Tunnelling Insurance Group
10 ITA Report No. 001 Guidelines for good occupational health and safety
practice in tunnel construction
12 Closed-face tunnelling machines and Closed-face tunnelling machines and ground stability,
ground stability a guideline for best practice, British Tunnelling
Society in association with the Institution of Civil
Engineers
13 Guide to best practice for the Guide to best practice for the installation of pipe jacks
installation of pipe jacks and and microtunnels, UK Pipe Jacking Association
microtunnels
14 Sprayed concrete linings (NATM) for Sprayed concrete linings (NATM) for tunnels in soft
tunnels in soft ground ground, ICE design and practice guide
15 Safety of new Austrian tunnelling Safety of new Austrian tunnelling method (NATM)
method (NATM) tunnels tunnels, HSE publication
16 Muir Wood Muir Wood, A.M. (1975). The circular tunnel in elastic
ground. Geotechnique 25, Issue 1. Thomas Telford,
London, pp. 115-127.
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21 O’Reilly and New O’Reilly, M.P. and New, B.M. (1982). Settlements
above tunnels in the United Kingdom: Their
magnitude and prediction. Proc. tunnelling ’82
conference. IMM London, pp. 173-181.
22 New and Bowers New, B.M. and Bowers, K.H. (1994). Ground
movement model validation at the Heathrow Express
trial tunnel. Proc. Tunnelling ’94 Conf. Chapman and
Hall, London, pp. 301-326.
25 Procter and White Proctor, R.V. and White, T. (1946). Rock tunnelling
with steel supports. The Commercial Shearing and
Stamping Company, Ohio, 1946.
V03.01.A01
34 Concrete Society Technical Report 51 Guidance on the use of stainless steel reinforcement
All rights reserved. No section or element of this document may be removed from this document, reproduced, electronically stored or transmitted in any form without
the written permission of Roads & Transport Authority.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 RAIL TRAFFIC ACTIONS 2
2.1 General 2
2.2 Heavy rail preferred load model 2
2.3 Light rail preferred load model 3
2.4 Tram preferred load model 3
2.5 Monorail preferred load model 4
2.6 People mover preferred load model 4
3 IMPOSED LOADS ON BUILDINGS 5
3.1 General 5
3.2 Fixed services 5
3.3 Imposed floor loads 5
3.4 Handrails and barriers 7
3.5 Lift tower and pit loadings 8
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3-1 Additional categories and sub-categories for residential, social, commercial and administration
areas 5
Table 3-2 Imposed loads on floors, balconies and stairs in buildings 6
Table 3-3 Additional categories and sub-categories for storage and industrial areas 6
Table 3-4 Imposed floor loads due to storage and industrial use 7
Table 3-5 Horizontal loads on parapets and partition walls acting as barriers 8
1 Introduction
1.1.1 This Appendix specifies loading models which may be applied in the design of railway
structures and buildings in the Emirate of Dubai.
1.1.2 Section 2 defines loading and characteristic values of actions for types of railway traffic
which are outside the scope of BS EN 1991-2.
1.1.3 Section 3 defines imposed loads on buildings arising from occupancy which shall be used for
the design of railway buildings in the Emirate of Dubai.
2.1 General
2.1.1 This Section 2 defines loading and characteristic values of actions for types of railway traffic
which are outside the scope of BS EN 1991-2, as permitted by the notes to BS EN 1991-2
Clauses 6.1(2) and (3).
2.1.2 Models for railway traffic loading shall comply with the general requirements for rail load
models given in RPDG Volume 3, Part 1, Civil Engineering, Section 3.11.
2.1.3 The design shall include a proposal for the load model used to represent railway traffic.
2.1.4 In all cases, regardless of whether a preferred or other load model is proposed, the design
shall ensure that the proposed load model encompasses the load effects for all
combinations of actual and proposed vehicles that run or are projected to run on the rail
system for the full range of existing and proposed structure spans and span arrangements.
2.1.5 This section contains details of preferred load models for the following modes:
a) Heavy Rail;
b) Light Rail; and
c) Tram.
2.1.6 Load models for Monorail and People Mover systems shall be defined on a project specific
basis.
2.1.7 Other load models may be proposed by the Designer to suit the requirements of a
particular project, subject to the requirements of RPDG Volume 3, Part 1, Civil Engineering,
Section 3.11.
e) these load models LM71 and SW/0 shall be applied in conjunction with the
combinations and partial factors for railway loading defined in BS EN 1990 Annex A2 as
amended by the relevant UK National Annex;
f) fatigue loading shall be in accordance with BS EN 1991-2 and the UK National Annex to
BS EN 1991-2. Where the structure is likely to carry only a specific train type then care
shall be taken that the fatigue load model represents the specific train type;
g) accidental collision loading from derailed traffic striking other structures shall be
applied in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 1991-1-7 and the relevant UK
National Annex; and
h) in addition to other loading requirements, for unballasted decks where the rails are
directly fastened or embedded, a single static vertical design load of 600 kN shall be
applied directly to the parts of the structure that support the rail. This load shall be
considered for ultimate limit states only, and is not to be considered in fatigue checks.
The load includes the partial load factor, and includes dynamic and lurching load
effects. To check for local peak load effects, this single design load shall be applied in
conjunction with the LM71 load model on the same track and applied in place of one
of the 250 kN point loads in the LM71 load model.
a) Vertical load effects (including nominal, point and derailment loads) shall be taken as
the greater of: 0.5 times the full RL loading, or the maximum axle loading under crush
loading of the actual vehicles;
b) Other effects shall be taken as defined in BD 37/01, including dynamic effects,
horizontal forces, load distribution; but excluding the rules on combinations of load
and partial factors;
c) this load model shall be applied in conjunction with the combinations and partial
factors for railway loading defined in BS EN 1990 Annex A2 as amended by the relevant
UK National Annex;
d) in addition to carrying out a static analysis using the dynamic factor given in the RL
Loading definition, the need for a dynamic analysis shall be established and if required
conducted in accordance with BS EN 1991-2 Section 6.4.4 and 6.4.6 and the relevant
UK National Annex, using a suitable model of the proposed vehicle;
e) fatigue loading shall be in accordance with BS EN 1991-2 and NA BS EN 1991-2 using a
suitable model of the proposed vehicle. The fatigue assessment shall take account of
the design working life of the structure, the proposed rail traffic and any reasonably
foreseeable changes to that traffic including a suggested 50% uplift on predicted
annual traffic tonnage. The design speed, total annual tonnage per track and design
traffic mix shall be specified in the AIP submission; and
f) accidental collision loading to adjacent structures shall be applied considering the tram
as a road vehicle, in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 1991-1-7 Section 4.3
and the relevant UK National Annex.
