tmc 140 - geotechnical service schedules

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED of 23

Engineering Manual Geotechnical

TMC 140

GEOTECHNICAL SERVICE SCHEDULES

Version 1.0

Issued August 2011

Owner: Principal Engineer Geotechnical

Approved by:

John Stapleton Principal Engineer Technology & Standards

Authorised by:

Jee Choudhury Principal Engineer Geotechnical

Disclaimer

This document was prepared for use on the RailCorp Network only.

RailCorp makes no warranties, express or implied, that compliance with the contents of this document shall be sufficient to ensure safe systems or work or operation. It is the document user’s sole responsibility to ensure that the copy of the document it is viewing is the current version of the document as in use by RailCorp.

RailCorp accepts no liability whatsoever in relation to the use of this document by any party, and RailCorp excludes any liability which arises in any manner by the use of this document.

Copyright

The information in this document is protected by Copyright and no part of this document may be reproduced, altered, stored or transmitted by any person without the prior consent of RailCorp.

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RailCorp Engineering Manual — Geotechnical Geotechnical Service Schedules TMC 140

© RailCorp of 23 Issued August 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 1.0

Document control

Version Date Summary of change

1.0 August, 2011 First issue as a RailCorp document

Contents

1 Purpose .................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Who should use this manual ..................................................................................................... 3

1.2 References ................................................................................................................................ 3

1.2.1 Australian and International Standards ..................................................................... 3

1.2.2 RailCorp Documents .................................................................................................. 3

2 Geotechnical Services Schedules ......................................................................................... 3

SSC 400 Geotechnical Inspection - Cuttings....................................................................................... 5

SSC 401 Geotechnical Inspection - Embankments ............................................................................ 6

SSC 402 Geotechnical Inspection - Inclinometers .............................................................................. 7

SSC 403 Geotechnical Inspection - Standpipe Piezometers ............................................................. 8

SSC 404 Geotechnical Inspection - Rockbolts .................................................................................... 9

SSC 405 Geotechnical Inspection - Earthworks ...............................................................................10

SSC 406 Geotechnical Inspection - Shotcrete...................................................................................11

SSC 407 Geotechnical Inspection - Subsurface Drains ...................................................................12

SSC 408 Geotechnical Inspection - Devegetation ............................................................................13

SSC 409 Geotechnical Inspection - Rock-fence ................................................................................14

SSC 410 Geotechnical Inspection - Rocknet .....................................................................................15

SSC 411 Geotechnical Inspection - Fibrecrete ..................................................................................16

SSC 412 Geotechnical Inspection - Soil Nails ...................................................................................17

SSC 413 Geotechnical Inspection - Surface Drains ..........................................................................18

SSC 414 Geotechnical Inspection - Access Roads ..........................................................................19

SSC 415 Geotechnical Inspection - Grouting ....................................................................................20

SSC 416 Geotechnical Inspection - Reinforced Earth/Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls ..............21

SSC 417 Geotechnical Inspection - Rip Rap......................................................................................22

SSC 418 Geotechnical Inspection - Gabion Walls ............................................................................23



1 Purpose

This manual provides Service Schedules for preventive maintenance activities

undertaken either in accordance with the requirements of ESC 100 - Civil Technical

Maintenance Plan or as requested. It includes all inspections undertaken by trained staff

during examination and assessment of geotechnical risk sites and special warning

devices installed at geotechnical risk sites.

1.1 Who should use this manual

This manual should be used by personnel conducting the examination of geotechnical

risk sites on the RailCorp network

1.2 References

1.2.1 Australian and International Standards

Earth Manual, US Bureau of Reclamation

1.2.2 RailCorp Documents

ESC 100 - Civil Technical Maintenance Plan

TMC 401 - Geotechnical Risk Assessment & Hazard Management Guidelines

TMC 402 - Geotechnical Problem Management Procedure

TMC 404 - Recognising Geotechnical Problems

TMC 411 - Earthworks

TMC 421 - Track Drainage

2 Geotechnical Services Schedules

The Service Schedules contained in this section form an important part of RailCorp’s

Geotechnical System. This system is intended to help maintain a safe railway

infrastructure.

This compilation of Services Schedules provides instruction for each examination task

detailed in ESC 100 for geotechnical risk sites and for special warning devices.

They:

summarise the tasks to be undertaken

include references to detailed explanation of the inspection process

include references to maintenance limits and responses.

