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 users 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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Engineering Manual

Engineering Manual
Geotechnical

RailCorp Engineering Manual Geotechnical

Geotechnical Service Schedules

TMC 140

Document control
Version
1.0

Date
August, 2011

Summary of change
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

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

RailCorp
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RailCorp Engineering Manual Geotechnical

Geotechnical Service Schedules

TMC 140

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

Geotechnical Services Schedules

The Service Schedules contained in this section form an important part of RailCorps
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

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

Number

Detailed Examination of Cuttings

400

Detailed Examination of Embankments

401

Detailed Examination of Inclinometers

402

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RailCorp Engineering Manual Geotechnical

Geotechnical Service Schedules

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

TMC 140

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

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RailCorp Engineering Manual Geotechnical

Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 400 Geotechnical Inspection - Cuttings

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 400

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
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

Look

for any recent rockfalls or spoil onto track/cess drain

Look

for rockfalls onto bench areas or behind catch fences/rocknets

Look

for partially supported/overhanging blocks of rock/cemented soil, isolated by cracks

and/or joints

Look

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

Look

for overhanging trees, tree stumps/root balls

Look

for excessive seepage/water flows

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

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

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Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 401 Geotechnical Inspection Embankments

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 401

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of embankments
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

Binoculars, camera, torch, 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

Look

for any track movements (loss of top/line)

Look

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

Look

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

Measure

changes in width and/or length of tension cracks

Look

for dips in shoulder/access road

Look

for seepage from slope or toe

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

23

Protect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

24

Update

defect listing and examination report

25

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

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Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 402 Geotechnical Inspection Inclinometers

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 402

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
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
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Clear

vegetation to access the ground inclinometers.

Start the job

3

Examine

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

Look

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

Apply

flushing or mechanical brushing to remove any biological or chemical residue or

incrustation from the casing groves.

Re-line

the corroded, deteriorated, or deflected casing with smaller diameter casing.

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

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.

19

Identify

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

20

Protect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

21

Update

defect listing and examination report

22

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

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Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 403 Geotechnical Inspection - Standpipe

Piezometers

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 403

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
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
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Clear

vegetation to access the installed piezometers

Start the job

3

Examine

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

Examine

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

Look

for any lateral/vertical movement of the piezometer.

Run

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

Flush

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

Identify

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

Protect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

10

Update

defect listing and examination report

11

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

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Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 404 Geotechnical Inspection - Rockbolts

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 404

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of rockbolts
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

References

TMC 401, TMC 402, TMC 404

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Start the job

2

Examine

general condition of installed rockbolts

Look

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

Look

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

Look

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

Examine

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

Look

for development of cracks around the rock bolt

Look

for settlement or lateral movement of the bolted block.

Look

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

10

Tighten

all bolts as necessary

11

Install

new tag if stolen/broken.

12

Identify

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

13

Protect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

14

Update

defect listing and examination report

15

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

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Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 405 Geotechnical Inspection Earthworks

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 405

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of earthworks
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

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

Look

for any sign of instability of the formation

Look

for erosion/ sinkhole on or adjacent to the formation

Look

for seepage, bog hole or swampy area on the formation

Look

for any sign of settlement/lateral movement of the formation

Examine

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

Look

for tension cracks

Check

settlement plates (if any)

Identify

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

10

Protect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

11

Update

defect listing and examination report

12

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

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Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 406 Geotechnical Inspection - Shotcrete

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 406

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of shotcrete
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

References

TMC 401, TMC 402, TMC 404

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Start the job

2

Look

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

Look

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

Measure

development of old cracks or displacements

Examine

the shotcrete layer for any deterioration, degradation or corrosion of

concrete/reinforcing mesh.

Look

for any seepage under or around the shotcreted area.

Clear

any vegetation grown on shotcreted area.

Look

for any erosion/sinkhole around the shotcreted area.

Look

for any unsupported/overhanged shotcrete

10

Look

for unstable soil/rock around the shotcreted area

11

Identify

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

12

Protect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

13

Update

defect listing and examination report

14

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

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SSC 407 Geotechnical Inspection Subsurface Drains

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 407

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of subsurface drains
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

References

TMC 401, TMC 402, TMC 404, TMC 421

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

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.

Examine

any dislocation, bending or settlement of the drainage pipe.

Examine

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

Examine

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

Clear

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

Check

for blocked sumps, grates and/or covers

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.

18

Identify

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

19

Protect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

20

Update

defect listing and examination report

21

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

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Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 408 Geotechnical Inspection Devegetation

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 408

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of devegetation
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

References

TMC 401,TMC 402, TMC 404

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Start the job

2

Examine

the general condition of vegetation cover of cutting/embankment

Examine

the rock faces being devegetated properly

Examine

soil/unconsolidated deposits not being devegetated

Look

for any overhanging tree/tree stump

Look

for visible root growth in the rock joints/cracks

Examine

the cut trees for being poisoned

Remove

any cut tree/vegetation from the danger zone

Examine

vegetation growth on rock cutting or colluvium

10

Identify

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

19

1rotect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

12

Update

defect listing and examination report

13

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

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SSC 409 Geotechnical Inspection - Rockfence

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 409

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of rock-fence
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

References

TMC 401,TMC 402, TMC 404

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Start the job

2

Examine

the general condition of the installed rock fence/s

Look

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

Look

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

Remove

rockfalls/debris trapped behind the fence/s

Examine

the fence and its supports for any corrosion/degradation

Look

for loose fence supports

Tighten

all supporting posts/elements as necessary

Examine

the adjacent soil/rock for any sign of instability, movement/slip, excessive

erosion/sinkhole.

