Monday 9 June 2014

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.

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