Service Schedules included in this document are detailed in the table below:

Service Schedule Number

Detailed Examination of Cuttings 400

Detailed Examination of Embankments 401

Detailed Examination of Inclinometers 402



Detailed Examination of Piezometers 403

Detailed Examination of Rockbolts 404

Detailed Examination of Earthworks 405

Detailed Examination of Shotcrete 406

Detailed Examination of Subsurface Drains 407

Detailed Examination of Devegetation 408

Detailed Examination of Rock-fences 409

Detailed Examination of Rocnets 410

Detailed Examination of Fibrecrete 411

Detailed Examination of Soil Nails 412

Detailed Examination of Surface Drains 413

Detailed Examination of Access Roads 414

Detailed Examination of Grouting 415

Detailed Examination of Reinforced Earth/Soil Walls 416

Detailed Examination of Rip Rap 417

Detailed Examination of Gabion Walls 418



SSC 400 Geotechnical Inspection - Cuttings Service Schedule No. SSC 400

Page 1 of 1

Description Ellipse Standard Job

Detailed inspection of cuttings

Personnel Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment Binoculars, camera, torch, geologist hammer, 30m tape, abseiling gears

References TMC 401, TMC 402, TMC 404, TMC 411

Task

1 Obtain current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Start the job

2 Examine condition of any nominated area of known instability

3 Look for any recent rockfalls or spoil onto track/cess drain

4 Look for rockfalls onto bench areas or behind catch fences/rocknets

5 Look for partially supported/overhanging blocks of rock/cemented soil, isolated by cracks and/or joints

6 Look for apparent movement/sliding of prominent rock/soil wedges, blocks or layers.

7 Look for overhanging trees, tree stumps/root balls

8 Look for excessive seepage/water flows

9 Look for ponding water in top drains

10 Look for slumping and/or leaning trees, fences, power poles, etc

11 Look for excessive erosion and/or weathering of cutting face

12 Examine damage to previous repairs e.g. damaged shotcrete

13 Examine condition of top drains, catch fences, rocknets etc.

14 Examine condition of rock bolts

15 Examine condition of early warning system

16 Look for any recent rockfalls or spoil onto track/cess drain

17 Look for rockfalls onto bench areas or behind catch fences/rocknets

18 Look for partially supported/overhanging blocks of rock/cemented soil, isolated by cracks and/or joints

19 Look for apparent movement/sliding of prominent rock/soil wedges, blocks or layers.

20 Look for overhanging trees, tree stumps/root balls

21 Look for excessive seepage/water flows

22 Identify And record all defects and compare to current defect listing noting new and deteriorating defects and defects that have been removed

23 Protect site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

24 Update defect listing and examination report

25 Complete examination certification



SSC 401 Geotechnical Inspection -

Embankments

Service Schedule No. SSC 401

Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of embankments


Equipment Binoculars, camera, torch, 30m tape, abseiling gears


Task


Start the job

2 Examine condition of any nominated area of known instability

3 Look for any track movements (loss of top/line)

4 Look for any sign of settlement or lateral movement of embankment crest/slopes

5 Look for development of tension cracks/sink holes on crest/slopes

6 Measure changes in width and/or length of tension cracks

7 Look for dips in shoulder/access road

8 Look for seepage from slope or toe

9 Look for ponding water in cess drain

10 Look for leaning structures (signal poles, fences, trees, or other vertical objects)

11 Look for any sign of slope failure/slide

12 Look for any surface erosion on crest/slopes of embankment

13 Look for any sign of piping/sinkhole on the embankment

14 Look for bulges/slumps in slope

15 Examine condition of cess drains

16 Look for ponding water along the embankment toe

17 Look for any sign of excessive erosion around the undercrossing structures (culverts, bridges, etc).

18 Examine the general condition of culverts/subsurface drains (blocked or clear), is water running, are inlets/outlets clear

19 Examine the general condition of surface drains; are they clear

20 Examine condition of early warning system

21 Look for heaving at the toe

22 Identify and record all defects and compare to current defect listing noting new and deteriorating defects and defects that have been removed


Finish the job






Inclinometers


Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of inclinometers

Personnel Staff trained in Geotechnical Instrumentation

Equipment Binoculars, camera, torch, 30m tape, abseiling gears, tool box, measuring devices

References TMC 401, 402, Manufacturer/Supplier Manuals

Task


2 Clear vegetation to access the ground inclinometers.

Start the job

3 Examine condition of inclinometer casing for any displacement, blockage and/or misalignment.

4 Look for any corrosion, deterioration, breakage or other structural damage to the casing.

5 Apply flushing or mechanical brushing to remove any biological or chemical residue or incrustation from the casing groves.

