Efficient Railway Drainage Promotes Asset and Durability and Safety

It is important to consider stormwater drainage during the design phase when constructing new railway tracks or rehabilitating existing tracks. Ensuring that an effective drainage solution is implemented is a crucial element to ensuring project success.

What solution is the right one to maximise track drainage efficiency?

Having an effective stormwater drainage system beneath railway tracks allows for the safe passing of trains using the network and also ensures track assets are not damagedviaextended water exposure.  Due to the complex nature of railway drainage the system needs to be able to de-water and flow simultaneously. There are a number of options available to civil designers that encompass a range of materials and configurations that offer differing degrees of efficiency. When selecting the most suitable option it is important to consider the lifetime of the asset and  the conditions and pressures it will encounter on a daily basis. Choosing a system that is not only strong but also durable is vital.

An innovative option available to designers is the slotted concrete pipe, manufactured utilising fibre reinforced concrete technology. This pipe technology provides a durable and resilient drainage system with the strength of reinforced concrete. The incredible strength of the product is complemented by the fibre reinforced composite which is resistant to corrosion and more aggressive chemical environments. Strong and durable, hallmarks of the James Hardie Pipe product offering and critical components in achieving a successful project outcome.

Installation of the product is simple and requires the construction of a trench beneath the track, which is then subsequently filled using specified gravel and geotextile fabric to allow efficient flow of water into the system.

HardieAquiferTM slotted concrete pipes are an effective way of providing efficient stormwater drainage on your unique railway project. Learn about how they were used on the Regional Rail Link project undertaken by the Baulderstone Leighton Joint Venture.

Unique Systems Used For Managing Stormwater Drainage Challenges

Selecting the right stormwater drainage system for your unique project is always an important decision. Many considerations must be made with regard to the type of project it is and of course, the desired outcome. There are many different options of stormwater drainage systems available suited to a wide array of commercial, industrial and residential applications including:

•  Bridges

•  Commercial & Retail

•  Environmental

•  Warehouses

•  Marine

•  Rail

•  Sporting Fields & Parks

•  Subsoil

•  Substations

•  Tunnels

Systems which could be utilized projects that have these characteristics could include 

•  Grated drainage systems

•  Suspended drainage systems 

•  Open channel/spoon drain systems

•  Subsoil/WSUD drainage systems 

When selecting these systems, it is always important to consider what type of environment they will be installed in and whether or not these systems will be subjected to different conditions that could include fire or oily water as examples. If this is the case, selecting systems manufactured from reinforced concrete could be the best solution to ensure performance and durability is achieved. 

Reinforced Concrete Pipes for All Applications

The mainstay of any major stormwater drainage system is the reinforced concrete pipes sitting beneath the surface. As with selecting the right stormwater drainage solutions mentioned earlier, choosing the right concrete pipe for your project is dependent on a number of variables including but not limited to:

• Project type – is it a residential project or a major infrastructure project

•  Flow requirements 

•  Class requirements

•  Load requirements

•  Council and engineering approvals

It is important to select a supplier which can offer a range of concrete pipes that fit the characteristics of the project they are being installed on. Suppliers can offer a range of concrete pipes to suit your needs including: 

•  Non-collared reinforced pipe

•  Collared reinforced concrete pipe

•  Collared rigid reinforced concrete pipe

•  Reinforced concrete pipe fittings

It is very important to consult with the designated project engineer and any statutory or local council bodies that may have powers in what products can be utilized in what projects. Always ensure all stakeholders are consulted prior to making any product decisions. 

There are also a range of precast accessories available that complement stormwater drainage system design including:

•  Grated Units

•  Headwalls

•  Flap Valves

•  FlexiPit