3.1 General
3.1.1 This Section 3 defines imposed loads on buildings arising from occupancy which shall be
used for the design of railway buildings in the Emirate of Dubai.
3.3.6 The categories for storage and industrial areas shall be taken from the UK National Annex
to BS EN 1991-1-1, Table NA.4, supplemented by Table 3-3. The categories have been
expanded to include additional sub-categories for the design of railway buildings.
3.3.7 Values for minimum imposed loads on floors due to storage and industrial use shall be
taken from
3.3.8 Table 3-4.
3.3.9 This table is supplementary to UK National Annex to BS EN 1991-1-1.
Table 3-3 Additional categories and sub-categories for storage and industrial areas
distribution sub-stations
Table 3-4 Imposed floor loads due to storage and industrial use
3.3.10 For traction sub-stations in sub-category E22 the following distributed loads may be used in
preliminary design (which may be deemed to include for the dynamic effects and
concentrated loading):
a) rectifier or transformer loads: 25kN/m2; and
b) switch gear plant room: 25kN/m2.
3.3.11 Where the above loads are used, the final design shall be verified for the specific plant
loads and locations.
3.4.3 The uniformly distributed line loads applied to the top of handrail and the uniformly
distributed and concentrated loads applicable to the infill are not additive and shall be
considered as three separate load cases.
Table 3-5 Horizontal loads on parapets and partition walls acting as barriers
All rights reserved. No section or element of this document may be removed from this document, reproduced, electronically stored or transmitted in any form
without the written permission of Roads & Transport Authority.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 General 1
1.2 Objectives 1
1.3 Scope 2
1.4 Definitions 3
2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 5
2.1 Proposals 5
2.2 Departures 6
3.3 Certification 13
ANNEX A
MODEL AIPS
ANNEX B
MODEL CERTIFICATES
1 Introduction
1.1 General
1.1.1 This document specifies the Technical Approval (TA) procedures for all Railway Structures
and Buildings within the Emirate of Dubai.
1.1.2 The TA requirements impose a procedural discipline which helps encourage good practice
and should reduce the possibility of errors affecting structural fitness for purpose, thereby
minimising risks to the railway users.
1.1.3 The TA procedures as described in this document generally require the Designer to submit
an (Approval in Principle) AIP to the Review Authority.
1.1.4 The AIP process is additional to the design processes for concept, preliminary and detailed
design as specified in the design and interface management requirements in RPDG Volume
1, Part 1, Systemwide.
1.1.5 AIP shall cover selection of structure type, the materials for its construction and methods of
analysis and design to be adopted. Model AIPs are included in Annex A.
1.1.6 The Designer shall seek to receive endorsement of the AIP submitted before proceeding
with any detailed design as specified in RPDG Volume 1, Part 1.
1.1.7 The Checker shall ensure that the design submissions are in accordance to the agreed AIP.
1.1.8 Detailed design shall not commence prior to Technical Approval being granted.
1.1.9 Construction shall not commence prior to the appropriate design and checking certification
being accepted.
1.2 Objectives
1.2.1 The objectives of the TA procedures described in this document are to give increased
assurance for the required construction so that the new structures procured are:
a) safe to implement;
b) serviceable in use;
c) economic to build and maintain;
d) in compliance with the objectives of sustainability;
e) designed to due regard for the environment; and
f) satisfactory in performing their intended functions including adequate provision for
safety under all circumstances.
1.2.2 TA provides procedures to demonstrate that the Review Authority has carried out its duty
to safeguard the Railway users and others who may be affected.
1.3 Scope
1.3.1 The TA procedures shall apply to proposals for any design works undertaken on Railway
Structures owned, or to be owned, by the Project Proposer and/or RTA.
1.3.2 Any works by a third party within the railway ROW shall comply with the Project Proposer
and/or RTA’s statutory NOC procedures.
1.3.3 These TA procedures do not apply to non-structural aspects of the Works such as means of
escape, architectural fixtures and finishes, MEP provisions, etc.
1.4 Definitions
1.4.1 Definitions used in this document are as listed in the RPDG Volume 1, Part 1, Systemwide,
as amended or complemented by the following:
Term Description
Acceptance Acknowledgement by the Review Authority that the
submission appears to be satisfactory.
Acceptance by the authority indicates that the submission
appears to comply with the specified requirements
including applicable standards and legislation, and is
produced in accordance with the relevant engineering
assurance processes.
Approval in Principle (AIP) The document, which records the agreed basis and criteria
for the design of a Railway Structure.
Buildability The extent to which the design facilitates ease of
construction, allowing the most efficient and economic use
of resources, subject to the overall requirements for the
completed project.
Category The classification of the Proposals, which determines the
need for AIP, the form of check to be applied and the
certificates to be prepared.
Checker The organisation responsible for the independent check of
the design.
Checking Team The group of engineers responsible for the check of the
design. It may comprise an appropriate mix of specialists
under the direction of a Team Leader.
Departure Criterion, which departs from, or is an aspect not covered
by, the Standards contained in the Technical Approval
Schedule.
Design Deliverable that includes the drawings, layout and
connection details, specification and bill of quantities
(including the specification of articles or substances) as
appropriate relating to the Works, and calculations
undertaken to support these items.
Design Team The group of engineers responsible for the design. It may
comprise an appropriate mix of specialists under the
direction of a Team Leader.
Geotechnical Report A report that contains geotechnical information relevant to
the design.
Term Description
Principal A senior representative of the Designer or Checker having
authority to sign certificates on its behalf.
Proposals The proposals relating to the design of a Railway Structure.