6 Re-line the corroded, deteriorated, or deflected casing with smaller diameter casing.

7 Examine condition of lockable top capping for vandalism, looseness, dislocation, breakage and corrosion/deterioration.

The following should be checked on probe and cable:

8 Check the wheel/ yoke side to side movement

9 Look for loose screws, wobble in body and loose bumper

10 Look for any wear and corrosion in connector keyways

11 Look for any flattened, split connector O-ring

12 Look for bent pins

13 Examine continuity of the cable

14 Look for twists, worn markings, kinks and gouges in cable

15 Look for wear and corrosion of connector key

16 Look for swelling and poor seal in connector rubber insert

17 Look for corrosion and bad connection of indicator connector (lemo)

18 Check O-ring of the connector probe.



Finish the job





SSC 403 Geotechnical Inspection - Standpipe

Piezometers


Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of standpipe piezometers

Personnel Staff trained in Geotechnical Instrumentation

Equipment Binoculars, camera, torch, 30m tape, abseiling gears, tool box, measuring devices

References TMC 401, TMC 402, Earth Manual, US Bureau of Reclamation

Task


2 Clear vegetation to access the installed piezometers

Start the job

3 Examine the casing/tube for corrosion, deterioration, breakage or other structural damages.

4 Examine condition of lockable top capping for vandalism, looseness, dislocation, breakage and corrosion/deterioration.

5 Look for any lateral/vertical movement of the piezometer.

6 Run permeability test to check the basic time lag and possible clogging of the piezometer head.

7 Flush the piezometer at least once a year or more often if air bubbles develop in the lines.



Finish the job





SSC 404 Geotechnical Inspection - Rockbolts Service Schedule No. SSC 404

Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of rockbolts



References TMC 401, TMC 402, TMC 404

Task


Start the job

2 Examine general condition of installed rockbolts

3 Look for stolen/damaged nuts, bolt head, bearing plate, and identification tag.

4 Look for any looseness or pull out of the bolts/nuts/bearing plates

5 Look for any displacement or rupture of the bolts or bearing plates.

6 Examine any sign of corrosion/deterioration of the nuts, bolts, and bearing plates.

7 Look for development of cracks around the rock bolt

8 Look for settlement or lateral movement of the bolted block.

9 Look for movement of soil/rock adjacent to the bolted block.

10 Tighten all bolts as necessary

11 Install new tag if stolen/broken.



Finish the job






Earthworks


Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of earthworks


Equipment Binoculars, camera, torch, geologist hammer, 30m tape


Task


Start the job

2 Look for any sign of instability of the formation

3 Look for erosion/ sinkhole on or adjacent to the formation

4 Look for seepage, bog hole or swampy area on the formation

5 Look for any sign of settlement/lateral movement of the formation

6 Examine the general condition of capping layer (erosion/washout).

7 Look for tension cracks

8 Check settlement plates (if any)



Finish the job





SSC 406 Geotechnical Inspection - Shotcrete Service Schedule No. SSC 406

Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of shotcrete



References TMC 401, TMC 402, TMC 404

Task


Start the job

2 Look for any settlement, heaving/uplifting or displacement of shotcrete layer.

3 Look for any breakage, formation of new cracks and/or any other structural damages to shotcrete

4 Measure development of old cracks or displacements

5 Examine the shotcrete layer for any deterioration, degradation or corrosion of concrete/reinforcing mesh.

6 Look for any seepage under or around the shotcreted area.

7 Clear any vegetation grown on shotcreted area.

8 Look for any erosion/sinkhole around the shotcreted area.

9 Look for any unsupported/overhanged shotcrete

10 Look for unstable soil/rock around the shotcreted area



Finish the job






Subsurface Drains


Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of subsurface drains


Equipment Binoculars, camera, torch, geologist hammer, 30m tape, spade


Task


2 Clear vegetation to access the subsurface drain

Start the job

3 Examine inside of subsurface drain for any blockage due to vegetation, trash or debris.

4 Examine any dislocation, bending or settlement of the drainage pipe.

5 Examine any cracking, breakage or other structural damage to the drainage pipe.

6 Examine the subsurface drain for any sign of corrosion, deterioration, and/or degradation of the materials.

7 Clear the inlet and outlet of the subsurface drain from vegetation, debris or other obstructing materials.

8 Check for blocked sumps, grates and/or covers

9 Examine the amount of sediment in silt traps and remove the sediments as necessary.

10 Look for broken pipes and sumps

11 Look for missing sump covers or grates as well as covers and grates not correctly replaced after track maintenance work.

