scope:

This Network Rail standard specifies:

a) the minimum requirements for the design, supply, installation, inspection and maintenance of longitudinal timbers systems on Network Rail infrastructure;

b) processes to be used for the management of the interface between longitudinal timbers systems with supporting structures and the rails, baseplates, chairs and, where applicable, sleepers.

This standard applies to longitudinal timber systems forming part of tracks on Network Rail infrastructure. The rails, baseplates and chairs may be directly supported by the longitudinal timbers or be carried on cross sleepers fixed to the longitudinal timbers.

This standard does not specify the design, inspection or maintenance of supporting structures.

A longitudinal timber system is considered to be part of the track system.

Purpose

The use of this standard sets out the requirements for achieving compliance with the requirements of Railway Group Standard GC/RT5021, Track System Requirements in respect of longitudinal timbers.