Railway Structures Bridges, Tunnels, Buildings and associated supporting
structures facilitating railway transportation
Review Authority In addition to the main definition: The organisation
responsible for agreeing the Approval in Principle and
subsequently accepting the relevant certificates.
Structure Robustness The ability of a structure not to be damaged
disproportionately in the event of accident misuse or
deterioration
Sustainability Sustainable development which meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs
Team Leader The person responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating
the work of the design or checking team and having
authority to sign on behalf of the team. The Team Leader
shall be appropriately qualified and competent in relevant
fields of engineering related to the work.
Technical Approval (TA) The submission of Proposals for agreement by the Review
Authority and the subsequent provision and acceptance of
certificates confirming that the design, specification or
construction works complies with the agreed Approval in
Principle and design and specification certificates as
appropriate.
Technical Approval The schedule of documents to be used for the design of a
Schedule (TAS) Railway Structure.
Third Party Any person, organisation or other legal identity that is not
employed directly or indirectly by the Project Proposer
and/or RTA for the design.
2 General requirements
2.1 Proposals
2.1.1 All Proposals for the design of Railway Structures shall be placed in one of four Categories:
0, 1, 2 or 3, as described in Section 2.5 for design check purposes.
2.1.2 The Category shall be proposed by the Designer and agreed by the Review Authority.
2.1.3 The category boundaries are not rigid, in case of doubt each case shall be decided in
consultation with the Review Authority on its merits, having regard to potential
consequences of failure, design complexity and whole life costs.
2.1.4 Approvals in Principal (AIPs) are required for Categories 1, 2 and 3, but not Category 0.
2.1.5 The Designer shall submit brief details of proposed Category 0 to the Review Authority for
agreement of Category.
2.1.6 Where a structure has been placed in Category 0 or 1, and a proposal arises subsequently
requiring a Departure, the category shall be changed to 2. However if the Review Authority
considers that the Departure has little or no structural implication, then a change of
Category may not be required. In such circumstances for Category 1, an amendment or
addendum to the AIP shall be submitted.
2.1.7 All Proposals for categories 1, 2 and 3 shall:
a) be able to demonstrate compliance with the RPDG requirements, using sufficient
information and evidence and the compliance management system specified in the
system assurance requirements in RPDG Volume 1, Part 1. References, special
investigations and studies that have been carried out shall be included where
available. Potential risks and hazards shall be identified and considered using the
systems assurance processes specified in RPDG Volume 1, Part 1;
b) provide evidence that appropriate consultation has taken place with all the stake
holding parties to the Proposal or any third parties affected using the interface
management process specified in RPDG Volume 1, Part 1. Risks and hazards to the
parties shall also be identified, assessed and considered using the systems assurance
processes specified in RPDG Volume 1, Part 1. Documentation relating to consultation
and special requirements of those consulted shall be included as part of the AIP
submission;
c) describe the information relevant to Design including existing records and data on
which assumptions made for the Design are based;
d) state any assumptions made with regards to construction processes; and
e) list in the TAS all relevant documents that are being proposed for use in the design.
2.1.8 The Proposal shall consider aspects related to:
a) sustainability;
b) environment and required environmental legislation compliance;
c) aesthetics;
d) buildability;
e) structure robustness;
f) durability;
g) maintenance and operational commitments in terms of whole life costs in design
options and choices of materials;
h) provision of access for periodic inspection; and
i) avoidance of ‘barriers to trade’.
2.2 Departures
2.2.1 Departures may be adopted by Designers to introduce cost savings, innovative techniques,
research findings and under circumstances when adherence to methodology described in
the standards listed in TAS will not be able to provide a solution.
2.2.2 All applications for Departures shall be subject to the approval of the Review Authority.
2.2.3 Details of the proposed Departures together with reasons and justification, including
benefits to the Project Proposer and/or RTA, shall be submitted to the Review Authority for
consideration.
2.2.4 Adequate time for consideration of the application shall be allowed prior to inclusion in the
AIP or to the AIP addendum.
b) location plan;
c) general arrangement drawing;
d) relevant parts of the Geotechnical Report; and
e) documents relating to consultation and any other relevant information or reports. The
reports shall be referenced in the AIP and written with a clear proposal or objective.
a) platforms less than 3.5m wide and which are supported on spread footings on natural
undisturbed ground;
b) building structures with a span of 5.0m or less;
c) bespoke buildings of two storeys or less with one plan dimension of 6.0m or less and
supported on spread footings;
d) earth-retaining structures with a retained height not exceeding 1m;
e) gravity earth-retaining walls with a retained height not exceeding 5m;
f) reinforced concrete box culverts with a span not exceeding 6m;
g) buried concrete box and corrugated steel buried structures with less than 8m clear
span;
h) bridge superstructures whose Design is based closely on a Design previously
certificated with Design Check category 2 or 3, that is with no more than minor
modifications;
i) single span simply-supported slab or deck-type bridge superstructures with a span not
exceeding 15m and a skew not exceeding 20º; and
j) footbridges of conventional construction with a span not exceeding 20m.
Category 2
2.5.5 Category 2 Railway Structures are all those which are not in Design Check Category 0, 1 or 3
Category 3
2.5.6 Category 3 Railway Structures are complex structures with any of the following features,
which shall be require sophisticated analysis to be undertaken:
a) bridges and other structures with a high degree of redundancy;
b) bridges with a span exceeding 50m;
c) bridges with a skew exceeding 45º;
d) bridges and other substantial structures with difficult foundation conditions;
e) complex, unusual or innovative geotechnical Proposals (including cutting or
embankment stabilisation Proposals through difficult ground conditions);
f) bridges with suspension systems;
g) steel orthotropic decks;
h) internal grouted duct form of post tensioned concrete structures;
i) earth retaining structures with an effective retained height of 14m or greater;
j) new and altered structures with non-standard loading conditions;
k) tunnels; and
l) where the Design involves consideration of the aerodynamic effects of trains travelling
at speeds greater than 200km/hr.
3.2.6 The method of analysis employed by the respective teams need not be the same but the
Designer and the Checker should consult with each other during the course of their work to
ensure that the results they are obtaining are comparable.