12 Note whether the drain is satisfactory (no ponding water), or unsatisfactory (ponding water).

13 Look for foul ballast, mud pumping (mud around sleeper ends) or mud volcanos and associated poor track alignment (line) and level (top).

14 Look for bog holes, heaves and slips

15 Look for water ponding in cess drain/s, along the tracks or at the base of cuttings and embankments.

16 Look for growing plant roots inside the subsurface drain

17 Examine inside of subsurface drain for any blockage due to vegetation, trash or debris.



Finish the job






Devegetation


Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of devegetation



References TMC 401,TMC 402, TMC 404

Task


Start the job

2 Examine the general condition of vegetation cover of cutting/embankment

3 Examine the rock faces being devegetated properly

4 Examine soil/unconsolidated deposits not being devegetated

5 Look for any overhanging tree/tree stump

6 Look for visible root growth in the rock joints/cracks

7 Examine the cut trees for being poisoned

8 Remove any cut tree/vegetation from the danger zone

9 Examine vegetation growth on rock cutting or colluvium


19 1rotect site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job





SSC 409 Geotechnical Inspection - Rock-

fence


Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of rock-fence




Task


Start the job

2 Examine the general condition of the installed rock fence/s

3 Look for any breakage, rupture, vandalism and/or other damages to the fence, posts and/or supporting elements

4 Look for dislocation/movement or excessive deformation of the fence and/or its supports

5 Remove rockfalls/debris trapped behind the fence/s

6 Examine the fence and its supports for any corrosion/degradation

7 Look for loose fence supports

8 Tighten all supporting posts/elements as necessary

9 Examine the adjacent soil/rock for any sign of instability, movement/slip, excessive erosion/sinkhole.



Finish the job





SSC 410 Geotechnical Inspection - Rocknet Service Schedule No. SSC 410

Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of rocknet




Task


Start the job

2 Examine the general condition of the installed rocknet/s

3 Look for any breakage/rupture of rocknet/s

4 Look for any looseness or pull out of the rocknet supports

5 Look for dislocation/movement or excessive deformation of the net

6 Empty rockfalls/debris trapped behind the rocknet

7 Examine the rocknet and its supports for any sign of corrosion/degradation

8 Examine the area around the supporting elements for any sign of instability (slip, erosion, sinkhole, etc).

9 Tighten all supporting elements/bolts as necessary



Finish the job





SSC 411 Geotechnical Inspection - Fibrecrete Service Schedule No. SSC 411

Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of fibrecrete




Task


Start the job

2 Look for any settlement, uplifting or displacement of fibrecrete layer.

3 Look for any cracks, breakage or any other structural damages to fibrecrete

4 Measure development of old cracks

5 Examine the fibrecrete layer for deterioration/degradation of the material

6 Look for any seepage under and/or around the fibrecreted area.

7 Clear any vegetation grown on fibrecreted area.

8 Look for any erosion/piping around the fiberecreted area

9 Look for any unsupported/overhanged fibrecrete

10 Look for unstable soil/rock around the fibrecreted area



Finish the job





SSC 412 Geotechnical Inspection - Soil Nails Service Schedule No. SSC 412

Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of soil nails




Task


Start the job

2 Examine general condition of installed soil nails

3 Look for stolen/damaged nuts, nails and bearing plates

4 Look for any looseness or pull out of the nails//nuts/bearing plates

5 Look for any displacement or breakage of the nails or bearing plates.

6 Examine for any sign of corrosion/degradation of the nails, nuts, and bearing plates.

7 Look for any cracks, settlement or lateral movement of the supported ground.

8 Look for any sign of instability (settlement, slip, erosion, etc) around the nailed area.

9 Look for any seepage in or around the nailed area.

10 Tighten all nuts/bearing plates as necessary



Finish the job





SSC 413 Geotechnical Inspection - Surface

Drains


Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of surface drains


Equipment Binoculars, camera, torch, 30m tape, abseiling gears, spade

References TMC 401, TMC 402, TMC 404,TMC 421

Task


2 Clear vegetation to access the surface drain/s (top & side drains).

Start the job

3 Examine the surface drain/s for any blockage due to vegetation/trash/debris

4 Look for any dislocation, rupture or settlement of the drainage channel.

5 Look for any sign of instability (slip/lateral movement) along the drain.