10

Identify

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

11

1rotect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

12

Update

defect listing and examination report

13

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

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Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 410 Geotechnical Inspection - Rocknet

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 410

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of rocknet
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

References

TMC 401,TMC 402, TMC 404

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Start the job

2

Examine

the general condition of the installed rocknet/s

Look

for any breakage/rupture of rocknet/s

Look

for any looseness or pull out of the rocknet supports

Look

for dislocation/movement or excessive deformation of the net

Empty

rockfalls/debris trapped behind the rocknet

Examine

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

Examine

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

Tighten

all supporting elements/bolts as necessary

10

Identify

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

11

1rotect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

12

Update

defect listing and examination report

13

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

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SSC 411 Geotechnical Inspection - Fibrecrete

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 411

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of fibrecrete
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

References

TMC 401,TMC 402, TMC 404

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Start the job

2

Look

for any settlement, uplifting or displacement of fibrecrete layer.

Look

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

Measure

development of old cracks

Examine

the fibrecrete layer for deterioration/degradation of the material

Look

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

Clear

any vegetation grown on fibrecreted area.

Look

for any erosion/piping around the fiberecreted area

Look

for any unsupported/overhanged fibrecrete

10

Look

for unstable soil/rock around the fibrecreted area

11

Identify

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

12

1rotect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

13

Update

defect listing and examination report

14

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

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Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 412 Geotechnical Inspection - Soil Nails

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 412

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of soil nails
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

References

TMC 401,TMC 402, TMC 404

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Start the job

2

Examine

general condition of installed soil nails

Look

for stolen/damaged nuts, nails and bearing plates

Look

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

Look

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

Examine

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

Look

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

Look

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

Look

for any seepage in or around the nailed area.

10

Tighten

all nuts/bearing plates as necessary

11

Identify

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

12

1rotect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

13

Update

defect listing and examination report

14

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

Page 17 of 23
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Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 413 Geotechnical Inspection - Surface

Drains

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 413

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of surface drains
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

References

TMC 401, TMC 402, TMC 404,TMC 421

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

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

Look

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

Look

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

Clear

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

Look

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

Note

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

Identify

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

10

1rotect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

11

Update

defect listing and examination report

12

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

Page 18 of 23
Version 1.0

RailCorp Engineering Manual Geotechnical

Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 414 Geotechnical Inspection - Access

Roads

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 414

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of access roads
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

Binoculars, camera, torch, 30m tape

References

TMC 401, TMC 402, TMC 411,TMC 421

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Start the job

2

Examine

the general condition of the surface of access road

Look

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

Look

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

Look

for bog holes, swampy areas, ponding water, etc

Clear

excessive vegetation grown on the surface of the access road

Examine

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

Clear

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

Identify

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

10

1rotect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

11

Update

defect listing and examination report

12

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

Page 19 of 23
Version 1.0

RailCorp Engineering Manual Geotechnical

Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 415 Geotechnical Inspection - Grouting

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 415

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of grouting
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

References

TMC 401,TMC 402, TMC 404

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

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

Look

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

Look

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

Look

for any sign of widening and washout of grouted joints

Examine

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

Look

for any seepage from the grouted area

Look

for any overhanging/loss of support of the grouted area

10

Look

for any sign of instability around the grouted are

11

Identify

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

12

1rotect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

13

Update

defect listing and examination report

14

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

Page 20 of 23
Version 1.0

RailCorp Engineering Manual Geotechnical

Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 416 Geotechnical Inspection Reinforced Earth/Reinforced Soil Retaining

Walls

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 416

Page 1 of 1

Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of reinforced earth / reinforced soil retaining walls
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

References

TMC 401,TMC 402, TMC 404

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Start the job

2

Examine

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

Examine

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

Look

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

Look

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

Look

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

Look

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

Look

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

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).

14

Identify

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

15

1rotect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

16

Update

defect listing and examination report

17

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

Page 21 of 23
Version 1.0

RailCorp Engineering Manual Geotechnical

Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 417 Geotechnical Inspection - Rip Rap

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 417

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of rip rap
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

References

TMC 401,TMC 402, TMC 404, TMC 421

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Start the job

2

Examine

general condition of the rip rap protection layer

Look

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

Examine

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

Examine

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

Examine

the rip rap layer for any loss of support

Identify

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

1rotect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

9

Update

defect listing and examination report

10

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

Page 22 of 23
Version 1.0

RailCorp Engineering Manual Geotechnical

Geotechnical Service Schedules

SSC 418 Geotechnical Inspection - Gabion

Walls

TMC 140

Service Schedule No. SSC 418

Page 1 of 1
Ellipse Standard
Job

Description
Detailed inspection of gabion walls
Personnel

Staff trained in Recognising Geotechnical Problems

Equipment

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

References

TMC 401,TMC 402, TMC 404, TMC 421

Task
1

Obtain

current defect listing and check for special inspection requirements

Start the job

2

Examine

general condition of the gabion wall

Examine

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

Look

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

Examine

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

Look

for any sign of degradation/decomposition, cracking/crushing of stone blocks filled the

gabion using visual examination and/or geologist hammer.

Identify

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

1rotect

site (if required) pending further corrective actions

Finish the job

9

Update

defect listing and examination report

10

Complete

examination certification

RailCorp
Issued August 2011

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

Page 23 of 23
Version 1.0