3.3 Certification
3.3.1 Certificates shall be signed by the Designer and the Checker to declare the satisfactory
completion of the design involved and that the organisations concerned have exercised due
professional skill and care.
3.3.2 They shall be countersigned by Review Authority upon acceptance.
3.3.3 One signatory from the Designer or Checker shall be the Team leader and the other shall be
a Principal of the organisation involved. Model certificates are included in Annex B.
3.3.4 Engineering qualifications, along with their name and position in their organisation, of the
signatories to the certificates shall be clearly indicated on the certificates.
3.3.5 Due reference shall be made in the certificates to the relevant AIP and any addenda by
their respective dates of agreement dates.
3.3.6 For Category 0 structures, a copy of the general arrangement drawing shall accompany the
Certificates.
ANNEX A
MODEL AIPS
ANNEX B
MODEL CERTIFICATES
All rights reserved. No section or element of this document may be removed from this document, reproduced, electronically stored or transmitted in any
form without the written permission of Roads & Transport Authority.
Structure name:
Structure no.
a) Consequence class;
b) Reliability class;
c) Inspection level.
a) Traffic management;
b) Service diversions;
c) Interface with existing structures.
a) Permanent actions;
c) Persistent actions;
e) Accidental actions;
1.4.2 Heavy or high load route requirements and arrangements being made to preserve the route,
including any provision for future heavier loads or future widening.
1.4.3 Minimum headroom provided: m (including allowance for vertical sag compensation and
maximum deflection of structure).
1.4.9 Proposed methods for dealing with aspects not covered by Standards in 4.5.
GROUND WATER
PILE DESIGN
Structure Founding Toe Level m Pile dia Pile Length Pile Resistance
Element Stratum AOD) (m) (m) (KN)
ULS Comb 1
ULS Comb 2
SLS
Pile type
Criteria for selecting pile toe level
Allowance for negative skin friction within design
DIFFERENTIAL SETTLEMENT
* delete as appropriate
1.6.4 If the Geotechnical Design Report is not yet available, state when the results are expected
4
and list the sources of information used to justify the preliminary choice of foundations:
1.7 CHECKING
1.7.1 Proposed Category of Checking and Design Supervision level.
1.7.3 Erection proposals or temporary works for which an independent check will be required,
listing parts of the structure affected with reasons for recommending an independent check.
All rights reserved. No section or element of this document may be removed from this document, reproduced, electronically stored or transmitted in any
form without the written permission of Roads & Transport Authority.
Name of Structure:
1.1.1 We certify that reasonable professional skill and care has been used in the preparation of the
1 1 2
design and/or check of (name of the structure) with a view to securing that:
c) it has been accurately translated into construction drawings and bar bending schedules
7
(all of which have been checked) . The unique numbers of these drawings and
schedules are:
Signed:
Name:
Design/Check Team Leader:
8
Engineering Qualifications:
Signed:
9
Name:
Position held:
Name of organisation:
Date:
1.1.2 The Departure from Standard and additional criteria given in paragraph 1.1.1 are agreed.
Notes
1. Delete if not required. Category 2 and 3 shall have separate check certificates.
2. Where several Category 0 or 1 structures occur in a project, they may be listed on one
certificate.
3. Used for Category 0 only. Insert relevant current Standards including amendments to
date. This certificate will be accompanied by a General Arrangement Drawing.
4. Not required for Category 0. Insert date of agreement of the AIP by the Review
Authority including the dates of any addenda. Note the AIP is valid for three years
after the date of agreement by the Review Authority. If the construction has not yet
commenced within this period, the AIP should be re-submitted to the Review Authority
for review.
5. List any Departures and additional methods or criteria.
6. Delete if not required. Note: Departures not permitted for Categories 0 or 1.
7. Applicable for Categories 0 and 1 design certificate only.
8. Engineer with appropriate qualification and experience for concerned Category to the
approval of Review Authority.
9. A Principal of the organisation responsible for the design.
10. Engineer with appropriate qualification and experience for concerned Category to the
approval of Review Authority.
All rights reserved. No section or element of this document may be removed from this document, reproduced, electronically stored or transmitted in any form
without the written permission of Roads & Transport Authority.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 General 1
2 NORMATIVE REFERENCES 2
2.1 Materials standards 2
2.2 Testing standards 2
2.3 Execution standards including workmanship requirements 3
1 Introduction
1.1 General
1.1.1 This document specifies the Materials and Workmanship standards for all Railway
Structures and Buildings within the Emirate of Dubai.
1.1.2 The design shall include specifications for the construction methods, materials and site
tests.
1.1.3 The design specifications shall ensure that the use of the standards in this Appendix
remains consistent with the design assumptions.
2 Normative references
BS EN 1461 Hot dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles – specifications
and test methods
BS EN 10002 Tensile testing of metallic materials
BS EN 10045-1 Metallic materials - Charpy impact
BS EN 10160 Ultrasonic testing of steel flat product of thickness equal or greater than 6 mm
(reflection method)
BS EN 12390: Testing hardened concrete
BS EN 12504: Testing concrete in structures
BS EN 13791: Testing concrete
BS EN ISO 14688 Geotechnical investigation and testing — Identification and classification
of soil
BS EN ISO 14689 Geotechnical investigation and testing — Identification and classification
of rock
BS EN ISO 15630: Steel for the reinforcement and prestressing of concrete: Test methods
BS EN ISO 15613 Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials
-Qualification based on pre-production welding test
BS EN ISO 15614 Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials
– Welding procedure test
BS EN ISO 22475 Geotechnical investigation and testing — Sampling by drilling and
excavation and groundwater measurements
BS EN ISO 22476 Geotechnical investigation and testing — Field testing
All rights reserved. No section or element of this document may be removed from this document, reproduced, electronically stored or transmitted in any form
without the written permission of Roads & Transport Authority.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 General 1
TABLE OF TABLES
Table 1-1 BS EN 1990:2002 + A1:2005 – Basis of Structural Design (incorporating corrigenda Dec
2008 and April 2010) 2
Table 1-2 BS EN 1991-1-1:2002 – Actions on structures – Part 1-1: General actions – Densities, self-
weight, imposed loads for buildings (Incorporating corrigenda December 2004 and March 2009) 10
Table 1-3 BS EN 1991-1-4: 2005 – Actions on structures – Part 1-4: General Action – Wind actions
(Incorporating corrigenda July 2009 and January 2010) 12
Table 1-4 BS EN 1991-1-5: 2003 – Actions on structures – Part 1-5: General actions – Thermal actions
(Incorporating corrigenda December 2004 and March 2009) 14
Table 1-5 BS EN 1991-2: 2003 – Actions on structures – Part 2: Traffic loads on bridges (Incorporating
Corrigenda December 2004 and February 2010) 22
Table 1-6 BS EN 1992-2:2005 – Design of concrete structures – Part 2: Concrete bridges – Design and
detailing rules (incorporating corrigendum July 2008) 27
Table 1-7 BS EN 1993-1-1 –Design of steel structures – Part 1-1: General rules and rules for buildings
29
1 Introduction
1.1 General
1.1.1 This Appendix specifies the amendments which are required to the suite of UK National
Annexes to the Structural Eurocodes BS EN 1990 to BS EN 1999 for the design of all Railway
Structures and Buildings within the Emirate of Dubai.