6 Clear the surface drain (including its inlet and outlet) from any vegetation, debris or other obstructing materials

7 Look for any sinkhole/erosion along or near the surface drain and its inlet/outlet

8 Note whether the drain is working satisfactory (no ponding water), or unsatisfactory (ponding water).



Finish the job





SSC 414 Geotechnical Inspection - Access

Roads


Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of access roads


Equipment Binoculars, camera, torch, 30m tape

References TMC 401, TMC 402, TMC 411,TMC 421

Task


Start the job

2 Examine the general condition of the surface of access road

3 Look for any sign of erosion, sinkhole, settlement, etc on the surface or side slope/s of the access road

4 Look For any sign of instability such as slip, cracks, etc.

5 Look for bog holes, swampy areas, ponding water, etc

6 Clear excessive vegetation grown on the surface of the access road

7 Examine the general conditions of surface and subsurface drains of access road to check if they are blocked/damaged.

8 Clear the surface from obstructing objects such as fallen rocks, trees, debris, etc.



Finish the job





SSC 415 Geotechnical Inspection - Grouting Service Schedule No. SSC 415

Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of grouting


Equipment Binoculars, camera, torch, 30m tape, geologist hammer


Task


2 Clear the vegetation grown on the grouted surface for access and visual examination

Start the job

3 Look for any sign of erosion, sinkhole, etc on the grouted area

4 Look for any settlement , slippage, looseness or movement of the grouted mass

5 Look for any cracking, spalling or other structural damages to the grouted area

6 Look for any sign of widening and washout of grouted joints

7 Examine the grouted surface for any sign of degradation/disintegration of the grout mix

8 Look for any seepage from the grouted area

9 Look for any overhanging/loss of support of the grouted area

10 Look for any sign of instability around the grouted are



Finish the job






Reinforced Earth/Reinforced Soil Retaining

Walls


Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of reinforced earth / reinforced soil retaining walls




Task


Start the job

2 Examine general condition of the reinforced earth and its retaining panels for any sign of instability.

3 Examine foundation of the retention panels for loss of support (scouring/ wash out), settlement/lateral movement, tilting, structural damages and degradation/decomposition of materials.

4 Look for any sign of ponding water, erosion, sinkhole, wash out, cracks, etc on the surface or around the reinforced earth/retaining panels.

5 Look for any settlement , slippage or lateral movement of the reinforced earth mass

6 Look for any sign of pull out or breakage/rupture of the reinforcing elements

7 Look for any displacement, settlement or lateral movement of the retaining panels.

8 Look for cracking, breakage, spalling and/or other structural damages to the retaining panels.

9 Examine the retaining panels and reinforcing elements for degradation, disintegration or corrosion.

10 Look for any sign of tilting or leaning of vertical objects on the RE

11 Look for any excessive seepage and washing out of materials from the RE retaining panels

12 Examine the drains/weepholes provided in the retaining panels. Are they blocked or clear?

13 Clear any material from weepholes (if applicable).



Finish the job





SSC 417 Geotechnical Inspection - Rip Rap Service Schedule No. SSC 417

Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of rip rap



References TMC 401,TMC 402, TMC 404, TMC 421

Task


Start the job

2 Examine general condition of the rip rap protection layer

3 Look for any sign of movement, dislocation or slippage of the rip rap blocks.

4 Examine rock pieces visually and/or by hammer for any sign of breakage, cracking, crushing, and degradation/decomposition randomly.

5 Examine for migration/washout of fine particles from behind of the rip rap layer

6 Examine the rip rap layer for any loss of support



Finish the job





SSC 418 Geotechnical Inspection - Gabion

Walls


Page 1 of 1


Detailed inspection of gabion walls



References TMC 401,TMC 402, TMC 404, TMC 421

Task


Start the job

2 Examine general condition of the gabion wall

3 Examine foundation of gabion for excessive erosion/washout of the materials.

4 Look for any sign of movement, dislocation/distortion or failure of the gabion wall.

5 Examine the wire mesh of the gabion wall for corrosion, breakage, rupture and/or any other structural damage.

6 Look for any sign of degradation/decomposition, cracking/crushing of stone blocks filled the gabion using visual examination and/or geologist hammer.



Finish the job

