scope:

This Specification applies to the design of all Earthworks and Earthwork Remediations for which Network Rail is wholly or partially responsible, where instability or failure could affect the safety of train operations and/or the safety of others and/or cause damage to property.

Subject to the above qualifications, the following are included:

(a) Earthworks (embankments, soil cuttings and rock cuttings) and remediation works to existing Earthworks;

(b) Remediation works to natural slopes (soil and rock) owned or controlled by Network Rail;

(c) Earthworks and Earthwork Remediations for which Network Rail is responsible to the extent that it has a duty to others to maintain and support (e.g. approach embankments to overline bridges);

(d) Gabions, piles and other Structural Elements associated with or forming part of Earthworks and Earthwork Remediations;

(e) Retaining walls other than those given in (f) below.

The following are excluded:

(f) Retaining walls associated with, or ancillary to, or forming part of, structures such as a bridges, culverts and tunnel portals.

(g) Foundations constructed on or within Earthworks or Earthwork Remediations (e.g. foundations for signal or electrification structures); the analysis of the effects of such foundations on the Earthworks are, however, included.

(h) The Permanent Way.

Purpose

The purpose of this Specification is to set out requirements for the design of Earthworks and Earthwork Remediations for which Network Rail is wholly or partially responsible, with the aims of ensuring that such Earthworks will perform safely and satisfactorily in service and that they can be constructed with reasonable economy.

This Specification is intended to ensure compliance with the requirements of Railway Group Standard GC/RT5110 Design Requirements for Structures as regards Earthworks.