1.1.2 Refer to RPDG Volume 3, Civil Engineering Section 2.8 for general requirements for
standards.
1.1.3 The normative reference standards for the design of new structures, structural parts and
elements are the suite of Structural Eurocodes, BS EN 1990 to BS EN 1999, and relevant UK
National Annexes.
1.1.4 Unless stated otherwise, in this Appendix or elsewhere in the RPDG, the UK National
Annexes shall be used as the basis of design when using the Structural Eurocodes.
1.1.5 This Appendix lists, by exception, specific Nationally Determined Parameters within the UK
National Annexes which shall be amended to suit local conditions in Dubai.
1.1.6 Clauses from the UK National Annexes which are not listed in this Appendix shall generally
be taken as the basis for the design, subject to the requirement below.
1.1.7 The Designer shall ensure that all parameters adopted from the Eurocodes, UK National
Annexes, this Appendix and the RPDG are relevant and appropriate for the particular
conditions which apply to the project.
Table 1-1 BS EN 1990:2002 + A1:2005 – Basis of Structural Design (incorporating corrigenda Dec 2008 and April 2010)
2.3(1) Table Design working life. NA.2.1.1 NOTE Design working life shall be as defined in RPDG
2.1 Volume 3, Section 2.6 Design Working Life
3.4 NOTE 2 Serviceability - The serviceability requirements specified in the See also A2.4.1 (2) below.
requirements. Eurocodes, UK National Annexes and this table
shall apply. Any additional project specific
serviceability requirements shall be defined
within the AIP submission.
4.1.2(9) Design value of seismic - Seismic design situations shall be considered in Recommendations for the design of
actions, AEd. the design of all railway structures in the Emirate structures for earthquake resistance
of Dubai, in accordance with RPDG Volume 3, may also be found in PD 6698.
Section 3.7 Seismic actions.
A.1.3.1(5) Geotechnical design NA.2.2.4 Approach 1 shall be used for the design of
approach buildings in the Emirate of Dubai.
A1.4.2(2) Special project specific NA.2.2.6 The serviceability requirements specified in the
serviceability Eurocodes, National Annexes and this table shall
requirements and apply.
criteria for buildings.
A1.4.4(1), (2) Vibrations in buildings - Any project specific requirements for the The National Annex provides guidance
and (4) verification of vibrations in buildings shall be on the aspects to be considered to
defined within the AIP submission. achieve satisfactory vibration
behaviour of buildings.
A2.2.2 Combination rules for NA.2.3.3 Outside the scope of RPDG Road bridges are not covered by RPDG
special vehicles and
normal traffic for road
bridges.
A2.2.3(2), Combination rules for NA.2.3.4.1 The combination of wind and thermal actions
Note wind and thermal may generally be ignored in the Emirate of
actions for footbridges Dubai. In special cases rules for the combination
of wind and thermal actions may be determined
for the individual project.
A2.2.3(3), Combination rules for NA.2.3.4.2 Snow loads do not need to be considered in the
Note snow loads for Emirate of Dubai.
footbridges
The possibility of sand drifting shall be
considered in the design.
A2.2.4(1), Combination rules for NA.2.3.5.1 Snow loads do not need to be considered in the
Note snow loads for railway Emirate of Dubai.
bridges
The possibility of sand drifting shall be
considered in the design.
A2.3.1(1) Design values of self- NA.2.3.7.1, Where relevant, the approach used to determine BS EN 1997-1 allows various different
weight of water, Tables NA.A.2.4 design values of the self-weight of water, approaches to determine the design
ground-water pressure (A), (B) and (C), ground-water pressure and other actions value of actions dependent on the
and other actions NOTE 2 dependent on the level of water in persistent level of water. However, because of
dependent on the level and transient design situations shall be stated the difficulties in deriving a generally-
of water in persistent and justified in the AIP submission. applicable partial factor, no value is
and transient design given in the National Annex.
If a partial factor approach is to be adopted, an
situations.
analysis shall be undertaken to justify the use of
any partial factors specified.
A2.3.1(1) Partial factors for NA.2.3.7.1, The guidance given in PD 6688-1-4 shall be
actions involving Tables NA.A.2.4 applied for the consideration of aerodynamic
aerodynamic effects (A), (B) and (C), effects where applicable.
NOTE 7
A2.3.1(7) Determination of scour NA.2.3.7.3 Scour depths shall be determined for the
depths, and individual project.
requirements for taking
account of ice pressures Ice pressures on bridge piers do not need to be
considered.
on bridge piers.
A2.3.2(2) Special cases where one - In special cases of accidental design situations
NOTE or several variable where a variable action must be present for the
actions needs to be accidental action to arise, the characteristic
considered value of the variable action shall be considered
simultaneously with an to act simultaneously with the accidental action.
accidental action.
A2.4.1(2) Special project specific NA 2.3.9.3 For underline bridges adjacent to independently
Note serviceability supported platforms, criteria for gauge
requirements and clearances and stepping distances shall be
criteria. satisfied with and without rail traffic actions
applied. Gauge clearances shall be verified using
the characteristic combination of actions and
stepping distances shall be verified using the
frequent combination of actions.
A2.4.4.1(1) Deformation and NA.2.3.11.1 The requirements for permanent bridges shall
Note 3 vibration requirements apply to temporary bridges.
for temporary bridges
A2.4.4.2.1(4)P Maximum peak values NA.2.3.11.2 The recommended values shall be used.
of deck acceleration for
railway bridges and
associated frequency
range.
A2.4.4.2.2 Limiting values of deck NA.2.3.11.3 The check on tract twist shall use t1 = t2 = For speeds below 200km/h this check
Table A2.7 twist for railway 7.5mm/3m. For speeds above 200km/h the will generally be less onerous than the
NOTE bridges. proposed criteria shall be included in the AIP total track twist check in the following
submission. clause.
A2.4.4.2.2(3) Limiting values of deck NA.2.3.11.3 The check on total limit of track twist shall use
twist for railway the recommended value of tT = 7.5mm/3m. This
bridges. check shall include the effects of permanent
loads, track geometry such as cant and live
loads;
A2.4.4.2.3(1) Additional requirements NA.2.3.11.5 For verifications that the maximum vertical Addresses an error in EN1991-2,
Note for limiting vertical deflection does not exceed L/600, the vertical dynamic factor omitted.
deformations effect of rail traffic actions shall be multiplied by
the dynamic factor Ф.
A2.4.4.2.3(2) Limitations on the NA.2.3.11.6 There are no additional requirements on the The requirement of BS EN 1991-2
rotations of non rotations of bridge deck ends for non-ballasted Clause 6.5.4 to check rail stresses and
ballasted bridge deck structures. the effects of uplift forces on rail
ends for railway fastenings are sufficient.
bridges.
A2.4.4.2.3(3) Additional limits of NA.2.3.11.7 Generally, bridges in the vicinity of This requirement limits distortions
angular rotations at the discontinuities in rails shall be avoided. The end imposed on track components and
end of decks in the of a simply supported bridge deck shall generally minimises the risk of the tips of
vicinity of expansion be further than 3m from such discontinuities. switches projecting above the general
devices, switches, Where this is not possible, the maximum plane of the rails. Verification shall be
switch blades and deflection of the bridge deck shall not exceed undertaken with the number of tracks
crossings etc. for L/1200. loaded as specified in BS EN1991-2
railway bridges. Table 6.10.
A2.4.4.2.4 (3) First natural frequency NA.2.3.11.10 The transverse deformation and vibration checks
of lateral vibration shall be carried out using the recommended
values.
A2.4.4.3.1(2) Required levels of NA.2.3.11.11 The required levels of comfort, and associated (Note the National Annex Clause is
and passenger comfort and vertical accelerations, shall be obtained from miss-numbered NA.2.3.11.10 but
A2.4.4.3.2(6) hence limiting vertical Table A2.9 of BS EN 1990. should be NA.2.3.11.11).
Note acceleration levels
inside a coach and One of the recommended levels of 'very good',
maximum permitted 'good' and 'acceptable' shall be defined by the
vertical deflection of rail railway system requirements in accordance with
RPDG Volume 4, Part 1, Trackwork and Volume
bridge decks.
4, Part 2, Rolling Stock.
Table 1-2 BS EN 1991-1-1:2002 – Actions on structures – Part 1-1: General actions – Densities, self-weight, imposed loads for buildings
(Incorporating corrigenda December 2004 and March 2009)
5.2.3 (4) Self-weight of cables, NA2.2 A specific allowance for the self weight of cables
pipes and service ducts. situated within walkways is given in the National
Annex to BS EN 1991-2, clause NA.2.45.1. In cases
where that clause is implemented, the deviation
from the mean value specified in this clause shall
not be applied.
6.3.1.1 Categories for NA.2.3 Additional categories shall be used in the design
residential, social, of railway buildings as specified in RPDG Volume
commercial and 3, Appendix 2, Section 3
administration areas
6.3.1.2(1) Imposed loads on NA.2.4 Additional imposed loads shall be used in the
floors, balconies and design of railway buildings as specified in RPDG
stairs in buildings Volume 3, Appendix 2, Section 3
6.3.2.1(1) Categories for storage NA.2.7 Additional categories shall be used in the design
and industrial areas of railway buildings as specified in RPDG Volume
3, Appendix 2, Section 3
6.3.2.2(1) Imposed loads on floors NA.2.8 Additional imposed loads shall be used in the
due to storage design of railway buildings as specified in RPDG
Volume 3, Appendix 2, Section 3
6.4(1) Horizontal loads on NA.2.11 Additional horizontal loads shall be used in the
parapets and partition design of railway buildings as specified in RPDG
walls acting as barriers Volume 3, Appendix 2, Section 3
Table 1-3 BS EN 1991-1-4: 2005 – Actions on structures – Part 1-4: General Action – Wind actions (Incorporating corrigenda July 2009
and January 2010)
4.1 (1) National climatic NA.2.3 Refer to NA.2.17. NA.2.17 relates to derivation of
information from which orography factor.
the mean wind velocity Other values shall be as given under clauses
and peak velocity 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5.
pressure may be
directly obtained for the
terrain categories
considered
4.2 (1)P Note 2 The fundamental value NA.2.4 The fundamental value of the basic wind EN1991-1-4 defines the fundamental
of the basic wind velocity, vb,0 shall be taken as 30m/s. basic wind velocity as the 10 minute
velocity vb,0 mean wind velocity with an annual
risk of being exceeded of 0.02,
irrespective of wind direction, at a
height of 10 m above flat open
country terrain and accounting for
altitude effects (if required).
4.2 (2)P Note 2 Directional factor, cdir NA.2.6 The recommended value of direction factor No data available to support
cdir = 1.0 shall be used. reductions from recommended value
for other directions.
4.2 (2)P Note 3 Season factor, cseason NA.2.7 The recommended value of season factor No data available to support
cseason = 1.0 shall be used. reductions from recommended value
for different seasons.
4.2 (2)P Note 5 Values of K and n used NA.2.8 No data is available to support the use of the No data available on the statistical
to determine the recommended or other values for this distribution of data.
probability factor equation for use in Dubai.
NB. Equation 4.2 does not generally
need to be used.
4.5 (1) Note 2 Value to be used for air NA.2.18 The recommended value of air density = UK value is lower; no data available
density 1.25kg/m3 shall be used. for Dubai.
7.1.3 (1) Effects of ice and snow NA.2.24 If drifting sand alters the geometry of a Effects of ice and snow are not
structure so that it changes the reference area applicable for conditions in Dubai.
or shape, this shall be taken into account.
Pressure coefficients NA.2.28 Recommendation on pressure coefficients Discrepancy between EN 1991-1-4 and
given in UK NA clause shall be taken into old BS 6399-2 values
account
Table 1-4 BS EN 1991-1-5: 2003 – Actions on structures – Part 1-5: General actions – Thermal actions (Incorporating corrigenda
December 2004 and March 2009)
5.3(2) Determination of NA.2.1 The values recommended in BS EN 1991-1- Recommended values based on
temperature profiles 5:2003, Table 5.1, shall be used (indicative normal human comfort criteria inside
temperatures of inner environment). buildings so are applicable.
6.1.1(1) Bridge deck types NA.2.2 Values for the uniform temperature component References for deriving minimum and
and temperature difference component for maximum uniform bridge
buried concrete box and portal frame structures temperatures shall be consistent with
shall be as given in NA.2.2.2 and NA.2.2.3 and the criteria listed below.
may be used in Dubai with appropriate
modifications for compatibility with the following
sections.
6.1.2(2) Consideration of NA.2.3 Approach 1 shall be used. Approach 1 is based on data from
thermal actions across continental Europe so is more
widely applicable than UK which is
based primarily on UK data.
6.1.3.1(4) Uniform temperature NA.2.4 The values of Te.min and Te.max recommended No modification for surfacing is
components in BS EN 1991-1-5:2003, Figure 6.1, shall be used. required.
6.1.3.2(1) Shade air temperature NA.2.5 The minimum and maximum shade air EN1991-1-5 defines the minimum and
temperatures shall be taken as: maximum shade air temperatures as
Tmin = 1 °C having an annual probability of being
Tmax = 52 °C exceeded of 0.02 (1 in 50 year return
period).
6.1.3.3(3) Range of uniform bridge NA.2.6 The UK NA clause shall be used. Note that values for T0 are defined in
temperature Clause A1(3). The range of values for
component T0 lie within the recommended range
of +/- 20 °C. The additions given by
this clause allow for the worst effects
of construction at the mean hottest or
coolest parts of the year.
6.1.4(3) Temperature difference NA.2.7 The UK NA clause shall be used. Specify for the individual project
components (cantilever
For cases where temperature effects
construction)
are critical for deflections and locked-
in stresses, such as during cantilever
closure, more detailed models of
thermal effects may be required, such
as those provided by Approach 2 or
alternative models.
6.1.4.1(1) Vertical linear NA.2.8 The values of TM,heat and TM,cool recommended in No data available for daily
component (Approach BS EN 1991-1-5:2003, Table 6.1, shall be used. temperature variations in Dubai.
1) Additional factor compensates for this
The multiplication factor ksur shall be applied for uncertainty and is partly based on
surfacing thicknesses other than 50mm using the previous local practice of applying a
values recommended in BS EN 1991-1-5:2003, positive temperature gradient of 20 °C
Table 6.2. and a reverse temperature difference
An additional multiplication factor k = 1.5 shall of 10 °C.
local
6.1.4.2(1) Vertical temperature NA.2.9 See 6.1.2(2); Approach 2 should not generally be See 6.1.2(2)
components with non- used.
linear effects (Approach
2)
7.2.1(1) Shade air temperature NA.2.17 Outside scope of RPDG Applies to chimneys, pipelines, silos,
tanks, cooling towers
7.5(3) Values of temperature NA.2.18 Outside scope of RPDG Applies to chimneys, pipelines, silos,
components (indicative tanks, cooling towers
values)
7.5(4) Values of temperature NA.2.19 Outside scope of RPDG Applies to chimneys, pipelines, silos,
components (indicative tanks, cooling towers
values)
A.1(1) Isotherms of national NA.2.20 The minimum and maximum shade air No data on probability of exceedence
minimum and maximum temperatures shall be obtained from Clause is available.
shade air temperatures 6.1.3.2(1) above.
- general
The temperature values shall be adjusted for
height above mean sea level using the
recommended method given in BS EN 1991-1-
5:2003, A.1(1), Note 2.
A.1(3) Isotherms of national NA.2.21 In the absence of specific provisions to control Based on temperature records of
minimum and maximum the temperature at which a bridge is restrained, recording station No 41194 at Dubai
shade air temperatures the initial temperature T0 shall be taken as 14 °C International Airport for the period of
- general for expansion and 42 °C for contraction. 1984 to 2001.
A.2(2) Maximum and NA.2.22 Cannot be used without further data. No data available.
minimum shade air
temperatures with an NB. Section A.2 does not generally
annual probability of need to be used.
being exceeded p other
than 0.02
Table 1-5 BS EN 1991-2: 2003 – Actions on structures – Part 2: Traffic loads on bridges (Incorporating Corrigenda December 2004 and
February 2010)
3 (5) Bridges carrying both NA.2.5 Requirements shall be as specified in RPDG Refer to the relevant highway
road and rail traffic Volume 3, Civil Engineering Section 3.13 . authority for guidance.
Section 4, Road traffic loading NA.2.6 to Outside the scope of RPDG Refer to the relevant highway
excluding NA.2.27 authority for guidance.
Section 4.7
Section 4.7 contains requirements on
accidental loading including collision
which shall be applied.
5.6.1(1) Actions for accidental The provisions of BS EN 1991-1-7 and its National
design situations for Annex shall apply.
footbridges.
5.7 (3) Dynamic models for NA.2.44 The UK NA Clause shall be used, subject to the Class A is rural locations.
pedestrian actions on following:
footbridges
NA.2.44.2(1) Bridge Class A shall not be used;
NA.2.44.2(3) the presence of joggers shall be
assumed in all cases; and
NA.2.44.6(2) k4 shall be taken as 1.0 in all cases.
6.1 (2) Alternative load models NA.2.45 Alternative load models shall be defined to
for railway bridges represent the different rail transport modes
which are included in RPDG, where these are not
covered by the scope of BS EN 1991-2.
6.1 (2) Alternative load models NA.2.45.1 The UK NA Clause for actions for non-public These actions apply to all rail
for railway bridges footpaths shall be used. transport modes.
6.1 (2) Alternative load models NA.2.45.2 The UK NA Clause shall be used in conjunction These modified actions due to traction
for railway bridges with the preferred heavy rail load model defined and braking are an integral part of the
in RPDG Volume 3, Appendix 2. heavy rail load model.
6.1 (7) Temporary bridges NA.2.47 The requirements for temporary bridges shall be
as given in RPDG Volume 3, Section 7.3.
6.3.2 (3)P The application of - NA.2.48 Load classification factor, , shall be taken as Clause applies only if heavy rail
classified vertical loads. 0.75 for bridges and other structures carrying rail preferred load model is used
traffic and for geotechnical design.
6.3.3 (4)P Application of Load NA.2.49 The heavy rail preferred load model includes Clause applies only if heavy rail
Models SW/0 and SW/2 SW/0 but not SW/2. preferred load model is used
6.4.6.3.2(2) Ballast density for NA.2.58 Two specific cases shall be considered using the EN 1991-2 requires both lower bound
dynamic analysis upper and lower values of ballast density and upper bound values of ballast
specified in the guidance associated with BS EN density to be considered during
1991-1-1, clause 5.2.3(2) above. dynamic analysis to allow for the
likelihood of deterioration of ballast
condition during service.
6.5.1(5) Maximum line speed for For the purposes of deriving centrifugal forces,
the derivation of the maximum line speed at the site shall be taken
centrifugal forces as the proposed line speed increased by the
greater of 20% of the proposed line speed or 30
km/h.
6.6.1(3) Aerodynamic actions, NA.2.74 The aerodynamic actions due to static pressure The values given in EN1991-2 Clauses
alternative values changes as a train passes a structure shall be 6.6.2 to 6.6.6 may be used as
determined for the individual project and for the guidance.
particular rolling stock.
6.8.2 (2) Assessment of groups of NA.2.79 The pre-defined groups of loads given in BS EN Clause applies only if heavy rail
loads 1991-2 (Table 6.11) may be used rather than preferred load model is used.
manually combining individual components of
railway traffic loads. In doing so, each group shall Confirms that load groups can be
be considered as a single load and applied in used.
combination with appropriate non-traffic load in The groups of loads include factors
accordance with BS EN1990: Annex A2. (1.0, 0.5 or zero) to account for the
The factors shall all be set to 1.0, i.e. all vertical likelihood of the maximum vertical
forces occurring simultaneously with
and horizontal components shall be applied
simultaneously with no reduction. the maximum horizontal force.
Table 1-6 BS EN 1992-2:2005 – Design of concrete structures – Part 2: Concrete bridges – Design and detailing rules (incorporating
corrigendum July 2008)
5.6.1 (101) Cases where the use of Plastic analysis methods in accordance with BS EN
plastic analysis is 1992-2, Section 5.6, shall not generally be used for the
permitted. design of concrete bridges for persistent or transient
design situations. Where plastic analysis is proposed
in these situations then it is subject to technical
approval and a detailed justification shall be provided
in the AIP submission.
5.7 (105) Approach for non-linear Table NA.1. Designs which propose to use non-linear analysis in Non-linear analysis should not
structural analysis and accordance with BS EN 1992-2, Section 5.7 are subject generally be necessary for the
associated safety to the following requirements: design of conventional bridges.
format
a) structures that require non-linear structural Non-linear structural analysis is a
analysis for their design shall only be permitted in highly specialist field and requires
exceptional circumstances and a detailed particular care to ensure results
justification shall be included in the AIP err on the safe side. Some
submission; guidance is provided in the UK
National Annex to BS EN 1992-2.
b) where non-linear structural analysis is permitted
the analysis approach and safety format shall be
stated and justified in the AIP submission. It is
usually appropriate to incorporate an additional
model factor applied to either the effects of
actions or resistance
less than 1.3. Note that this is additional to the
Table 1-7 BS EN 1993-1-1 –Design of steel structures – Part 1-1: General rules and rules for buildings
5.2.1, 5.2.2 Treatment of second Structural configurations and details shall be Where more sophisticated methods
and 5.3 order effects and selected to minimise the risk of ultimate limit are proposed to improve the economy
imperfections states being exceeded associated with second of the design, it should be recognised
order effects and imperfections. The resulting that the design of many rail structures
structures shall be robust and readily analysed is governed by deflection or fatigue
without the need to adopt sophisticated non and so there may be limited benefit in
linear methods to aid their ongoing management. using more sophisticated methods.
There shall be a high level of confidence that
before reaching the ultimate limit state the
structure would exhibit noticeable signs of
distress.
5.2.1(4) Effects of deformed NA.2.15 Where finite element modelling is used to derive
geometry of the values of elastic critical buckling moment, the
structure requirements of BS EN 1993-1-1, Clause 5.2.1,
regarding the effects deformed geometry shall be
applied.
5.4.1(1) Use of plastic methods NA.2.16 As follows from BS EN 1993-2, 5.4.1(1), plastic
of global analysis global analysis is not permitted for persistent and
transient design situations.
6.3.2.3(1) Lateral torsional NA.2.20 The approach for determining the effective The guidance given in BSI document
buckling. slenderness parameter for lateral torsional PD 6695-2 may be used to evaluate
buckling (LT) shall be stated and justified in the the effective slenderness parameter
AIP for Technical Approval. for lateral torsional buckling.
For persistent design situations, an additional Finite element modelling may also be
model factor shall be used for elastic critical used to determine appropriate values
buckling analysis in accordance with the design of the elastic critical buckling moment.
requirement for BS EN 1993-1-1, 5.2.1.